Erasmus insists Springboks can recover after All Blacks defeat

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says South Africa can still rescue Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry after their 33-16 defeat by the All Blacks at Ellis Park, despite acknowledging that his side must correct “a lot of things” before the second Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Springboks conceded five tries and scored only one in the opening match, leaving New Zealand in a strong position in the series. South Africa now need to win three consecutive Tests if they are to claim the series.

Erasmus, however, rejected the idea that the loss represented a catastrophe, pointing to previous setbacks overcome by the Springboks.

“We have been in many catastrophic situations in our lives,” said Erasmus.

“We lost the first Test against the British & Irish Lions [in 2021] and everyone said it was a catastrophe.

“We lost the first pool game against New Zealand in the World Cup [in 2019] and everyone said that was catastrophic, so we have been in a lot of catastrophic situations.”

The result leaves South Africa with no margin for error as they prepare to move to Cape Town. New Zealand thoroughly deserved their advantage, Erasmus said, but the Springboks still have a route back into the contest.

“We’re now in a position where if we want to win the series we have to win three games on the trot. So, without doubt, it puts them in a very good position which they thoroughly deserve.”

“Now we have to go to Cape Town and try and win there. If we do, it’s all level, but we still have to win three matches in a row. I wouldn’t say it’s catastrophic because there is a way out, and that’s winning three matches on the trot.”

The scale of the task was underlined by South Africa’s performance at Ellis Park, where they were outscored five tries to one. Erasmus said the team’s display required significant improvement before they face the All Blacks again.

The Springboks had been expected to respond strongly after the defeat, with the coaching staff and players facing the challenge of turning around a disappointing start to the series. Their loss left them with everything to do, but Erasmus and his squad will attempt to use the setback as motivation.

South Africa’s players will also be aware that New Zealand are likely to expect a reaction from the hosts in the second Test. A wounded Springbok side can be dangerous, and the All Blacks will know they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

The second Test in Cape Town therefore carries considerable importance for both teams. New Zealand can build on the momentum of their convincing opening victory, while South Africa must find a way to recover quickly and begin the three-match winning run required to keep their series hopes alive.

With the Springboks needing an immediate response and the All Blacks defending their advantage, the build-up to Saturday’s match promises to be a fascinating week.