South Africa produced a titanic second-half display to come from behind against New Zealand and clinch victory in an epic third Test of a heated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series that continues to deliver thrills and drama.
The world champions had trailed the All Blacks in Johannesburg after two tries from Ardie Savea, who limped off towards the end of the first half with an arm injury. Will Jordan then stretched New Zealand’s advantage after the break.
But South Africa hit straight back in an inspired, relentless period, first as Jesse Kriel ran through and then as Malcolm Marx powered over from the Springboks maul. A penalty, converted by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, made sure of victory.
The Springboks had levelled affairs at 1-1 with a strong win in Cape Town last week, hitting back against the All Blacks – on and off the field, as it happens, with Rassie Erasmus issuing a strong response to suggestions that his side had been scrummaging illegally.
In the last encounter on South African soil, the world champions secured a drawn series at the very least, ahead of the fourth and final Test in Baltimore, USA next week.
Follow all of the latest from the third Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
Read MoreRassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks over ‘nonsense’ Springboks scrum accusation
South Africa v New Zealand LIVE
- FULL TIME! South Africa power back to beat New Zealand in thrilling third Test [RSA 29-24 NZL]
- Springboks take 2-1 series lead ahead of fourth Test, which takes place in Baltimore
- 67' TRY! South Africa score from maul as Malcolm Marx powers over [RSA 26-17 NZL]
- 58' TRY! Jesse Kriel hits straight back and conversion is added [RSA 19-17 NZL]
- 56' TRY! Will Jordan strikes to edge All Blacks in front once again [RSA 12-17 NZL]
- 37' PENALTY TRY! Springboks make pressure count to level thriller [RSA 12-12 NZL]
- 27' TRY! Ardie Savea scores his second try to strech New Zealand's lead [RSA 5-12 NZL]
- 22' TRY! Kurt-Lee Arendse crosses in corner as hosts strike back [RSA 5-7 NZL]
- 11' TRY! Savea immediately goes over for New Zealand [RSA 0-7 NZL]
- 10' YELLOW CARD! Deliberate knock-on from Feinberg-Mngomezulu [RSA 0-0 NZL]
What is that makes this rivalry so special?
20:00 , Alan SmithIt’s about much more than Marx finishing of magnificent mauls.
The deeper significance behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Savea concern
19:30 , Alan SmithNew Zealand’s big fear heading Stateside will be the likely absence of their captain.
He was unable to partake in the post-match media duties. And he looked in a lot of pain with what appeared to be a rather serious right shoulder injury.
Why is the fourth Test in Baltimore?
19:00 , Alan SmithHarry Latham-Coyle explains why they are travelling halfway around the globe for the final meeting next weekend.
Why are South Africa and New Zealand playing in Baltimore? The inside story
Springbok strength secures series lead
18:50 , Alan Smith
Kolisi history
18:40 , Alan SmithSiya Kolisi has now captained the Springboks to victory on 54 occasions, drawing level with John Smit. Next week presents an opportunity to make the record all his own.
Kolisi delights in comeback
18:30 , Alan SmithSiya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, says he was delighted with how his team responded in the second period.
"Thank you so much, South Africa. Wow. We wanted to say thank you for the whole year supporting us. The first couple of minute were really tough but we could hear you. Thanks for inspiring us. We're so proud of the win today. They pushed us to the limit today. They came at us in the first 25 minutes. We did so well not to concede more points and then fought back. The way we finished in the end was a lot better. It's a privilege, not a pressure. Please keep supporting us."
Jacobson 'grateful' to be part of series
18:20 , Alan SmithLuke Jacobson, in Savea’s absence, speaks about New Zealand’s performance.
"We started really well, created some good momentum but in the second half we allowed them to play their game a little bit. They got on top of us then. It was a good match up. It's been awesome to play over here. We love the passion, the footy itself is a match up against the best in the world. Brilliant to be a part of, grateful to be here.”
Hooker's award
18:11 , Alan SmithEthan Hooker is named player of the game and in his snap interview he says: "I'm absolutely loving it. New Zealand are such a quality team. Gave it everything. So much respect for them. You know you have to give it your all.
