South Africa clinched a crucial victory in the Rugby Championship by defeating New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town. Despite trailing 9-3 at halftime, the Springboks managed to score two tries in the second half, securing a win that keeps them undefeated in the championship after four rounds. The team now stands on the brink of claiming their first championship title since 2019 and will have the opportunity to do so against the Pumas in Argentina in two weeks.

In addition to their championship hopes, South Africa also reclaimed the Freedom Cup from New Zealand, a title they had last held in 2009. The victory over the All Blacks marks the fourth consecutive win for the World champions against their long-standing rivals, achieving this feat for the first time since 1949.

Despite a late challenge from New Zealand, including two penalty kick attempts that could have changed the outcome, South Africa held their ground. With Springboks fullback Willie le Roux receiving a yellow card and the All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax also sin-binned, the game had tense moments. However, a decisive maul from a lineout led to replacement hooker Malcolm Marx scoring a crucial try in the left corner, further solidifying South Africa’s lead.

In the closing minutes of the game, the Springboks maintained pressure on the All Blacks, restricting their opponents to their own half and inching closer to adding more historic achievements to their storied rugby legacy.