South Africa hit back against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, winning 33-26 to square their four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.

The Springboks had been beaten 33-16 in Johannesburg a week earlier. Their response at DHL Stadium was immediate and forceful, with Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi scoring first-half tries for a 24-14 interval lead.

The pressure game returned

Cheslin Kolbe converted all three Springbok tries and landed four penalties. New Zealand scored four tries through Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea, but the hosts had enough control on the scoreboard to survive a late surge.

New Zealand had more possession and made more line breaks, according to the All Blacks’ match report. South Africa’s defence and breakdown work made those advantages count for less than they usually do.

That is the familiar problem this rivalry poses. New Zealand can create more, but South Africa can make a match feel smaller, tighter and far more expensive.

Johannesburg gets the decider's edge

The third Test is in Johannesburg on 5 September. Rassie Erasmus said after the Cape Town win that South Africa would have to improve again, despite levelling the series.

He is right. The scoreline has reset the series, not settled it. New Zealand were still within seven points in the closing minutes, and a four-Test contest between these sides does not offer much room for a repeat performance.

For Ireland and the rest of the Nations Championship field, this is a useful warning. South Africa and New Zealand have turned a post-July fixture block into a contest with genuine heat, and the next round arrives with neither side able to hide behind the first result.

Reporting: SA Rugby, All Blacks, The Guardian