Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx were key contributors as South Africa secured an 18-12 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town, marking their fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks for the first time in 75 years. This triumph allowed the Springboks to reclaim the Freedom Cup, a trophy contested between the two nations, for the first time since 2009.
Despite New Zealand’s dominance at the breakdown, which helped them secure multiple penalties, they struggled to contain the Springboks in the final 20 minutes as South Africa took control of territory and possession. The first half ended with New Zealand leading 9-3, as both teams showcased solid defensive efforts, resulting in yellow cards for South Africa’s No 8 Jasper Wiese and New Zealand’s wing Sevu Reece.
In the second half, South Africa found momentum early and took the lead for the first time in the game at the 49-minute mark. After building pressure in New Zealand’s 22, Kolisi crossed the line from close range. The teams exchanged penalties before South Africa faced a setback when full-back Willie le Roux received a yellow card for a failed intercept attempt.
New Zealand had a chance to regain the lead with eight minutes remaining, but McKenzie missed a straightforward penalty opportunity. They were then reduced to 14 players again following Tyrel Lomax’s obstruction against Cheslin Kolbe. Following an attacking lineout, Marx broke free from a maul to score the Springboks’ second try in the corner.