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South Africa Defeats New Zealand 33-26 to Level Rugby Series

In a closely contested match, South Africa overcame New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town to tie the series at one win each.

29 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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South Africa Defeats New Zealand 33-26 to Level Rugby Series — Photo: JaumeBG · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The South African rugby team secured a 33-26 victory over New Zealand in the second Test held in Cape Town. This win allowed the Springboks to level the series, bringing the total to 1-1 between the two teams.

Cheslin Kolbe's kicking was pivotal in the match, proving to be the difference maker for the home side. South Africa went into halftime with a score of 24-14, setting a strong foundation for their victory.

Pieter-Steph du Toit marked a significant milestone during the match, having played his 100th Test, an occasion celebrated with his family present. His involvement added to the emotional weight of the game for the Springboks.

Archive photo: South Africa Defeats New Zealand 33-26 to Level Rugby Series — Archive photoPhoto: KRB events · Flickr · BY-SA

The encounter saw the Springboks displaying a blend of power and direct play, allowing them to build a lead before New Zealand mounted a comeback effort.

The match featured a surprising tactical decision from South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus, who changed his entire front-row shortly before kick-off, which contributed to the team's resilience throughout the game.

This result marks New Zealand's first loss of the year, as the Springboks demonstrated their strength and capability as world champions, ready to continue their rivalry with the All Blacks. The series will now head into the next Test with both teams evenly matched.

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