South Africa hold off All Blacks fightback to level series

South Africa held off a late New Zealand comeback in Cape Town to level the four-Test ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series at 1-1. The world champions’ stronger set piece, maul and kicking game proved decisive, while Cameron Hanekom’s late turnover prevented the All Blacks from completing a final attack.

The Springboks led through tries from Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and returning captain Siya Kolisi, with Cheslin Kolbe contributing 18 points in a player-of-the-match display. New Zealand scored four tries, including a 77th-minute effort from captain Ardie Savea, but could not overturn the deficit; the third Test will be played in Soweto, Johannesburg, next Saturday.