The All Blacks lost 29-24 to South Africa in Soweto, dropping their series lead to 2-1, but remain focused on a potential series tie in Baltimore despite key injuries and contentious officiating decisions.
The All Blacks’ 29-24 defeat to South Africa in Soweto on September 7, 2026, left the team “pretty gutted,” with coach Dave Rennie acknowledging the loss of a chance to be amongst history
as the Springboks took a 2-1 series lead. The match, played before 86,000 fans at FNB Stadium, saw New Zealand’s attack shine early but falter in the second half, with injuries to key players and disputed officiating decisions compounding their struggles.
A Fractured First Half and a Lingering Debate
The Springboks started aggressively, scoring within the first minute via a lineout maul and extending their lead with penalties from Cheslin Kolbe. New Zealand responded with a 15th-minute try by Will Jordan, assisted by Ruben Love and Jordie Barrett, but their dominance waned as South Africa’s set-piece advantages and penalty kicks took hold. The All Blacks’ attack, however, remained potent: they scored two tries in the opening 25 minutes, both by Ardie Savea, and outscored the Boks 13-8 across the three Tests.
Injuries, Momentum, and the Weight of Expectation
The All Blacks’ hopes for a series tie in Baltimore, USA, dimmed after injuries to captain Ardie Savea (shoulder), midfielder Quinn Tupaea (knee), and flanker Luke Jacobson (elbow). Savea’s absence in the second half allowed South Africa to dominate, with the Boks finishing by far the stronger side
according to assistant coach Neil Barnes. We’re on the wrong side of the scoreboard,
Barnes said, though he highlighted New Zealand’s statistical edge, including a 13-8 try count and a scrum dominance that would devastate virtually every other Test nation.
Rennie’s team faced a “gravy train” of penalties from South Africa’s set pieces, with forwards coach adding, I’m not saying they were all legit, but we have to change the perception of the officials.
The coach also defended his team’s resilience, pointing to their first Test victory despite a backward scrum and virtually every attacking statistic
favoring New Zealand.
A Legacy in the Balance
It’s close if you look at all the stats, but we’re on the wrong side of the scoreboard,
Barnes said, echoing the team’s mixed emotions. Head coach Rennie described the post-match atmosphere as “pretty gutted,” with players a lot of heads down
after the defeat. Yet the squad’s focus shifted swiftly to the final Test, where they aim to “eat humble pie” and secure a series draw.
What Comes Next: Baltimore and Beyond
The All Blacks’ challenge in Baltimore hinges on regrouping after a physically and emotionally taxing series. With Savea and Tupaea sidelined, the team must adapt its strategy while managing the psychological weight of a narrow loss. Rennie’s emphasis on a “solution-based” approach—addressing officiating perceptions and set-piece issues—suggests a focus on long-term improvement over immediate redemption.
For fans, the series has underscored the razor-thin margins in elite rugby. As Barnes reflected, A chance to be amongst history and we failed and that hurts.
The All Blacks’ next Test will test not only their resilience but also their capacity to turn this “failure” into a catalyst for future success. Whether they can reclaim their dominance—or face another chapter in rugby’s fiercest rivalry—will unfold in the coming days.
