The Springboks team defeated the All Blacks with a score of 29–24 on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Soweto, securing a triumph in the greatest rugby rivalry. Despite a slow start, the world champions managed to increase the pace thanks to their physical strength and dominance during the scrum play. The team's attack was energized by the entry of Mani Leibobok after Cheslin Kolbe's early injury.
This match became a brilliant first victory over New Zealand at this arena and allowed South Africa to take the lead in the series with a score of 2–1. IOL Sport assessed the performance of the winning Springboks team.
The Greatest Rugby Rivalry
Kurt-Lee Arendse (7/10) stood out in the starting fifteen-meter line-up, looking dangerous every time he received the ball in attack, successfully overcoming the defense in several instances and scoring a good touchdown. Jesse Kriel (6) made a couple of noticeable missed tackles that harmed the Boks, and also made a passing error without a defender in front of him, but partially compensated for this with a good solo touchdown.
Damian de Allende (7) set up Arendse's touchdown, demonstrating a brilliant hip maneuver to bypass his opponent, and showed himself as a powerful player in defense. Winger Ethan Hooker (8.5) delivered another outstanding performance, covering almost every meter of the field; his youthful play was characterized by excellent bursts and strong defense.
Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (6) converted several excellent kicks at the posts, including a difficult penalty in variable wind conditions, although he could not fully assert his influence in attack, but played well in defense. Kobus Reinah (5) did not have his best day at the scrum and in the ball contest for the Boks, making several errors that could have changed the course of the game, and his kicks did not yield the desired results.
Jasper Wiese (7) was a player the Boks relied on for forward momentum, even when stationary. He made several heavy breakthroughs and controlled the ball well, leading to a penalty touchdown at the scrum. Pieter-Steph du Toit (7), clearly upset after an early tackle, demonstrated incredible aggression in contact since then, ignoring his own condition or opponents.
Siyabonga Kolisi (7), despite an injury in the first half, continued to play, showing immense strength in breaks and defense. Ruan Nortje (5.5) was reliable in the lineouts, but less noticeable in breaks and defensive actions; he needs to add more physical strength in matches. Eben Etzebeth (5.5) did not show sufficient effectiveness in terms of physical struggle, especially tackling, being knocked down by an All Blacks defender, but remained strong when possessing the ball.
Wilko Louw (7.5) proved to be a force to be reckoned with at the scrums, winning the first penalty for the Boks, after which the team began to dominate the play. He also made several decisive tackles. Malcolm Marx (8) made a major turnover in the second half in the ball contest, allowing for an attacking lineout, and was reliable in lineout throws, which contributed to good rolling mauls from which he scored one.
Ox Nche (7.5) transformed from the left flanker position, preventing Louw from completely dominating the attack, and completely suppressed the All Blacks scrum.
Substitutions
Deon Fourie (6) immediately impacted the ball contest, slowing down the guests' game, and was also strong in defense. Gerhard Steenkamp (6) came onto the field and added more impetus to the front line. Thomas du Toit (6) won several good penalties in the second half and supported the scrum dominance along with other substitutes. Lud de Jager (5) brought necessary physical strength while the Boks were finishing the game.
Andre Esterhuizen (6) broke through two defenders as a hybrid player. Cameron Hanekom (7) brought real physical power with his bursts and tackles, helping the team maintain the tempo. Morne van den Berg (7.5) made a small error in the lineout, but his speed, tenacity in tackling, and attacking instinct played a significant role. Mani Leibbok (8) changed the course of the game by coming on as a playmaker; he gave the team pace and executed an extraordinary pass that allowed the team to remain constantly on the attack.



