The victory gave South Africa a 2-1 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series after a bruising contest that had everything expected from one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries.

The All Blacks fought until the very end, but the Springboks ultimately had too much firepower, composure and physicality when it mattered most.

Kurt-Lee Arendse - SA Rugby

Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx crossed the line after the break, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and a penalty try accounted for South Africa’s first-half points. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also made a telling contribution with his boot.

New Zealand managed a late consolation through Samisoni Taukei'aho after the final hooter, but the scoreline arguably flattered the visitors after South Africa controlled large periods of an extraordinary encounter.

The Springboks came flying out of the blocks and immediately put New Zealand under pressure, dominating possession and territory during the opening exchanges.

However, the match swung dramatically when Feinberg-Mngomezulu was shown a yellow card for an attempted intercept close to his own line. Cheslin Kolbe was also forced from the field with a facial injury, with Manie Libbok coming on as his replacement.

New Zealand made the numerical advantage count almost immediately. From the resulting lineout, captain Ardie Savea powered his way over from close range to put the All Blacks ahead.

South Africa refused to panic, though, and responded with a superb attacking move. Damian de Allende created the opening with a brilliant piece of skill, freeing his arms after shrugging off Leroy Carter before finding Arendse, who finished in the corner.

Ethan Hooker - SA Rugby

The All Blacks hit back through Savea again after Carter broke down the left and created havoc in the Springbok defence. Arendse managed to stay with his opposite number but could not prevent Savea from collecting the loose ball and scoring his second try.

The intensity continued to rise as both teams looked to play at pace, with New Zealand throwing offloads and passes around while South Africa showed a willingness to attack from deeper positions.

Libbok almost produced one of the moments of the match when he launched a brilliant run from inside his own half. He was stopped agonisingly close to the line, but the Springboks retained possession deep in New Zealand territory.

After a succession of powerful carries, the All Blacks were driven backwards by a dominant Springbok scrum. New Zealand flyhalf Ruben Love was yellow-carded for an infringement, before referee Nika Amashukeli awarded South Africa a penalty try.

Neither side could find another breakthrough before the break, leaving the scores locked at 12-12.

The second half became a battle of patience, territory and small moments, with a swirling wind making handling increasingly difficult.

New Zealand appeared to seize control when Will Jordan crossed following a clever grubber from Cam Roigard. Carter collected the ball before releasing Jordan, who finished from close range.

Jesse Kriel - SA Rugby

The Springboks responded almost immediately. Kriel brushed aside a tackle attempt from Carter and raced through a huge gap before sprinting 40 metres to the try line. Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to put South Africa ahead 19-17.

The Boks then turned to their traditional strength: forward power.

A penalty to the corner set up a lineout maul, and the Springbok pack steadily marched New Zealand backwards. Marx eventually broke away to score his 28th Test try, giving South Africa valuable breathing room.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the conversion before calmly slotting a long-range penalty into the difficult wind to extend the lead to 29-17.

New Zealand never stopped fighting and Taukei'aho crossed after the hooter, but the Springboks had already done enough.

After years of frustration at FNB Stadium, South Africa finally had their moment – and it was one to savour.

Scorers:

Springboks: Tries - Kurt-Lee Arendse, Penalty Try, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx Conv. - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2 Pen. - Feinberg-Mngomezulu

All Blacks: Tries - Ardie Savea 2, Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei'aho Conv.- Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie

Morgan Piek OFM Sport