One of the most anticipated features of Saturday third test between South Africa and New Zealand was to find out whether the Springbok team announced by Rassie Erasmus last Monday would bear any resemblance to the starting fifteen.

One definite change from last week’s line-up was the absence of the South African airline Airlink’s planned flypast as the country’s aviation regulator reviews a similar display conducted by the airline last week.

Just before the start of the second Test between South Africa and New Zealand, two Airlink Embraer aircraft flew in formation over the packed stadium, drawing widespread attention on social media. According to the flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet (15m) above the top of the stadium.

Airline commented the flyby “was performed safely” by crews consisting of three senior captains with a combined 75,000 hours of flying experience.

South Africa edged New Zealand 29–24 in an absorbing third Test at FNB Stadium yesterday, taking a 2–1 lead in the four-match series. It was a closely fought contest that kept the result in doubt until the final stages.

South Africa responded with tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx, as well as a penalty try, giving the Springboks the advantage.

New Zealand captain Ardie Savea scored two tries but his departure with a serious looking shoulder injury before half-time was a significant setback. 

Springbok dominance at scrum time helped them control much of the second half, but New Zealand continued to press and scored late through Samisoni Taukei’aho, setting up a tense finish. The Springboks, however, held their composure to secure a valuable five-point victory.

All Black wing Leroy Carter will be having nightmares this week. He missed two crucial tackles on Damian De Allende and Jessie Kriel which resulted in tries for the Springboks, that defensive weakness will give coach Dave Rennie areal cause for concern ahead of next week’s final test.

Fly half Ruben Love also missed a kickable penalty and conversion that would have made the scoreline one of parity.

New Zealand will be frustrated after competing so strongly throughout the match. South Africa, meanwhile, will be pleased with another hard-earned win and the 2–1 series advantage. There were few comfortable moments for either side, which perhaps explains why the supporters looked as though they had played the full 80 minutes too.

The victory was also a milestone for Siya Kolisi, who recorded a record 55th Test win as Springboks captain. With the series still undecided, attention now turns to the final Test next weekend in Baltimore, yes that’s right Baltimore USA with everything still to play for.