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During the match at Ellis Park between the Springboks and the All Blacks, Springbok fullback Damian Willemse took a high pass under heavy pressure on Saturday. He was one of the few outstanding players for the 'Boks' in the losing team against the All Blacks.

The Springboks controlled the game, pressed the All Blacks to their own goal line, and sought to earn decisive points that could change the course of the opening of the greatest rugby rivalry in Johannesburg. However, the referee's decision regarding the scrum was made against the world champions, and New Zealand managed to overcome the pressure and completely turn the game around a few minutes later.

The Greatest Rugby Rivalry

When the Boks were trailing 16-19 around the 58th minute and needed only three points to level the score, the All Blacks organized a powerful scrum on their goal line to avoid danger after the home side opted for a scrum following a penalty. They then advanced and scored, increasing their lead, which decisively shifted the momentum in their favor, ultimately winning 33-16 at Ellis Park.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, however, felt that the referee made the correct decision regarding the scrum, although he admitted that Gerhard Steenkamp bypassed a player during the play.

Erasmus stated: 'I think it was the right decision, and I believe Gerhard bypassed (during the scrum).' He continued: 'The option from above (from the coaching area) was to take three points (from a penalty), because we were only behind by that amount at that stage. But undoubtedly, they played very well in the scrum. Since then, the momentum shifted.'

He added that many of the team's errors were caused by the good play of New Zealand. 'The ball wasn't slippery, and we cannot use that as an excuse; we are also not an inexperienced team that was playing. Probably it was the pressure they put on us during the ball breakdown and in open play.'

Erasmus also expressed regret that the Boks were only leading by one point at halftime, despite dominating most of the first 40 minutes of the match.

Despite having many attacking opportunities in the All Blacks' half and in the 22-meter zone, errors, including knock-ons, interrupted their progress, allowing the Kiwis to repeatedly exit dangerous areas without conceding points or missing just three, which suited them.

He noted: 'I am sorry, and perhaps that is their strength. They know how to stop you in the 22-meter zone in different ways; whether it's knocking the ball on, tackling on the ground, or harassing the midfielder within the rules, and we couldn't handle it.' Erasmus concluded: 'I thought that until the 50th minute we were truly dominant territorially and in possession, and we were in the game. But with such a classy team as the All Blacks, if you don't convert, they will give you a real punishment.'

Rassie Erasmus admitted to feeling nervous ahead of the upcoming clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks, but emphasized that both teams will play at their maximum capacity at Ellis Park stadium.

Before the start of the first test match in this greatest rugby rivalry, Erasmus stated that the Boks team does not intend to slow down, even knowing that the series in Johannesburg will not be decided by a single match. He noted that no member of the management, players, coaching staff, physiotherapist, or medical staff wishes to lose the first match, so they will certainly put forth all their efforts to win.

Nevertheless, the Boks coach understands that a defeat at the beginning of the series is not fatal. Previously, the Boks lost the first match of the British and Irish Lions series in 2021, but then won the next two. They also recovered from a loss to New Zealand in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup to win the Webb Ellis Cup. A similar situation occurred in the 2023 World Cup when they lost a group match against Ireland.

Erasmus predicts that the fate of the entire series will only be determined in the third match. He suggested that one could lose the first match and win the next two, or lose the first and win the second, and the third match might not be decisive, with the fourth match in Baltimore becoming the deciding factor. He added that there will always be time to return to the series, but winning the first match is always preferable, and both teams will fight for it with full power.

Furthermore, Erasmus realizes that this test match is only the beginning of a physically demanding campaign, and believes that player management could be a decisive factor. The Boks deliberately kept their players in better condition compared to their New Zealand counterparts during preparation. Over the last six weeks, New Zealand averaged 200 minutes per player, while the Boks used about 130 minutes per player. He stressed that players' form cannot be judged by matches played before this period, as they do not reflect current readiness for play, and that the main focus is on maintaining squad freshness.

Erasmus expects injuries to play a significant role as the series progresses. He is one hundred percent sure that by the third round, which could be the most important, there will be another six or seven injuries in each camp. This is why managing player playing time is of enormous importance.

Despite the series being a marathon, Erasmus knows the psychological value of an early advantage. He stated that if they manage to strike the first blow in the first match, it will be a huge achievement.

