The Springboks completed a 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks with a dominant 43-28 win in the fourth and final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday.
South Africa outscored New Zealand by six tries to four in front of a North American rugby record crowd of 68,173. The result marked the first time since 2009 that the Springboks have won three consecutive Tests against the All Blacks in the same year.
The Boks led 17-14 at half-time. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu opened the scoring with a penalty before All Blacks captain Codie Taylor crossed for an early try. Damian de Allende and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg then scored converted tries to put South Africa ahead. Will Jordan responded for New Zealand just before the break after a long multi-phase attack.
The Springboks took control after half-time. Malcolm Marx finished a powerful rolling maul, and Pieter-Steph du Toit scored soon afterwards to stretch the lead to 29-14. Ethan Blackadder pulled a try back for the All Blacks, but Kurt-Lee Arendse’s long-range solo effort and a late score from replacement Cameron Hanekom sealed the win. Beauden Barrett scored a consolation try for New Zealand in the final minute.
image:BokSquad
Springboks scorers: Tries – Damian de Allende, Morné van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cameron Hanekom. Conversions – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Morné van den Berg, Manie Libbok (2). Penalty – Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
All Blacks scorers: Tries – Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, Beauden Barrett. Conversions – Damian McKenzie (4).
The victory completed a strong recovery for Rassie Erasmus’ side after they lost the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park. They responded with wins in Cape Town, Soweto and Baltimore. The Springboks have now won eight of their last 10 Tests against New Zealand.
Former All Blacks praised the world champions after the match. Mils Muliaina said the Springboks were “a step ahead of everyone” and “comfortable being uncomfortable.” Aaron Cruden noted that South Africa simply pounced on any errors.
The series showcased high-quality rugby between the two leading nations. South Africa’s forward power and depth ultimately proved decisive as they lifted the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.
