After a week of scrum complaints, social-media drama and plenty of off-field noise, the Springboks gave South Africa plenty to celebrate with a thrilling win over the All Blacks.
Cape Town, South Africa (31 August 2026) – There was certainly no shortage of drama surrounding the Springboks and All Blacks this week, and somehow, it followed them all the way to Cape Town.
From New Zealand coach Dave Rennie’s complaint that the Springboks were “walking around” in the scrum, to the now-famous Airlink flight saga that had social media having a field day, the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry had plenty of talking points before a ball was even kicked. By Saturday afternoon, the only thing that mattered was what happened on the field.
And in front of a passionate 56,589-strong crowd at DHL Stadium, the Springboks delivered the response they wanted, beating the All Blacks 33–26 to level the series at one win apiece.
It was the kind of afternoon that had a little bit of everything.
A Day of Milestones
For Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, the occasion was especially significant.
Du Toit celebrated his 100th Test cap, while Nche reached 50 appearances for the Springboks. That’s two career milestones shared on a day when the team itself needed to make a statement. Du Toit did exactly that.
Playing the full 80 minutes, the veteran flanker was immense, combining the relentless work rate that has become his trademark with the sort of leadership the occasion demanded
For Nche, meanwhile, reaching 50 Tests was another reminder of just how far his career has come. And there was a fitting reward at the end of it all.
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Then there was Cheslin Kolbe. The diminutive winger produced one of those performances that makes you understand why he is so loved by South African rugby fans.
Kolbe was named Player of the Match and was flawless off the tee, converting three tries and adding four penalty goals for a perfect seven from seven.
His 18 points were important, but so was the energy he brought to the occasion. It was a performance full of confidence, precision and flair.
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The Game in a Nutshell
The Springboks made the perfect start when Jesse Kriel crashed over inside the opening two minutes, but New Zealand quickly showed they had no intention of simply absorbing the pressure.
The visitors fought back through Cam Roigard and Damian McKenzie, while Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi also crossed for the Boks as South Africa took a 24–14 lead into half-time. Kolbe kept the scoreboard moving after the break, but New Zealand refused to go away, setting up a tense final quarter before the Springboks eventually held their nerve.
For South Africa, the result was about more than simply getting one back after last weekend’s defeat in Johannesburg.
There was a sense of occasion around DHL Stadium from the moment the teams arrived, and the crowd played its part in turning the Test into something bigger than the scoreboard.
The win also sees the Springboks return to the top of the world rankings, with New Zealand dropping to second.
Most importantly, the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series is now perfectly poised at one win apiece.
And after a week filled with headlines, arguments, milestones, social-media chaos and plenty of noise, the Springboks have ensured the rivalry will have another chapter.
Next stop: FNB Stadium.
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