The Boks coach was also asked whether the All Blacks are the team South Africa most wants to beat in world rugby. His answer reflected both the history between the two countries and his personal experience of feeling underestimated when the Boks were recovering. Erasmus assured that he would answer honestly, as he always tries to respect other countries. He recalled times when the Boks were ranked sixth in the world, and the All Blacks, England, and Ireland only discussed major world teams, which caused unpleasant feelings.

However, he did not hide what the rivalry with the All Blacks means to him, nor the pressure it creates. Erasmus admitted that the preparation is not without nervousness: 'If I say that this preparation is not causing nervousness, I will be lying. Sitting here, I am nervous. I am not going to pretend that I am not nervous. The team is nervous. I think the fans are nervous too. But I am almost sure that on the other side it is the same. We can look calm, we can say that we are completely in control of the situation, but no, it is colossal.' In this rivalry, which needs no exaggeration, Erasmus agreed that the Springbok versus All Black match is at the very top of the rugby hierarchy. He concluded that if it is not the greatest rivalry, it is only slightly below that title, and it is a very emotional and proud thing to be part of it.

Team Lineups for Ellis Park:

The Springboks squad includes: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sasha Feynberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Juan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilko Lou, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Reserves: 16 Jan-Hendrik Vessels, 17 Gerhard Steenkamp, 18 Zachary Porten, 19 Kobus Wiese, 20 Andre Estherhoizen, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Kobus Reinhans, 23 Mani Libbok.

The All Blacks squad includes: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Murphy, 10 Ruben Law, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jakobson, 6 Tupou Va'a, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Cody Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Reserves: 16 Asafu Amua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus faces a difficult selection challenge ahead of the upcoming test series against the All Blacks, as captain Siya Kolisi is once again in doubt due to a recurring hamstring injury.

Kolisi sustained the injury just 24 minutes into his return appearance against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Although Erasmus remains optimistic about the severity of the issue, the short preparation window forces the coaching staff to develop contingency plans for both the backline combination and the bench squad.

If Kolisi cannot take the field, Paul de Villiers, a player for the Stormers, is the most likely candidate to start at open flanker. De Villiers demonstrated outstanding play during the World Club Championship in July, establishing himself as a key threat in ball retention and a dynamic ball carrier while Kolisi was on the bench.

However, promoting De Villiers to the starting lineup triggers a chain reaction in the match-day squad, particularly regarding who will provide late-game impact from the bench within the famous 'Bomb Squad.' Under normal circumstances, De Villiers would likely replace the dynamic Kwagga Smith, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

If Kolisi were fit to play, De Villiers would provide an explosive, game-changing role off the bench in the traditional 6-2 ratio. If De Villiers starts, Erasmus must decide who will fill this critical role. Veteran Dion Fourie offers immense experience in ball retention and versatility, as he can play at hooker, making him an attractive option to replicate Smith's destructive impact late in the game.

Alternatively, Marco van Staden provides raw physical power and relentless work rate in tight spaces, offering a more direct, power-based impact, as well as a threat in the air.

The forward reserve group adds another interesting dimension to the discussion. Erasmus successfully utilized the heavy artillery bench against Argentina by bringing on two locks, Kobus Wiesse and Ben-Jason Dixon, to dominate set pieces and collisions in the final quarters. Repeating this tactic against New Zealand would allow them to maintain maximum power in the middle of the park, and their versatility also allows them to operate as backline players.

If the Boks opt for greater versatility at open flanker in the 6-2 setup, they might reduce the number of specialized locks on the bench to one. In that scenario, World Cup two-time winner Pieter-Steph du Toit could transition from blindside flanker to lock in the second half, allowing two specialized 'hunters' like Van Staden and Fourie to remain on the bench when the game becomes tight in the final quarter.

There is also the intriguing possibility of completely abandoning the 6-2 setup in favor of a 5-3 ratio. Such a move would likely depend on the inclusion of Andre Esterhuizen. This fast centre possesses the size, defensive aggression, and strength to act as a hybrid backline player in emergencies, providing the Boks with extra cover in the backline without completely sacrificing forward power.

Esterhuizen made a huge impression off the bench as a hybrid player against the All Blacks in Wellington last year, and he proved invaluable when the Boks were reduced to 14 men against France after Lud de Jager's red card during their November tour. Given that marginal differences will be decisive, Erasmus's final choice will hinge on the trade-off between raw forward depth and tactical adaptability. Replacing Kolisi's leadership and work rate will require a flawless combination of starting effectiveness and bench influence.