In a display of rugby prowess, South Africa emerged victorious over New Zealand with a 43-28 win in Baltimore, securing the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series with a 3-1 triumph. The Springboks showcased their strength with a commanding performance in the second half, pulling away decisively after New Zealand kept the scoreline close in the early stages of the match.
South Africa’s Damian de Allende was a standout performer, scoring in both halves of the game. He was joined on the scoreboard by teammates Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cameron Hanekom, each contributing to the Springboks’ total. New Zealand attempted to counter with tries from Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, and Beauden Barrett, but struggled to match the physicality and vigor exhibited by the South Africans, particularly at the breakdown, set-piece, and in aerial confrontations.
The All Blacks momentarily hinted at a comeback, closing the gap to 29-21. However, their hopes were dashed when Kurt-Lee Arendse launched a stunning solo effort, sprinting from deep within his own territory to score, effectively reasserting South Africa’s dominance and control over the match’s momentum.
During the match, an unexpected delay occurred due to a communication breakdown among the match officials, causing an interruption of over eight minutes. Despite this disruption, the outcome remained unaffected, with the Springboks maintaining their firm grip on the game.
This victory further cements South Africa’s position as world champions in rugby, while New Zealand, despite the series loss, can draw on several positive aspects as they turn their focus towards the preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Both teams demonstrated moments of brilliance, but South Africa’s consistent intensity and strategic execution ultimately secured their series win.