South Africa levelled their series against New Zealand as they beat the All Blacks 33-26 in the second of four Tests at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks bounced back from a 33-16 defeat in the first Test in Johannesburg, scoring from the first attack of the match and dominating much of the contest.
But they had to survive a fierce All Blacks onslaught toward the end.
The tourists outscored the Springboks by four tries to three, with two of their tries coming in the last 14 minutes as they came back from a 30-14 deficit.
"The All Blacks played really well last week, and this week. I am grateful for our coaches. The plans they made worked for us," said South Africa captain and flanker Siya Kolisi.
"Last week we did not take our opportunities and this week we did take them. It is tough playing the All Blacks -- four times is going to be really difficult.
"Next Saturday is going to be huge. It is important because some of us will be playing for the first time in Soweto. That will be really special."
The Springboks made an explosive start, driving upfield after winning the first lineout, with centre Jesse Kriel crossing for the opening try in the second minute.
But the All Blacks responded well, applying pressure before scrum-half Cam Roigard scored after a burst down the right by wing Will Jordan.
In a change of tactics from the first match, the Springboks opted to kick for the posts when awarded a penalty near the All Blacks posts, with Cheslin Kolbe landing the three points.
Centre Damian de Allende crossed for a try in the 22nd minute, but the All Blacks again hit back with captain and No. 8 Ardie Savea bursting away from a lineout and setting up a try for full-back Damian McKenzie.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus sprang a late surprise when he switched the starting and replacement front rows, with Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche moving to the bench.
The "bomb squad" made an immediate impact when they were sent on after the Springboks were awarded a scrum five metres from the New Zealand line in the 36th minute.
They won a penalty and then a resultant second scrum before Kolisi crashed over for a try to put the hosts 24-14 ahead at half-time.
Two more penalties by Kolbe put the Springboks 30-14 ahead, but with the Springbok scrum failing to dominate, the All Blacks came back with some electrifying attacks, adding tries by left wing Leroy Carter and Savea against a fourth Kolbe penalty.
"We let the Springboks get an early try and then I think we were just chasing the game," New Zealand skipper Savea said.
"But I am very proud of the boys, we stuck in there, we fought, but we came up short. So, it is a tough pill to swallow.
"We just have to regroup and go again next Saturday.
"I just want to give a special shout-out to Pieter-Steph (du Toit, 100th cap) and Ox (Nche, 50th cap) for their special milestones tonight. It is always a privilege going up against them."
Scorers
South Africa: Tries - Kriel, D Allende, Kolisi. Conversions - Kolbe (3). Penalties - Kolbe (4)
New Zealand: Tries - Roigard, McKenzie, Carter, Savea. Conversions: Ruben Love (3)
cb-dl/nf
