A late Deon Fourie push-over try set up Western Stormers for a 19-18 win over Wellington Hurricanes Friday in a tense Super Rugby struggle at Newlands.
Fly-half Demetri Catrakilis converted from near the touchline and the South Africans won a match they seemed likely to lose after trailing 12-6 at half-time.
Catrakilis gave another faultless goal-kicking performance, also slotting four penalties for a 14-point haul before an often subdued crowd.
New Zealand wings Julian Savea and Cory Jane scored a try each for the visitors and fly-half Beauden Barrett converted one and landed two penalties.
It was a match Stormers dared not lose after a shock defeat by fellow South Africans Golden Lions last weekend, and a tough four-match tour of Australasia starting next weekend.
Hurricanes, who began their season by failing badly against the Coastal Sharks in Durban last weekend, will be disappointed at not ending an eight-year losing streak in Cape Town.
"It was better than last weekend," said Stormers and Springboks captain and centre Jean de Villiers. "This has been a tough week with many harsh words after the Lions loss.
"Had I been offered a one-point win before the game, the answer would have been 'yes'. Let us give credit to the Hurricanes - they are a tough, quality side."
All Blacks and Hurricanes centre and skipper Conrad Smith said: "Rugby can be a cruel game as we played really well only to lose at the death.
"Our defence was outstanding and I am really proud of the boys. A couple of tour defeats is disappointing, but there is a long season ahead."
