The Boks overturned last weekend’s defeat in Johannesburg to level the series at 1-1 and reclaim top spot in the world rankings, with New Zealand dropping to second.

It was also a day of celebration for Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nché, who marked their 100th and 50th Test appearances respectively with memorable performances.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nché - SA Rugby

For Cheslin Kolbe, the number seven proved significant. The Bok wing scored no tries but was flawless with the boot, converting all three Springbok tries and adding four penalties for a perfect seven from seven and 18 points. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

The Boks were forced into a late reshuffle before kick-off, with the original starting front row moving to the bench and the replacements promoted to the run-on side.

After a wet start to the day in the Mother City, sunshine greeted the teams as they took the field. Jesse Kriel wasted little time lighting up the contest.

Less than two minutes had passed when Kriel crashed over following a powerful Springbok maul and a slick attacking move. Kolbe converted to give South Africa an early 7-0 advantage.

New Zealand gradually settled and began finding space, but the Springbok defence stood firm. The All Blacks increasingly resorted to tactical kicking, with Jordie Barrett probing behind the defensive line.

Their pressure eventually paid off when Will Jordan burst down the right flank, beating several defenders before putting Cam Roigard over. Ruben Love converted to level the scores.

Damian de Allende - SA Rugby

The Boks immediately regained the lead through a Kolbe penalty before Damian de Allende finished another impressive attacking sequence after South Africa had worked their way into the New Zealand 22. Kolbe added the extras for a 17-7 lead.

The visitors refused to buckle, however, and Damian McKenzie capitalised on some loose Springbok defence to score. Love's conversion reduced the deficit to just three points.

South Africa responded before half-time. A strong scrum created the platform and Siya Kolisi powered through to score his 15th Test try. Kolbe's conversion sent the Boks into the break 24-14 ahead.

The second half began with Manie Libbok replacing the injured Damian Willemse, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moved to fullback.

Kolbe then added two penalties as South Africa tightened the screws, stretching the advantage to 30-14.

New Zealand fought desperately to stay alive and Leroy Carter crossed in the 66th minute, but Kolbe responded with another penalty from 40 metres to keep the Boks comfortably ahead.

The All Blacks refused to surrender. Ardie Savea scored late and Love converted, cutting the gap to four points with three minutes remaining.

Siya Kolisi - SA Rugby

When Lood de Jager was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, the tension inside the stadium reached fever pitch. New Zealand had one final opportunity with South Africa down to 14 men, but the Bok defence held firm.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as South Africa secured a vital victory, levelled the series and returned to the summit of world rugby.

The rivalry now heads to FNB Stadium, with everything still to play for.

Scorers:

Springboks: Tries - Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Siya Kolisi Conv. - Cheslin Kolbe 3 Pen. – Kolbe 4

All Blacks: Tries - Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Ardie Savea Conv.- Ruben Love 3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport