South Africa finish strongly to take 2-1 series lead against All Blacks

South Africa (12) 29 defeated New Zealand (12) 24 in the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series, giving the Springboks a 2‑1 series lead. The Boks scored tries from Arendse, a penalty try, Kriel and Marx, while Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu added two conversions and a penalty (Mngomezulu 2 conversions, Mngomezulu penalty). New Zealand replied with tries from Savea (two), Jordan and Taukei'aho, converted by Love and McKenzie. Each side exchanged two tries in a tense opening half, with the All Blacks’ ball‑handling composure testing South Africa’s set‑piece defence. Will Jordan chased his own kick to score in the 55th minute, putting New Zealand ahead 17‑12. Jesse Kriel then powered through Leroy Carter to level the scores, and after a review the try was awarded, allowing South Africa to seize momentum. Malcolm Marx drove over from the base of a dominant maul, and a Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu penalty stretched the lead; Samisoni Taukei'aho’s late effort narrowed the margin but could not overturn the result. The teams will meet again in a fourth and final Test in Baltimore next weekend, with New Zealand, winners of the opening match, aiming to level the series. More to follow.