By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Springboks took a 2-1 lead in the Greatest Rivalry series with a 29-24 (halftime 12-12) third Test win over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Both teams scored four tries in a pulsating Test match that was as brutal as it was captivating in front of a capacity crowd of 87,976 in Soweto.
The All Blacks won the first Test at Ellis Park, with the Boks hitting back in Cape Town in the second Test.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx crossed for the Springboks, who were also awarded a penalty try.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea scored two first-half tries before suffering a game-ending shoulder injury, while record try-scorer Will Jordan and hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed late on for the All Blacks.
The teams now travel to Baltimore, USA, for the final instalment of the four-Test series.
A delighted Rassie Erasmus shrugged off suggestions that his team had clinched a series victory over New Zealand.
“I know a lot of people said that this is the series here in South Africa, but it is not – we’ve played three games here and we’re one up, but the final game is still to come, “said Erasmus.
“I know we can’t lose it anymore because there’s not points difference or tries scored (as a tie breaker). But the trophy was actually designed in two halves to be shared if it’s a draw. So, it’s game on.”
Erasmus said: “Hopefully me and Dave (Rennie, All Blacks head coach) will have a beer. His will be a little bit more bitter and mine will be a little sweeter. But then on Sunday we arrive there and we get into camp again.”
“We assess the injuries; we start planning and it’s number one and two again. It’s the greatest rivalry and we play to try and win the series, and they will try and to draw the series. So, no, it’s going to be flipping important.”
Erasmus also revealed that Cheslin Kolbe, who left the field with an injury in the first half, had fractured his jaw and will not make the trip to the USA.
Also staying behind are props Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as utility forwards Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon, while backs Damian Willemse, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie, all of whom had struggled with injuries in recent weeks, are fit and will travel to the USA.
Meanwhile New Zealand’s Black Ferns won their one-off Test against the Springbok Women by 52-20 (half-time 24-10) in windy conditions at the FNB stadium on Saturday afternoon.