Kolbe stars, Kolisi returns to XV as Springboks level series with New Zealand

Tries: Kriel (2), de Allende (22), Kolisi (38) Conversions: Kolbe (3,23,39) Penalties: Kolbe (19,49,51,72)

Tries: Roigard (16), McKenzie (30), Carter (66), Savea (77) Conversions: Love (17,31,78)

South Africa roared back into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry as returning captain Siya Kolisi marked his comeback with a try in a thrilling 33-26 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town, levelling the four-Test series at 1-1.

The sides shared seven tries, with Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Kolisi crossing for the Springboks, either side of scores from Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie and Leroy Carter. But Cheslin Kolbe's 18 points from the tee ultimately proved decisive.

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea added a late fourth try for New Zealand - his 33rd in Test rugby - as the visitors finished with four tries to South Africa's three, but they were unable to overcome Kolbe's flawless accuracy.

Savea had predicted before kick-off that New Zealand would face a "wounded beast", and South Africa delivered an immediate response. Kriel crossed inside the opening two minutes, only for Roigard to hit back midway through a breathless opening quarter.

Kolbe's first penalty and de Allende's try either side of the 20-minute mark reasserted South African control. McKenzie's converted score kept the All Blacks within touching distance, but Kolisi crashed over on the stroke of half-time to send the hosts into the break with a 24-14 lead.

The 32-year-old's boot then tightened South Africa's grip after the break, with two penalties in three minutes stretching the lead beyond two scores. Carter's unconverted try briefly gave the All Blacks hope, but the wing's fourth penalty effectively settled the contest.

"We know last week we let it slip," said Kolbe, who was named player of the match. "We could feel the mood from the South Africa fans. We just wanted to do the jersey proud, our families proud.

"You need to take every point given to you. That's Test match rugby. We stuck to the plan to take the points on offer."

"We kind of let the Springboks get ahead in the first two minutes and we were chasing the game," said the New Zealand captain. "We stuck in there but we came up short. It's a tough pill to swallow.

"We lost the battle tonight but we haven't lost the war. We'll get back on the horse this week and go again."

The New Zealand captain also paid tribute to Pieter-Steph du Toit, who won his 100th cap, and Ox Nche, who won his 50th, for their respective milestones.

Fought until the very end 🤝🏽 Thank you for the battle @bokrugby and ngā mihi to everyone who tuned in from far and wide 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/QGZuQLPE1I