Rassie Erasmus calls on Springboks to turn defeat into motivation ahead of Cape Town match

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.'

Ahead of the first test match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park this week, head coach of the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus, faces complex tasks in team selection. Particular attention is drawn to the question of the readiness of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi for the clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.

The greatest rivalry in rugby

The main concern preceding this match was the physical condition of captain Siya Kolisi, who had to leave the field after 24 minutes following his return in the match against Argentina due to a recurring hamstring injury. Nevertheless, assistant coach Felix Jones reported this week that Kolisi successfully completed training sessions on Monday and Tuesday without complications.

Star left prop Ox Nche is also feeling well, having sustained a knee injury during the Nations Cup against England. Including Nche presents a risk that the Boks team can afford, as there will likely be two players capable of playing at left prop in the bench. Versatile Jan-Hendrik Vessels is likely to feature in the reserves to replace either the hooker or a prop.

If Kolisi cannot take the field, young flanker Paul de Villiers is ready to occupy the open flanker position. De Villiers showed outstanding play during the Nations Cup and could be a dynamic option from the bench in the absence of Kgagu Smith.

In the second row, Erasmus also faces a difficult choice regarding a partner for Eben Etzebeth. Lud de Jager has returned from injury and offers impressive height and a strong presence in the scrum, but Juan Nortje has significantly improved his skills in recent seasons in de Jager's absence, establishing himself as a hardworking player capable of leading the scrum.

At the halfback position, the dynamic pairing of Kobus Reinach and Sachi Feinberg-Mngomezulu may continue their successful collaboration in the Boks. This duo brilliantly managed the game during victories over Ireland and France in November 2025, as well as in the match against Argentina in Durban.

However, the debate over selecting the in-game playmaker is far from simple. Mani Libbok possesses attacking talent that allows him to break down the New Zealand defense from the start, playing at number 10 in the two most significant Boks victories over the old rival. Andre Pollard's game, characterized by composure in game management, remains an attractive option, whether in the starting lineup or on the bench.

The structure of the bench will be no less decisive. Erasmus faces a tactical choice: use the traditional 6–2 formation, switch to a more aggressive 7–1 setup, or opt for a flexible 5–3 structure. Andre Esterhuizen plays a key role in this equation, whose transformation into a true hybrid player allows him to play as a forward in defense while maintaining his lethal position in the midfield.

This gives Erasmus the opportunity to include two locks in the reserves, which could be a viable option if Etzebeth and de Jager, who have only played once for the Boks this season, start against the All Blacks. Without Smith in the squad, it is highly unlikely that the Boks will choose the 7–1 formation, but as is known, this is Rassie Erasmus—anything is possible.

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.