South Africa produced a strong first-half performance to hold off a New Zealand fightback and level their series against the All Blacks at 1-1, according to the BBC.
Key facts
- South Africa edged past New Zealand to level the series at 1-1.
- The Springboks built their win on a powerful first-half performance.
- New Zealand mounted a fightback but fell short.
- The contest is billed as 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry'.
- South Africa are the reigning world champions.
World champions South Africa levelled their series against New Zealand at 1-1 after holding off a fightback from the All Blacks, according to the BBC.
The Springboks laid the foundation for the result with a powerful first-half performance, establishing the platform they needed to edge past their rivals.
New Zealand responded with a fightback as the match wore on, but South Africa did enough to hold on and secure the win.
The result squares a series billed as ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, with each side now having claimed one victory.
As reigning world champions, South Africa will take confidence from bouncing back to level the series after the sides split the opening matches.
Why it matters
The fixture between South Africa and New Zealand is one of rugby union's most storied rivalries, and a levelled series keeps the contest finely poised. For fans, the result underlines the enduring competitiveness between the two heavyweight nations.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result?
South Africa edged past New Zealand to level the series, which now stands at 1-1, according to the BBC.
How did South Africa win?
The BBC reported that South Africa delivered a powerful first-half performance and then held off a New Zealand fightback to secure the victory.
What is the series called?
The contest is billed as 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', and it is now tied at one win each.