The Springboks delivered a commanding finish for the second consecutive week, defeating the New Zealand All Blacks 18-12 in their Rugby Championship clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, playing despite a broken nose, scored South Africa’s first try as the team overcame a 9-3 deficit at half-time.

Substitute hooker Malcolm Marx added the only other try six minutes from full time, while the All Blacks were down to 14 men after prop Tyrel Lomax received a yellow card.

The victory marked South Africa’s fourth successive win in the tournament, virtually ensuring them the title. Meanwhile, it was New Zealand’s third loss, eliminating them from contention.

It was also South Africa’s fourth consecutive win over New Zealand, a streak dating back to 2023. The Springboks hadn’t achieved four straight wins over their long-time rivals since 1949.

New Zealand deservedly led 9-3 after a tight first half, with fly-half Damian McKenzie kicking three penalties compared to one by Springbok counterpart Handré Pollard.

Despite conceding an early scrum penalty, the All Blacks applied significant pressure, assisted by the Springboks losing three lineouts on their own throw within the first ten minutes.

McKenzie put New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute when Springbok number eight Jasper Wiese gave away a penalty for tackling scrum-half Cortez Ratima without the ball, resulting in a yellow card from English referee Matt Carley.

However, the All Blacks were soon reduced to 14 men after the restart, when right-wing Sevu Reece took out Springbok full-back Willie le Roux in the air.

The Springboks had a chance to equalise in the 22nd minute when the All Blacks were penalised within their own 22, but opted to kick for touch and were unable to score from the ensuing lineout.

McKenzie kicked a second penalty before Pollard converted one from the New Zealand 10-metre line.

The All Blacks continued to apply pressure after the half-time hooter but chose to take the three points from a penalty near the Springbok posts, with McKenzie extending their lead to six points.

South Africa came out strong after the interval and took the lead for the first time when Kolisi scored a try following a sustained period of pressure, during which the Springboks chose three consecutive lineout drives after being awarded penalties. Pollard added the conversion.

Substitute fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu extended the lead with a penalty, but McKenzie narrowed the gap to one point with 21 minutes remaining.

McKenzie missed two penalties after Le Roux was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

However, the Springboks controlled the closing stages, and Marx scored in the left corner following a lineout drive.