“I was fortunate the ball came my way. We talk about it as a team, giving it everything for South Africa, for our families. They love to shift the ball. We've got to stay disciplined and dominate the tackles. I love playing against them.”
Marx magic
18:09 , Alan SmithOn TV they are showing Marx’s try again. That maul may well go down as the entire series’ defining moment.
Springboks' physical dominance tells
18:08 , Alan SmithFour tries each but South Africa’s superior physicality was the difference in the second half. They were level at the break but the Springboks found another level on home soil.
Next week they fly to Baltimore (yes, the east coast of the United States) for the final meeting and South Africa know they cannot lose the series. In the view of many they have won the series 2-1 on home soil.
South Africa 29-24 New Zealand
18:06 , Alan SmithThe Springboks take the win and a 2-1 lead in this four-Test series!
TRY! South Africa 29-24 New Zealand (Taukei’aho)
18:05 , Alan Smith80’ - They run it, of course. Another penalty advantage. A pile of players are on the try line and at the bottom of it the referee sees Taukei’aho ground the ball. It’s a good response but not enough and the simple conversion will be this Test’s final act.
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
18:03 , Alan Smith80’ - The siren goes but New Zealand keep going. Libbok intercepts a couple of phases later but the referee’s arm is already up for a New Zealand penalty.
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
18:02 , Alan Smith79’ - Into the last minute and Sititi breaks the South Africa line, giving New Zealand a chance to respond in positive fashion. They are out of time as far as winning the match goes but some restored pride would be welcomed...
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
18:00 , Alan Smith79’ - The Springboks keep pushing, hunting for more to deepen their visitors’ wounds.
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
17:58 , Alan Smith77’ - Minutes tick by with South Africa in possession. They recycle the ball again and again, enjoying themselves with the result all but sealed. Can they add a fifth try?
No. Just as I type that the referee blows for an offence committed by Liennert-Brown. The New Zealand penalty does not find touch and South Africa will come again.
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
17:55 , Alan Smith73’ - New Zealand gain some ground only for Newell to find himself offside from a ruck, gifting the hosts a penalty just as it looked like the All Blacks were about to build up some rare momentum.
South Africa 29-17 New Zealand
17:54 , Alan Smith73’ - Watching back the maul for Marx’s try and the way they build up the momentum really was remarkable. New Zealand were left utterly powerless.
PENALTY! South Africa 29-17 New Zealand (Feinberg-Mngomezulu)
17:52 , Alan Smith71’ - SFM pings a penalty that is central but not too far inside the New Zealand half. The deficit is up to 12, they are playing Zombie on the PA system and the result is beginning to look assured.
South Africa 26-17 New Zealand
17:50 , Alan Smith68’ - Esterhuizen is in for Marx, the likely hero for the Springboks once again.
TRY! South Africa 26-17 New Zealand (Marx)
17:47 , Alan Smith66’ - From that lineout a maul gets rolling towards the posts. It eventually falls away as the hooker, the ball tucked under his right arm, peels off to touch down.
SFM’s conversion is successful and that feels like the game’s decisive moment.
Before the restart Preston replaces Roigard.
South Africa 19-17 New Zealand
17:45 , Alan Smith65’ - South Africa are now dominating the set piece. They gain ground bit by bit thanks to strong scrummaging and smart kicking. As we type the have made it into the 22 and will put in a lineout.
Changes from both teams. Hanekom replaces Wiese. Taukei’aho and Holland are in for Aumua and Darry.
South Africa 19-17 New Zealand
17:40 , Alan Smith60’ - Some housekeeping. Between those tries, South Africabrought Steenekamp, Fourie and De Jager in for Nche, Kolisi and Etzebeth.
TRY! South Africa 19-17 New Zealand (Kriel)
17:38 , Alan Smith57’ - But the lead lasts just a minute as Kriel finds a gap, beats a tame tackle from Carter and races away to touch down.
SFM nails the conversion and the Springboks lead!
TRY! South Africa 12 -17 New Zealand (Jordan)
17:36 , Alan Smith56’ - The All Blacks are back in front! Jordan chips forward for Carter to collect. The No. 11 advances deep into the 22 before being tackled. He swiftly offloads to Jordan, who follows up his kick unmarked to collect gratefully and cross over.
