South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, secured a landmark 18-12 victory against New Zealand in a thrilling match in Cape Town on Saturday, September 7, 2024. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory against their long-standing rivals, the All Blacks, a feat last achieved 75 years ago, securing the prestigious Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.

The match was intensely contested, with South Africa trailing 9-3 at halftime. However, tries from captain Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx propelled the Springboks to a hard-fought victory. Kolisi’s leadership, coupled with Marx’s key try during a critical yellow-card period, helped the team turn the tide. Despite a challenging first half dominated by New Zealand in terms of breakdown control, South Africa’s resilience saw them emerge victorious after battling through yellow cards and relentless defensive pressure.

This win cements South Africa’s dominant position in world rugby, strengthening their hold on the top spot in global rankings. It also sets the tone for their upcoming World Cup campaign, where they will be considered strong contenders. The victory not only brought the Freedom Cup back to South Africa but also underscored the Springboks’ ability to persevere and find success even in scrappy, high-pressure matches.

The match reflected both teams’ intense rivalry, as four players were sent to the sin bin during the clash. However, the Springboks’ ability to mitigate the impact of the yellow cards, particularly during Marx’s game-changing try, gave them the edge in a contest that, while not filled with sparkling rugby, was a true test of grit and determination.

This latest triumph has reinforced the Springboks’ reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the sport, and their consistency against the All Blacks in recent years further highlights their strength as they continue their preparations for the 2024 Rugby World Cup.