Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx each scored tries as South Africa achieved their fourth consecutive victory over New Zealand, marking the first time in 75 years that they have accomplished this feat, with an 18-12 win in the Rugby Championship held in Cape Town.
The Springboks reclaimed the Freedom Cup, a trophy contested between the two nations, for the first time since 2009.
New Zealand showcased strength at the breakdown, managing to stay competitive thanks to a series of penalties. However, they struggled to keep up with the home team during the final 20 minutes, as South Africa began to take control of territory and possession.
At halftime, New Zealand led 9-3 after both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, each receiving a yellow card—South Africa’s No 8 Jasper Wiese and New Zealand’s wing Sevu Reece.
South Africa gained momentum from their substitutes early in the second half, taking the lead for the first time at the 49-minute mark when Kolisi scored from close range after the team applied pressure in New Zealand’s 22-meter area.
The teams exchanged penalties, but South Africa faced a setback when full-back Willie le Roux was shown a yellow card for knocking the ball on while attempting an intercept.
New Zealand’s McKenzie had a chance to regain the lead with eight minutes remaining but missed a penalty from right in front of the posts. The All Blacks were reduced to 14 players again shortly after due to Tyrel Lomax obstructing Cheslin Kolbe.
From the ensuing attacking lineout, Marx scored South Africa’s second try, breaking away from the maul to touch down in the corner.