The kick is missed but New Zealand are good value for this lead.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:33 , Alan Smith53’ - Now then, a blink. South Africa cough up a penalty just inside their half. Love, confident about the wind, is going for the posts.
But his kick drifts a yard too far right and we remain level with a 22 drop out to come.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:32 , Alan Smith52’ - It’s a lot more attritional now. Stop start with no real flow. Who is going to blink first?
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:29 , Alan Smith51’ - The scrum is reset and reset again. Which means it is time for a Mexican wave in Soweto.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:27 , Alan Smith48’ - Love is back in after some more kicks are exchanged. It ends with a New Zealand lineout, at which point Love returns.
Except New Zealand commit a knock-on when emerging from a messy ruck, gifting their hosts another scrum. They are playing Bon Jovi.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:25 , Alan Smith46’ - The All Blacks make more changes. Numia and Newell are in, Bower and Lomax are out.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:24 , Alan Smith45’ - New Zealand have gained some good territory but South Africa win a scrum in the middle of their 22. The ball goes in and it does not come out. The hosts have a penalty, SFM sends it to touch near halfway to his left or the far side as we watch.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:22 , Alan Smith43’ - Tupaea is down and requiring treatment on a leg issue, which means New Zealand are now down to 13 men for a moment.
Lienert-Brown is about to come on.
Restarted! South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:18 , Alan SmithWe’re back underway. The Springboks are playing into a wind that is getting stronger. Will they deliberately eschew opportunities to kick with that in mind?
What's gonna happen?
17:13 , Alan SmithWill South Africa’s finishers make the difference here or can New Zealand dig deeper still to regain their advantage?
Or, since this is a four-match series, could it end level and make next weekend’s meeting in Baltimore a true decider? Now that would be special despite the logistical gripes.
South Africa 12-12 New Zealand
17:01 , Alan SmithThe siren goes and the All Blacks kick to touch.
They are level and it has been predictably breathless.
TRY! South Africa 12-12 New Zealand (penalty try)
16:58 , Alan Smith36’ - South Africa get moving, Libbok embarking on a barnstorming run before being halted just shy of the line.
A few seconds let Love is off to the bin for 10 minutes because of an infringement in the ruck and South Africa have a scrum five metres from the try line. They get rolling quickly and the referee signals for a penalty try...
Then it all kicks off between the teams with Reinach turning Roigard upside down. Much pulling and dragging ensues.
The penalty try stands but the match with then restart with a penalty for McKenzie to kick on halfway.
South Africa 5-12 New Zealand
16:50 , Alan Smith33’ - Barrett scoops up a chip forward but is then met by two South Africans and he takes a huge bang before spilling the ball up and conceding possession.
Kolisi is down too, requiring attention on what appears to be his hamstring.
South Africa 5-12 New Zealand
16:47 , Alan Smith31’ - It had all been going rather well for the All Blacks but now Savea is coming off, clutching his right arm and shoulder after a big tackle as the visitors absorbed plenty of pressure.
Sititi is on in his stead.
TRY! South Africa 5-12 New Zealand (Savea)
16:42 , Alan Smith28’ - Now New Zealand ramp up the pressure, working through a series of phases inside the South Africa half but the home team’s defence appears suffocation.
That is until Carter breaks through on the left. He is tackled and the attempted offload comes off SFM before Savea collects the loose ball and dives over the the line.
The TMO and referee have a chat but the try stands.
The conversion is missed.
TRY! South Africa 5-7 New Zealand (Arendse)
16:37 , Alan Smith22’ - A brilliant try, finished by Arendse. Six phases in, South Africa have an overload on the right which sees De Allende make a decisive pass out to the wing, who crosses in the corner.
The conversion is narrowly wide.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
16:34 , Alan Smith20’ - Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back and now playing at full-back.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
16:34 , Alan Smith19’ - Another penalty for South Africa, another that New Zealand did not necessarily have to give away. For a third time Libbok kicks to the left, this time deep inside the New Zealand 22. They win their own lineout but there is a call of obstruction from the referee and New Zealand have a penalty of their own, presenting them with an opportunity to slow the hosts’ momentum.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
16:32 , Alan Smith17’ - Savea gives away a needless penalty, entering a ruck from the side right under the referee’s nose. Libbok again kicks to his left.
