Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: Second Test scores revealed

Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 18:01

byCharlie Elliott

Springboks player ratings as Rassie Erasmus’ side level the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series with convincing win over All Blacks.

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While they were not at their very best, the Boks always looked in control in Cape Town, bouncing back from their Ellis Park defeat to level the series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test.

Report By Asiphe Ngqamba

The Springboks answered the critics with 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town, following the last week 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks. Jesse Kriel set the tone in the second minute making a try giving Springboks a lead. All Blacks retaliated with a try from Cam Roigard, but de Allende brought back Springboks advantage.

Damian McKenzie crossed the line for All blacks, before Siya Kolisi took over in the 37^th minute changing the energy in the stadium, making the crowd celebrate as the Springbok led 24-14 into halftime.

The atmosphere intensified in the second half with both sides battling for control, with Player of the Match Cheslin Kolbe kicking a penalty in the 48^th minute following with another two increasing the pressure of the game. All Blacks refusing to give up, Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea scored the second half tries. The Springboks held their defence under pressure in the last minute with Lood de Jager receiving a yellow card, the team held on with All Blacks not giving in securing a 33-26 victory.

This victory for the home team locks the Rugby Greatest Rivalry series 1-1, both teams are set meet again on 5 September 2026 in Johannesburg.

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Scroll down for Springboks player ratings.

Springboks: 33

Tries: Jesse Kriel (2'), Damian de Allende (22'), Siya Kolisi (38')
Conversions: Cheslin Kolbe (3', 23', 39')
Penalties: Cheslin Kolbe (19', 49', 51', 72')
Yellow card: Lood de Jager (80')

All Blacks: 26

Tries: Cam Roigard (15'), Damian McKenzie (30'), Leroy Carter (66'), Ardie Savea (77')
Conversions: Ruben Love (16', 31', 77')
Penalties:

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks

15 Damian Willemse — 6

Only featured in the first half, making a shaky start after slipping while attempting to take a kick deep in his own half, forcing him to call a mark. Settled into the game and was generally solid, although he struggled to make a significant impact.

14 Cheslin Kolbe — 8

Kolbe did well as a late inclusion after recovering from a knock in the first Test.

An early sliced clearance led to a lineout that resulted in an All Blacks try, but he responded well with a strong take from a Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu cross kick to win a penalty near the line.

Reliable from the tee, he remains perfect in the series, while also producing a good interception in his own half to relieve some pressure in the second 40.

13 Jesse Kriel — 7

Powered over from close range to score the opening try of the match. Gave away a poor penalty at the breakdown under pressure and missed the tackle on Will Jordan for the All Blacks’ first try.

Positively, Kriel was one of the leaders in the match for tackling, as he generally kept the midfield very solid.

12 Damian de Allende — 8

Missed the tackle on Will Jordan for the All Blacks’ opening try. Made up for it at the other end, finding a small gap and powering over from close range for the second try. Helped keep the midfield solid alongside Kriel.

11 Ethan Hooker — 7

Brought in after the first Test defeat, the hooker impressed under the high ball and dealt with it confidently throughout. He offered limited impact elsewhere, but given his inclusion was largely based on his aerial ability, he did exactly what was asked of him.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu — 6

Didn't really bounce back following a poor performance in the first Test. Late addition this week after Handre Pollard’s injury. Improved marginally on his first-Test showing, making a strong tackle on McKenzie and putting in some useful kicks.

Nearly paid the price for two charged-down kicks, but produced a superb cross-field kick to Kolbe that led to a five-metre penalty. Moved to fullback at half time and a bit of indecision was one of the causes of Leroy Carter's try.

9 Cobus Reinach — 8

Quick service helped build the first try. His box kicking was accurate and kept the defence guessing, while he also provided a good assist for Siya Kolisi’s try. Replaced after 57 minutes after an experienced performance.

1 Gerhard Steenekamp — 6

Scrummaged solidly in his 35-minute stint before being replaced by Ox Nche. Nothing too much to write home about though after his late inclusion into the starting XV.

2 Deon Fourie — 6

A late change to the front row, making his return at 39 after last playing in the 2023 World Cup final. Delivered a good first lineout, with the resulting maul leading to South Africa’s opening try.

Was stepped by Ardie Savea for New Zealand’s second try before being replaced after 35 minutes.

3 Thomas du Toit — 7

The third of the late front-row changes. Held his own at scrum time, and the Boks just about had the edge while Du Toit was on the field. Put in an impressive 13 tackles before coming off after 57 minutes.

4 Eben Etzebeth — 8

A vintage Etzebeth performance, as he caused plenty of disruption at the lineout with a couple of excellent steals. Was heavily involved in the tackle and breakdown work, putting in a huge shift and getting through plenty of the hard graft.

5 Ruan Nortje — 8

Like Etzebeth, Nortje put in plenty of hard graft and was excellent off the ball, doing the unglamorous work that helped provide his team with a solid platform to build from.

6 Siya Kolisi — 7

Returned from recent injury issues to captain the side.

Made an early impact with a strong carry over the gainline before the opening try, then found space to score South Africa’s third from close range. Replaced after 42 minutes, seemingly as part of a planned minutes management approach.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit — 8

Marked his 100th cap with another tireless display. Slipped and was stepped by McKenzie to create a chance, but otherwise made a game-leading 21 tackles and worked relentlessly.

8 Jasper Wiese — 8

Delivered with a lot of unseen work off the ball and plenty of carries into traffic which helped to create elsewhere. While he may not steal any headlines, this was a very strong performance from Wiese.

Double digits for both tackles and carries summarises what was a very good shift.