🏉 South Africa beat New Zealand 29–24

South Africa 29 – 24 New Zealand

South Africa held off a dramatic late New Zealand fightback to secure a nail-biting 29–24 victory in this Nations Championship thriller. The All Blacks launched a furious assault in the final moments, with Samisoni Taukei'aho crashing over in the 82nd minute to set up a tense finish, but the Springboks' defence proved resilient when it mattered most.

The first half saw both sides trade blows evenly, with New Zealand striking early through Ardie Savea before Kurt-Lee Arendse responded for South Africa. The momentum swung back and forth, and the teams went into the break locked together. The intensity only intensified after the interval, as South Africa began to assert control through Jesse Kriel's try and Malcolm Marx's powerful finish, pushing clear with crucial penalty success from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

New Zealand refused to surrender, however, with Will Jordan crossing to breathe life into their campaign. The closing stages became a tense affair as the All Blacks pressed relentlessly, but South Africa's composure and defensive discipline ultimately proved decisive in a pulsating encounter that went right to the wire.

Scorers

South Africa: Tries — Malcolm Marx, Jesse Kriel, —, Kurt-Lee Arendse. Conversions — Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalties — Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
New Zealand: Tries — Samisoni Taukei'aho, Will Jordan, Ardie Savea (2). Conversions — Damian McKenzie, Ruben Love.

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— The Springbokfans team 🇿🇦