Kolbe has not passed the HIA and will not return.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
16:31 , Alan Smith15’ - The third scrum of the match and the first chance for Reinach to put the ball in, just inside the South Africa 22. They win a penalty and Libbok finds the touchline to his left, just on halfway.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
16:27 , Alan Smith13’ - The All Blacks are very much on top. Immediately from the restart, South Africa knock on and the New Zealand scrum dominates again.
TRY! South Africa 0-7 New Zealand (Savea, con: Love)
16:26 , Alan Smith12’ - With the penalty, NZ kick to touch. From the lineout Aumua makes initial ground with a bustling drive forward. The next phases sees Savea collect from the ruck and add the final couple of yards to get the visitors off the mark.
Love’s conversion is straightforward.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:24 , Alan Smith10’ - New Zealand up the pace and work it through eight phases before Feinberg-Mngomezulu commits a knock on. They make more progress with the advantage ongoing before the referee whistles and goes back to the offence.
The TMO, France’s Eric Gauzins, is having a look and the SA No. 10 is shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. They discuss whether it’s worth a penalty try and decide not.
To compound matters for the hosts Kolbe is off for a HIA and Libbok is on in his place.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:20 , Alan Smith7’ - Scrum time for the first time. New Zealand will put it in just inside their half. Their pack has a weight advantage of about 32kg.
Barrett gets it moving quickly and there are then a couple of kicks exchanged before Jordan gathers and embarks on a menacing run down the middle, gaining sufficient ground into the Springbok half.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:17 , Alan Smith5’ - But the hosts are penalised for not releasing in the ruck and New Zealand are gifted an opportunity to ease the threat for now. The kick is held up by a strong wind that is immediately noticeable but the All Blacks retain the ball from the lineout on the 22.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:15 , Alan Smith4’ - The TMO is having a look at a high tackle by Tupaea on Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Their heads clash and the slo mo replay makes it look fairly nasty. But the recommendation is just a penalty, which is swiftly put into touch on the left and the edge of the All Blacks 22.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:13 , Alan Smith2’ - The All Blacks work it left but too far left - Barrett passing it straight out for a lineout. Marx throws it in, Nortje claims it uncontested and the hosts will try and get a move going.
We're underway! South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
16:11 , Alan SmithAnd we’re playing in Johannesburg. Ruben Love kicks off with his All Blacks moving from left to right as we watch.
Tears and passion aplenty
16:07 , Alan SmithWe’ve been treated to rousing renditions of both anthems and there are no shortage of tears - in the stands and on the pitch.
Already the intensity levels are phenomenal.
Here come the teams
16:00 , Alan SmithFears of thunderstorms have not become reality just yet. The teams are on their way out of the tunnel and we’re almost set for the haka.
Third Test match officials
15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleNika Amashukeli had originally been slated for the second Test before falling ill, with Angus Gardner forced to step in. The Australian is on the touchline today with Amashukeli ready to take the whistle.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (Aus)
Siya Kolisi and Springboks to channel Soweto history
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa captain Siya Kolisi has talked up the significance to the Springboks facing New Zealand at the cavernous Soccer City in the sprawling Johannesburg township of Soweto, a place deeply rooted in the country’s history.
For both sides, to win the South Africa leg of the tour 2-1 would in many ways mean job done, whatever happens in Baltimore. Some 87,500 tickets have gone on sale at Soccer City for the clash in Soweto, an area synonymous with the struggle against apartheid and more of a traditional football hot-bed with the country’s two most supported clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, like a religion for locals.
"So many things that happened in Soweto helped shape the South Africa we have today," Kolisi said. "So many heroes have come from there and a lot of the football history of this country is from Soweto, so we know how special that is. We’re not going to act like it’s not a special ground in a significant area. All of that gives us more to play for. We are also thankful for the people who came from there and fought for people like me to be sitting here today.
