Kurt-Lee Arendse’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series started off bumpy, but the Baltimore finale was an electrifying reminder of the Springbok flyer’s elite finishing.
He scored a crucial second-half score in the fourth and final Test at the M&T Bank Stadium that helped the Boks run out 43-28 winners and 3-1 series victors.
The 30-year-old pocket rocket pounced on a loose ball before weaving his way through a sea of All Blacks to notch his 27th try in 35 Tests.
Arendse finished with seven carries for 190 metres and beat seven defenders.
Kurt-Lee Arendse
The Springbok winger was at his elusive best in Baltimore this weekend
#SSRugby | #RugbysGreatestRivalry pic.twitter.com/ComaKfHjE7
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 14, 2026
It capped an up-and-down series for the 2023 World Cup winner, who was hauled off and permanently replaced in the opener at Ellis Park after failing an HIA, then named to start in Cape Town only to be dropped for Cheslin Kolbe on the eve of that Test.
Reinstated for the third Test at FNB Stadium, Arendse scored a try there too before backing it up stateside.
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Bok coach Rassie Erasmus noted Arendse’s contribution at the weekend, adding: “When Kurt-Lee started burning – of course, Kurt-Lee himself admitted he was going through a bit of a dip, a mental dip and a physical dip.
“I thought when Kurt-Lee scored that try, that was pivotal.”
Arendse boasts a try-scoring ratio of 77.1% in the green and gold – second only to former centre Danie Gerber’s 79.2% (19 tries in 24 Tests).
The former Blitzbok’s elusiveness and pace, with his bravery under the high ball, always makes him a threat, and he will be on the Wallabies’ watchlist ahead of a one-off Test in Perth on Sunday, 27 September.
Electric out wide to help secure the #RugbysGreatestRivalry series finale.#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/fAYiJafDfb
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 14, 2026
Photo: Michael Franken/Michael Franken Photography
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Kurt-Lee Arendse’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series started off bumpy, but the Baltimore finale was an electrifying reminder of the Springbok flyer’s elite finishing.
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