South Africa beat New Zealand 29-24 at FNB Stadium in Soweto to move 2-1 ahead in their four Test series, leaving the All Blacks with one match to save a draw.
It was tight at the break, 12-12, and New Zealand briefly led 17-12 in the second half. South Africa then took charge through their set piece and held the line when the match began to break open.
Set piece wins the argument
The All Blacks had started with pace and ambition. Ardie Savea scored their first two tries before leaving with a shoulder injury, while Leroy Carter and Will Jordan combined for New Zealand's third.
But the Springboks found the contest where they wanted it. Their scrum and maul delivered territory, penalties and the momentum that turned a five point deficit into a five point win. Dave Rennie said afterwards that New Zealand had not been accurate enough and could not regain momentum once South Africa established control.
That is the hard lesson of a trip to South Africa. You can make line breaks, play at speed and still lose the match if the set piece stops being a platform and becomes an emergency.
Baltimore has changed shape
The final Test is in Baltimore on 12 September. It is no longer a decider, but it is hardly a friendly. South Africa can close the series with a win, while New Zealand must respond without Savea, who Rennie said will not travel after his shoulder injury.
A drawn series would keep the argument alive. A Springbok victory would make the answer rather clearer.
Reporting: SA Rugby, RNZ