2-1.

The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 29-24 in a pulsating third Test at FNB Stadium to take a 2-1 series lead ahead of the final Test.

New Zealand made the brighter start, with Ardie Savea crossing twice as the visitors capitalised on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s yellow card and the early loss of Cheslin Kolbe.

Kurt-Lee Arendse and a penalty try ensured the sides went into the break level at 12-12, before Will Jordan restored the All Blacks’ advantage early in the second half.

The Springboks responded through Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s late penalty putting the result beyond New Zealand despite Samisoni Taukei’aho’s consolation try.

Here are our player ratings from the third and final Test.

Springboks

15 Cheslin Kolbe – N/A

Dealt confidently with the early work sent his way and shut down a dangerous Will Jordan chip before injury ended his afternoon after just 10 minutes. Subsequently failed his HIA.

14 Kurt-Lee Arendse – 8

Finished Damian de Allende’s excellent work to score South Africa’s opening try. Looked threatening whenever the Boks managed to bring him into the game.

13 Jesse Kriel – 9

Quiet for long periods but delivered when South Africa needed him most. Broke free from Leroy Carter and raced in from 40 metres to put the Springboks ahead, before combining effectively with De Allende late on.

12 Damian de Allende – 8

A hugely influential display. Used his footwork, strength and fend to create Arendse’s try, stood firm defensively and remained a threat with ball in hand. Added an important breakdown turnover late in the game.

11 Ethan Hooker – 7

Did much of his best work away from the spotlight. Excellent in the air, chased relentlessly and won a crucial breakdown turnover while New Zealand were building momentum. Perhaps became too occupied at the ruck before Jordan’s try, but otherwise produced another accomplished performance.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 7

Could have no complaints about his early yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Returned to manage the contest intelligently, mixing his kicking game with some sharp defensive reads. His late penalty stretched South Africa’s lead beyond one score.

9 Cobus Reinach – 6

His strip on Asafo Aumua sparked the attack that eventually produced South Africa’s penalty try. Penalised for his clash with Cam Roigard during the move and was occasionally slow at the base, before departing shortly after half-time.

1 Ox Nche – 8

Showed remarkable mobility and handling to support Jasper Wiese’s break before sending Manie Libbok towards the line. Moments later, he returned to his more familiar role and helped demolish the New Zealand scrum for a penalty try.

2 Malcolm Marx – 9

Delivered accurately at the lineout before making an enormous contribution in the final quarter. Won a vital breakdown penalty inside his own half and finished South Africa’s powerful maul to establish a decisive lead. A match-winning display.

3 Wilco Louw – 8

Applied increasing pressure as the first half progressed and helped produce the dominant scrum that earned the penalty try. Added another scrum penalty early in the second half before making way after 50 minutes.

4 Eben Etzebeth – 7

An unusually subdued afternoon. Made an untimely handling error while South Africa were applying pressure and was unable to disrupt New Zealand’s lineout as effectively as he had in the previous Test.

5 Ruan Nortje – 7

Carried powerfully during South Africa’s first sustained attack, although he became isolated and conceded a turnover. Once again supplied an enormous amount of work in the engine room.

6 Siya Kolisi – 7

Added real force to South Africa’s carrying and was frequently involved in their best attacking passages. Had already completed a match-high 11 tackles when replaced before the hour.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8

Became increasingly influential as the game unfolded. Continued operating at full intensity deep into the final quarter and produced several trademark tackles behind the gain line.

8 Jasper Wiese – 9

Exploded into the contest with a powerful break that released Nche late in the first half. Led South Africa with nine carries before his departure and matched Kolisi’s tackle count while also securing a turnover.

Replacements

16 Deon Fourie – 6

Entered in the back row before moving to hooker and helped South Africa close out the contest without making a major individual impression.

17 Gerhard Steenekamp – 7

Maintained South Africa’s scrum dominance by winning another penalty and played an important role in the maul that produced Marx’s try.

18 Thomas du Toit – 6

Penalised for scrummaging around the corner almost immediately after his introduction, but recovered and helped steady the set-piece thereafter.

19 Lood de Jager – 6

A relatively quiet contribution during the closing stages.

