Overview
- South Africa recovered from last week’s loss with a 33-26 win in Cape Town on Saturday, leaving the four-test series tied 1-1.
- The Springboks controlled the early period with a dominant maul and led 24-14 at half-time before holding off a late New Zealand fightback.
- Handré Pollard was ruled out by injury before kickoff, prompting Cheslin Kolbe to take kicking duties and successfully convert every attempt during the match.
- Pieter‑Steph du Toit earned his 100th cap and Deon Fourie became South Africa’s oldest capped player at 39 years and 338 days.
- A pre-match Airlink flypast of two low-flying Embraer aircraft flew through stadium fireworks, producing viral footage and renewed safety questions as the series moves to Ellis Park on 5 September and Baltimore on 12 September.