Sep 7, 2026
Springboks wins against All Blacks to lead Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series 2-1 in Soweto
A rugby thriller in Soweto: South Africa (29) v New Zealand (24)
With over 85 000 ecstatic fans in attendance, the Springboks edged the All Blacks in a rugby thriller at FNB Stadium (aka The Calabash) on 5 September 2026, leading the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series 2-1 before the fourth and final test in the United States of America, presented by Castle Double Malt.
New Zealand took an early lead with a close-range try from Ardie Savea with Ruben Love converting the try. This was not the start the Springboks players and fans were hoping for. Kurt-Lee Arendse then had something to say with a try beautifully assisted by Damian de Allende. Injury woes struck early - Cheslin Kolbe subbed out for Manie Libbok aka 'Manie Maker', who had a fiery game. The two great sides were tied at half-time, 12-12.
Watch: Manie Libbok's super play (SuperSport Rugby via Instagram)
“We have the privilege not pressure to represent all South Africans”
Siya Kolisi
Springboks Captain
The relentless Springboks
Every scrum, every pass, every bit of play - the Springboks felt every bit of rallying behind them as Soweto erupted in second half loud cheers. The energy was different: The second half belonged to the Springboks and South Africa.
Malcolm Marx showed an excellent overall display throughout the field with a deserved try to increase Springboks match lead to 24-17 with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting his second conversion goal of the evening. A solid scrummage effort of Springboks gave New Zealand a tough time. All thanks to the brutal Bomb Squad.
Siya Kolisi's Springboks record
Captain Fantastic, Siya Kolisi has now surpassed the legendary John Smit (54) with 55 test wins (and counting) as a Springboks captain with the recent win over All Blacks. This great achievement cements Siya as one of the greatest Boks captaining South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles (2019 and 2023) and multiple Rugby Championship titles.
IMAGE CRED: @SPRINGBOKS VIA X
The fourth and final test
The nail-biting thriller at The Calabash ended with a home win for the Springboks. Despite All Blacks finishing strong in the last two minutes of the game, full time score favoured the Boks.
Full time: South Africa (29) - (24) New Zealand. Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is concluding the tour in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September, scheduled for 21:00 CAT kickoff. Springboks lead the series 2-1 ahead of the epic finale.