"They fought for the freedom we have now and never got to experience it, and giving our best tomorrow is part of us saying thank you. Hopefully we can do that with a win and change the history between the two teams here."
New Zealand vs South Africa
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand haven’t looked to their attacking contestable game too often in this series, with South Africa generally on top in that area. That may change today in the absence of Damian Willemse – Cheslin Kolbe is superb in just about every facet but relatively untested as a full-back at this level. No doubt, he’ll take to it smoothly, but I’d expect the All Blacks to look to test his backfield coverage with varied kick styles and kickers, particularly given the presence of all of Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie in the backline.
A steadier set-piece?
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThose changes in the pack suggest that New Zealand know they must improve at the set-piece. Codie Taylor has long been regarded as an outstanding operator in that regard but hasn’t hit the marks with his darts in this series, and Asafo Aumua is starting to put together a rounded game to go with the freakish athleticism that first marked him out as a top talent. Obviously the scrum remains a key battle, too, but the lack of any lineout platform was more the factor that cost the All Blacks in the second Test.
New Zealand team news
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleDave Rennie freshens up his forward pack after two tough Tests, with centurion Codie Taylor overlooked at hooker as Asafo Aumua starts. Sam Darry partners Tupou Vaa’i in the second row with Josh Lord not yet ready for consideration after his head injury, while Peter Lakai adds extra mobility on the blindside flank.
The backline is unchanged, with Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie again forming a playmaking partnership at 10 and 15.
New Zealand XV: 1 George Bower, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry; 6 Peter Lakai, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Repacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
South Africa team news
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleDamian Willemse is ruled out for South Africa in a major injury blow, with Cheslin Kolbe relocating to full-back for just his second start at No 15 in his Test career. Kurt-Lee Arendse returns on the wing, while Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw are listed to start having been switched to the bench late on before the second Test last Saturday.
Five forwards and the hybrid Andre Esterhuizen lurk to provide power off the bench.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 15 Cheslin Kolbe.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom; 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
Airline cancels plans for repeat of South Africa vs New Zealand flyover stunt as investigation launched
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA little bit of housekeeping – there’ll be no flyover ahead of kick off today, after the pilots last week in Cape Town rather scared the bejeezus out of everyone with their daring drop to just above the stadium roof.
South African airline cancels plans for repeat of flyover stunt after criticism
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat all plays into some of the deeper context behind this landmark series.
The deeper significance behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Why are South Africa and New Zealand playing in Baltimore? The inside story of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWondering why this series concludes in Baltimore and not somewhere in South Africa? Well, it has a little to do with money and a lot to do with rugby’s attempts to crack the USA.
Why are South Africa and New Zealand playing in Baltimore? The inside story
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of the full tour itinerary? We’ve just two games left in our first helping of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry – which has delivered, on the whole....
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule and how to watch Springboks v All Blacks
South Africa suffer injury blow
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s no Damian Willemse for South Africa today, which is a bit of a blow given his aerial acumen and excellence...well, everywhere. Cheslin Kolbe moves to full-back.
Cheslin Kolbe given new role as Springboks suffer injury blow for third Test
Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks over ‘nonsense’ Springboks scrum accusation
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus hit back at New Zealand counterpart Dave Rennie over claims that the Springboks are scrummaging illegally.
The hosts levelled the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1 with a hard-fought win in the second Test in Cape Town, which came after a week of the two sides trading press conference barbs.
All Blacks boss Rennie had suggested that the world champions had been unfairly rewarded during a dominant scrummaging performance even in a 33-16 first Test defeat at Ellis Park, believing that they were walking around and failing to drive straight.
Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks over ‘nonsense’ Springboks scrum accusation
South Africa inflict first loss of year on New Zealand to level series
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was heated and hectic towards the end, but it always felt like South Africa had New Zealand at arm’s length in the second Test. Seven points was the eventual winning margin as the series was squared.
South Africa inflict first loss of year on New Zealand to level series
South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE
Friday 4 September 2026 11:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa and New Zealand clash again as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series continues in Johannesburg. The two rivals sit at 1-1 after two hard-fought Tests – who will edge ahead with victory this afternoon?
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
