Sport
Springboks edge past All Blacks to top Rugby Championship
South Africa secured their third victory in the Southern Hemisphere Championship, coming from a 27-17 deficit with just 11 minutes remaining to clinch a late win through their powerful forward play.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/09/6-Ethan-Blackadder-4-Pieter-Steph-Du-Toit-10-Sacha-Feinberg-Mngomezulu-13-Rieko-Ioane-780x470.jpg)
South Africa secured a thrilling 31-27 victory over New Zealand in the third round of the Rugby Championship, solidifying their position at the top of the table in Ellis Park on August 31.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/09/2-Bongi-Mbonambi-14-Will-Jordan-1-Tamaiti-Williams-800x494.jpg)
In a closely contested first half, tries from Codie Taylor, Caleb Clarke, and Bongi Mbonambi left the All Blacks leading 12-11 at halftime.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/09/6-Ethan-Blackadder-7-Sam-6-Siya-Kolisi-12-Damian-De-Allende-Cane-800x486.jpg)
The second half began with Jordie Barrett’s intercept try, giving New Zealand the momentum. However, a late yellow card for Ofa Tu’ungafasi turned the tide in favour of the Springboks.
Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams crossed the line, sealing a dramatic comeback and leaving South Africa with an eight-point lead over their rivals.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/09/Impis-Springboks-vs-New-Zealand.jpg)