Siya Kolisi is relishing the third matchup with New Zealand next week after South Africa won the second Test 33-26.

South Africa held off an All Blacks fightback in Cape Town to tie the series at 1-1 with two Tests left to play.

After their 33-16 win in the first match, New Zealand were aiming to win back-to-back Tests in South Africa for the first time in 30 years.

Yet the world champions dashed the All Blacks' hopes on the back of a brilliant first-half display.

Rassie Erasmus made late changes to his team, and South Africa seemed to benefit as Jesse Kriel crashed over. Ruben Love restored parity, but Cheslin Kobe kicked a penalty and Damian de Allende crossed to put the Springboks in control.

Damian McKenzie's try dragged New Zealand back into contention, but Kolisi went over for what was ultimately a defining try.

Kolbe's kicking then helped the Boks see off New Zealand's second-half charge, leaving the series delicately poised.

"It's been a massive week," said Kolisi.

"I'm grateful for the coaching staff we have, for the plans they've made. We knew what we needed to do. Last week we didn't take our opportunities but this week we did.

"Coach Rassie always reminds us that this is not just about us. It's about all of South Africa. We knew that the mood was down this past week.

"Next week is going to be big. Some of us are playing for the first time in Soweto. It's hard playing them once. Playing them four times in a row is incredibly difficult."

"There is a reason why this is called the Greatest Rivalry"#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/NRvCjQibC9

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 30, 2026

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea made matters interesting with his late try, but ultimately New Zealand fell short.

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

"They've got threats around the ball and the breakdown so we have to sort that out.

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

Australia, meanwhile, claimed a morale-boosting 27-21 victory over Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy.

Les Kiss is unbeaten in his three Tests in charge of the Wallabies, who are on a four-match winning run.