Brilliant Boks produce heroic fightback to stun All Blacks at FNB Stadium

Under enormous pressure after taking a few early body blows against a New Zealand side looking ruthless and relentless with ball in hand, the Springboks dug deep, wrested back the momentum and took the game by the scruff of the neck in a dominant second-half display.

Perhaps most impressively, this wasn't simply a victory built on the Boks' traditional set-piece strength and aerial dominance - although they did prove decisive in the second half. They also showed tremendous courage with ball in hand, taking the game to the All Blacks on their own terms and refusing to give an inch.

Following their loss in the first Test, the Boks had put themselves under tremendous pressure, knowing that anything less than back-to-back victories on home soil against the mighty All Blacks would have been viewed as a failure. 

While Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry continues on American soil next week, the Springboks can hold their heads high after battling back from the disappointment of Ellis Park to take a 2-1 series lead - an achievement that will rank among this team’s finest.

It was a performance that put all of their guts, skill, strength and determination on display, and one that once again showed exactly what makes this Springbok team so difficult to beat when their backs are against the wall.

How it happened

An early penalty against the All Blacks for a high tackle handed the Boks an attacking opportunity, but a great steal from Peter Lakai stopped the home side in their tracks.

Moments later, a clean break from Will Jordan from inside his own territory put the Boks on the back foot, and the All Blacks went on all-out attack from the ensuing line-out, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu getting 10 minutes in the bin for a deliberate knockdown following some desperate Bok defence.

To make matters worse, Cheslin Kolbe was forced off the field for a suspected head knock, as the Boks suddenly found themselves under serious pressure.

The All Blacks kicked for the corner and it was a couple of simple phases from the back of the lineout that saw Ardie Savea crash over for their opening try, duly converted by Ruben Love.

The Boks fought their way back into All Black territory via a series of penalties, but a maul penalty against them for obstruction saw all their good work undone.

A great steal at the line-out from Eben Etzebeth put them back on the front foot, however, and this time it was great hands from the back line that created an opportunity for Kurt-Lee Arendse to cross over in the corner. The conversion was wide, but the Boks were on the board.

The All Blacks were soon back on the attack, however, throwing everything they had at the Boks, and again the pressure eventually told as Savea crashed over in the corner for his second try, restoring the visitors' seven-point advantage - though the New Zealand captain would leave the field shortly after with what looked like a shoulder injury.

The Boks looked certain to score after another superb break through the middle, with Manie Libbok coming within inches of the line. This time, however, the All Blacks were punished with a yellow card, and the Boks opted for a scrum from the resulting penalty. They powered forward from the set piece, driving the All Blacks back and prompting the referee to award a penalty try, as a breathless first half finished all square at 12-12.

The second half started with the All Blacks winning a penalty for offside and kicking for the corner as they looked to turn the screws, but a rare mistake in possession saw the Boks escape.

When a scrum penalty went against the home side, the All Blacks opted to take the points on offer, but Ruben Love's effort was wide.

The All Blacks soon retook the lead in much more emphatic fashion, however, as a little kick over the top bounced kindly for Leroy Carter, who offloaded to Jordan in the tackle for a superb try.

The Boks hit back almost instantly, however, as Jesse Kriel broke free from the tackle and raced clear for a much-needed try. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's conversion was good, as the Boks took the lead for the first time in the game, albeit a slender 19-17 one.

A great steal from Malcom Marx and another solid scrum resulting in a penalty put the Boks back on the attack, and from there it was an absolutely barnstorming rolling maul from the lineout took them all the way to the line and under the posts as Marx dotted for a massive try, as the FNB Stadium erupted in celebration.

When the All Blacks were pinged for coming in from the side in the middle of the park, Feinberg-Mngomezulu lined up a shot at goal that extended the Boks' lead to 12 with 10 minutes to play.

The All Blacks did win a penalty inside the Boks' 22 moments later, but they opted for a quick tap that ultimately backfired, as the Boks forced an error.

South Africa were in rampant mood now and nearly cut the All Blacks open again, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu coming close to adding another try.

There was time for a consolation try for Samisoni Taukei'aho after the final whistle, but it was the Springboks' night in Soweto as they completed one of their greatest wins over their greatest rival.