20 Andre Esterhuizen – 6

Introduced in the pack late in the contest as South Africa protected their advantage.

21 Cameron Hanekom – 7

Made his presence felt with a powerful tackle and counter-ruck that earned South Africa a penalty inside their own half.

22 Morne van den Berg – 8

Brought immediate pace and energy to South Africa’s play. Tackled tirelessly and handled the difficult kicking conditions impressively.

23 Manie Libbok – 8

Forced into action after only 10 minutes and initially operated as part of a six-man backline. Almost produced a stunning solo try and adapted impressively to a difficult situation.

All Blacks

15 Damian McKenzie – 7

Generally secure at the back and offered another playmaking option at second receiver. Did exceptionally well to hold up Nche, although South Africa scored their penalty try shortly afterwards.

14 Will Jordan – 8

A constant danger. Almost produced a spectacular score with an early run and chip, repeatedly found space and finished Carter’s clever offload for New Zealand’s third try. One loose pass nearly presented Hooker with an opportunity.

13 Quinn Tupaea – 8

Fortunate that an early high tackle went unpunished, but carried with real power thereafter. His charge through Etzebeth was among New Zealand’s most forceful attacking moments.

12 Jordie Barrett – 7

Recovered from sending an early pass into touch by producing an excellent cross-field kick and a thunderous tackle on Hooker. Offered flashes of quality but struggled to impose himself consistently.

11 Leroy Carter – 7

Beat defenders and worked hard to become involved. Showed excellent awareness to leave the ball for Savea’s second try and later produced an improvised offload to create Jordan’s score. Beaten by Kriel for South Africa’s crucial third try.

10 Ruben Love – 5

A difficult outing. Missed two conversions and a penalty before being shown yellow close to his own line. Defended willingly but was unable to give New Zealand sufficient control in attack.

9 Cam Roigard – 7

Delivered his usual quick service and helped the All Blacks play at tempo. His involvement diminished as South Africa took control and he was replaced after 67 minutes.

1 George Bower – 7

Conceded an early penalty but responded with a busy defensive performance. Worked hard around the field, although he was part of the front row overpowered for South Africa’s penalty try.

2 Asafo Aumua – 7

Carried strongly during New Zealand’s bright opening and delivered accurately at the lineout. Became less prominent as the Springboks gained control but remained a physical threat.

3 Tyrel Lomax – 6

Held firm initially but was eventually overwhelmed close to his own line as South Africa forced a penalty try. Replaced after 45 minutes.

4 Tupou Vaa’i – 7

Produced a valuable defensive performance and remained heavily involved away from the ball. His work rate helped New Zealand resist sustained periods of Springbok pressure.

5 Sam Darry – 6

Reliable in the air and committed defensively without having a major influence on the contest. Departed after an hour.

6 Peter Lakai – 7

Won an important breakdown penalty near his own line during South Africa’s first threatening attack. Tackled strongly and contributed plenty of unseen work.

7 Luke Jacobson – 7

Found an effective running line early and worked diligently around the breakdown. A typically industrious display, although he was fortunate not to be penalised for going off his feet on occasion.

8 Ardie Savea – 9

Scored twice inside the opening half-hour, reacting quickest at close range on both occasions. His first moved him beyond Kieran Read as the highest-scoring forward in Test history, but injury brought an excellent performance to a premature end.

Replacements

16 Samisoni Taukei’aho – 7

Added power after replacing Aumua and crossed from close range after the clock had turned red.

17 Xavier Numia – 5

Unable to reverse New Zealand’s difficulties at scrum time after entering early in the second half.

18 Fletcher Newell – 5

Found life difficult against South Africa’s replacement front row as the hosts maintained their set-piece pressure.

19 Fabian Holland – 6

Worked hard following his introduction but could not prevent the Springboks from taking control of the closing stages.

20 Wallace Sititi – 7

Brought energy and physicality to the New Zealand back row after Savea’s early departure.

21 Kyle Preston – 6

Tried to lift the tempo late on but entered with the All Blacks increasingly under pressure.

22 Anton Lienert-Brown – N/A

Not enough time to earn a rating.

23 Josh Moorby – 6

Entered during the second half but received few opportunities to make a significant impact.