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 Mc Kenzie 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. Mc Kenzie'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 Kolbe'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 just wanted to do the jersey proud, our families proud." Savea admitted the All Blacks had paid for their slow start. The series moves to Johannesburg for the third clash on September 5.