Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx each scored tries, leading South Africa to an 18-12 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town, marking their fourth consecutive win against New Zealand for the first time in 75 years. This triumph allowed the Springboks to reclaim the Freedom Cup, a trophy contested between the two teams, for the first time since 2009.
Despite a strong performance at the breakdown that allowed New Zealand to win multiple penalties, they struggled to contain South Africa in the final 20 minutes. At halftime, New Zealand held a narrow 9-3 lead, with both teams putting forth a solid defensive effort, including a yellow card for Springbok No. 8 Jasper Wiese and All Blacks wing Sevu Reece.
South Africa surged in the second half, finding fresh energy from their bench. They took the lead for the first time at the 49-minute mark, when Kolisi scored from close range after a prolonged attack in New Zealand’s 22. The teams exchanged penalties, but South Africa faced another setback when full-back Willie le Roux was sent to the bin for knocking on while attempting an intercept.
New Zealand had a chance to regain the lead with eight minutes remaining, but McKenzie missed a penalty attempt directly in front of the posts. The All Blacks were reduced to 14 players again due to Tyrel Lomax’s obstruction of Cheslin Kolbe. Subsequently, Marx capitalized on the situation by scoring South Africa’s second try, breaking free from the maul to dive into the corner.