Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx both scored tries as South Africa achieved their first four consecutive victories over New Zealand in 75 years, clinching an 18-12 win in the Rugby Championship held in Cape Town.
The Springboks reclaimed the Freedom Cup, a trophy contested between South Africa and New Zealand, marking their first win since 2009.
While New Zealand maintained dominance at the breakdown, winning several penalties to stay in contention, they struggled to subdue the South African side in the final 20 minutes as the Springboks took control of both territory and possession.
At halftime, New Zealand held a 9-3 lead, thanks to a strong defensive showing from both teams, during which Springbok No. 8 Jasper Wiese and All Blacks wing Sevu Reece each received a yellow card.
In the second half, South Africa gained momentum from their bench and took the lead for the first time in the match at the 49-minute mark. After applying pressure within the New Zealand 22, Kolisi managed to score from close range.
The teams exchanged penalties before South Africa found themselves down to 14 players when full-back Willie le Roux attempted an intercept but knocked the ball on.
New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie had a chance to put his team ahead with eight minutes remaining but missed a penalty directly in front of the posts. The visitors were further reduced to 14 men after Tyrel Lomax committed a blatant obstruction against Cheslin Kolbe.
From the resulting attacking lineout, Marx scored the second try for South Africa, breaking free from the maul to dive into the corner.