“I give credit to my boys – we didn’t give up. And to the coach (Rassie Erasmus) as well,” said South Africa captain Siya Kolisi.
“We played fearlessly. We didn’t want to hold back. We knew what we needed to do and we believed in ourselves – that was the most important thing out there.”
South Africa made a strong start at the Wellington Regional Stadium but were denied a try following a brilliant Jordie Barrett tackle on Cheslin Kolbe.
RG Snyman did go over for South Africa, only to have the effort ruled out.
New Zealand responded through debutant Leroy Carter, who scored after a well-worked move.
South Africa drew level when Kolbe intercepted a pass in his own half before sprinting clear.
A Damian McKenzie penalty restored New Zealand’s lead but, from there on, it was all South Africa.
Kolbe scored his second try early in second half before Manie Libbok’s penalty.
Damian Willemse powered over the line to extend the Springboks’ lead following a poor New Zealand line-out, and Kwagga Smith, Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen added further tries.
“That’s a tough one to swallow,” said New Zealand captain Scott Barrett.
“The Springboks certainly showed up and took a real improvement from last week, and we just didn’t adjust. There’s a lot of areas where we can get better.”
In the remaining two rounds South Africa play Argentina and New Zealand take on Australia.
“We’ve got the right to fight for the Rugby Championship,” said Kolisi. “It’s open now and that’s what matters to us.”