Springboks level series in Johannesburg
South Africa squared the three-Test series at one apiece with a victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park, a result that followed a return to the direct, physical approach that has become the team's hallmark. The win came a week after the Springboks were comprehensively beaten in the opening Test.
Coach Rassie Erasmus made a series of tactical adjustments in the lead-up to the match, most notably an overhaul of his front row shortly before kickoff. Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, and Thomas du Toit were promoted to the starting lineup, with Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw relegated to the bench. The changes, reported by The Guardian, came after Erasmus had already recalled fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu a day earlier.
The adjustments had an immediate impact. Nché and Marx were introduced after 36 minutes and won two penalties that led to captain Siya Kolisi's try, stretching the home side's halftime lead to 10 points. Marx's influence continued after the break, while Cheslin Kolbe, drafted into the side on Friday, contributed 18 points with the boot.
All Blacks fight back but fall short
The All Blacks mounted a late challenge, with Leroy Carter scoring a try and Ardie Savea adding another in the closing stages. Lood de Jager was shown a yellow card during the match. Despite the comeback, South Africa held on for a victory that one report described as a "counterpunch" after the previous week's defeat.
The Guardian reported that the match was played at "savage intensity," with New Zealand conceding an early score within two minutes. Jordie Barrett's clearance after receiving the kickoff failed to gain sufficient distance, contributing to South Africa's opening try.
Series decider looms
The third and deciding Test is scheduled for Johannesburg. Writing for the NZ Herald from Johannesburg, Gregor Paul noted that South Africa box-kicked throughout the match and were beaten, scoring only one point. That report, however, refers to the opening Test of the series rather than the second, as the Springboks' victory in the second Test has been widely reported.
Both teams now turn their attention to the series finale, with the All Blacks seeking to regain the lead and South Africa aiming to secure a home series win.