Springboks’ forward power delivers 3-1 series victory over New Zealand

South Africa recovered from an opening-Test defeat in Johannesburg to win three consecutive matches and claim a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand. The Springboks secured the result with a 43-28 win in Baltimore.

Yahoo Sports’ report identified South Africa’s forward power as the defining feature of the series, particularly their use of mauls and scrums. Malcolm Marx scored from a powerful maul, while a first-half scrum led to a penalty try.

The result underlined the importance of the experienced core that has supported South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories. Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe remain regular starters.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu started all four Tests after returning from injury. His performances improved during the series, but the question of whether Handre Pollard will reclaim the goal-kicking and major-match fly-half role remains unresolved.

South Africa have also demonstrated an ability to attack expansively, although the series reinforced the value of a more familiar formula built around their pack. The Springboks are ranked number one in the world and will enter next year’s Rugby World Cup as reigning champions, though the series result is not itself a prediction of the tournament.

New Zealand showed promising signs under coach Dave Rennie despite losing the series. The contest replaced this year’s Rugby Championship and is expected to be played again in 2029.