Overview
- The Springboks beat New Zealand 29-24 at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday to move 2-1 up in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
- South Africa’s victory was decided by set-piece power, including a penalty try awarded after sustained scrum pressure and a 25‑metre rolling‑maul try finished by Malcolm Marx.
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed six players will not travel to Baltimore, headlined by Cheslin Kolbe who has a broken jaw and is out for the series.
- All Blacks coach Dave Rennie ruled captain Ardie Savea out with a shoulder injury and said Quinn Tupaea and Luke Jacobson will also miss the decider, while New Zealand trimmed nine players from the touring party.
- Both teams have arrived in Baltimore and will focus on maul and scrum defence, set‑piece interpretation and managing fitness as the deciding Test on September 12 will determine an outright winner or a shared trophy.