Rassie Erasmus called on Springboks to improve their game against All Blacks in Baltimore

Despite Springboks' triumphant 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Soweto, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized that their task is not yet complete. The teams traveled to the USA on Saturday evening, where they face the fourth and final match of the series in Baltimore.

The South African national team leads this great rivalry series 2-1, but New Zealand's win on Saturday evening (at 23:00 Saudi time) will result in a draw in the series.

On the conclusion of the series

Erasmus noted that although many thought the series was taking place in South Africa, it is not, as they played three matches at home, holding a one-match advantage. Nevertheless, the final game is yet to come. He added: 'We cannot lose it anymore because there is no difference in points or tries scored, like in a decisive round. But the trophy was originally designed in two parts to be shared in case of a draw. So, the game continues.'

Erasmus joked that he and All Blacks coach Dave Rennie might share a beer on the flight to America, although the drinks would be different. He continued: 'I hope Dave will drink with me on the flight. His will be a little more bitter, and mine a little sweeter.'

After arriving on Sunday, the team will return to camp to assess injuries and begin planning. Erasmus stressed the importance of the confrontation: 'This is the greatest rivalry, and we are playing trying to win the series, and they will be trying to level it. So, no, it will be damn important.'

Details of the Soccer City match

Springboks had to fight for every inch to secure the victory in Soccer City, trailing until the 58th minute before taking control in the closing stages. They managed to create a two-point lead just 10 minutes before the end of the match, which was filled with drama and sharp changes in pace.

Erasmus expressed satisfaction after the game: 'We are happy today. It was epic. It was tense.' He added that the final score showed how close the game was, and they were simply happy with the win. Now, being on the same plane, they need to try to repeat this success in Baltimore.

Erasmus admitted that the All Blacks dominated most of the first half, praising their ability to retain possession and keep Springboks under pressure. 'They were definitely ahead in the first half,' he said. 'I think we all envy how they handle the ball, and they are certainly brilliant at it.' He noted that luck helped them equalize at halftime, which gave hope.

He described the game as a nerve-wracking experience for all participants. 'I'm not sure what my heart rate was, but we were definitely nervous. And I think they were too.' The narrow margin of victory highlighted how small the differences are between the two leading rugby nations. Erasmus concluded that this fits the hype, and they do not consider themselves 'damn great', believing that a large part of it was luck.

Team squad before the trip to the USA

However, Springboks will be without Cheslin Kolbe in Baltimore, as Erasmus reported that the winger broke his jaw during Saturday's match. Kolbe will not travel to the USA with props Carlu Seydi, Boan Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as versatile forwards Kobus Wise and Ben-Jason Dixon.

Good news came from the backline: Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, and Kanaann Moody, who struggled with injuries in recent weeks, have been cleared for travel.

Rassie Erasmus emphasized the importance for the Springboks of playing home matches in 2026, especially the third game against the All Blacks, which will allow them to avoid losing the series.

Erasmus explained that the series is extremely important for the team, which they desperately want to win. After losing the first game and winning the second, the team decided to keep the squad, considering it the best decision for one of the key matches of the series.

He noted: 'We cannot win (the series) this Saturday, but we can guarantee that we won't lose it, as the last match will be either a draw or (a complete victory in the series). Therefore, we just feel that this is the best team to achieve our goal this weekend.'

Next week, the 'Greatest Rivalry' tour will conclude in Baltimore, making the match at the FNB stadium near Soweto the last for the Boks in the country in 2026. Erasmus added: 'This is our last match on South African soil in 2026. We would like to give our fans a victory.'

If the team does not resolve its defensive issues, the All Blacks may take advantage of it. In the first two matches, the All Blacks repeatedly caught the Boks off guard in wide areas where an unprotected player was always present. The Kiwis scored nine points against four South Africans.

Erasmus commented on the Kiwis' game, noting: 'They were brilliant in the wide areas. That is what they do very well under Dave Rennie. Under his attacking coach, they are hard to stop.'

He also spoke about Mike Blair, the former Scottish midfielder recruited by Rennie: 'Their two halves were the result of individual defensive errors. They beat us and outsmarted us in the other two, and we must be ready for that. So this is an area where we must improve.'

Furthermore, Erasmus stated that the South Africans had to work harder for their points than their opponents because the Kiwis have players who individually surpass the Boks players physically: 'Undoubtedly, that is something we must fix.'

Erasmus formed a starting lineup that differs only slightly from the squad that won in Cape Town. Damian Willemse was replaced by Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and Kurt-Lee Arendse plays on the flank instead of Kolbe. Recently, before last week's match, Erasmus fielded a reserve front line consisting of Gerhard Steenkamp, Dion Fourie, and Thomas du Toit in the starting lineup, while Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Vilko Lou played on the bench.

Erasmus explained how this was possible: 'We did it, it worked. I see that there was some issue with this. But an hour before the match, when you submit your player list, if they are in your 23-man squad, you can change the entire bench and start other guys if you want.'

He confirmed the legality of this action: 'It complies with the rules of the game. Frankly, we thought it would be a very wet match, and there is no doubt that heavier players scrum better on heavy fields, and lighter ones on firm fields. This weekend we plan to stick to this starting lineup.'

After South Africa leveled the series with New Zealand in the greatest rugby rivalry, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized that the team still has several deficiencies to address.

The second match in Cape Town ended with the South African team winning 33-26 against the All Blacks, allowing them to regain balance after the loss in the first match in Ellis Park. However, Erasmus warned that they should not relax after this victory, as the team made mistakes.

The series is tense, and the upcoming third match at the FNB stadium in Soweto is crucial. A win in Johannesburg would give the hosts a significant advantage before the fourth and final match, which will take place in the USA. Despite the improved play in Cape Town, the world champions realize there is much they need to fix.

Erasmus admitted that he felt pressure and nervousness during the game, noting that the players could confirm his feelings. He added that in South Africa, no one wants to support a team that is underperforming, and although isolated losses do not make the team a loser, a continuous string of setbacks creates strong pressure. Acknowledging that 'they are a brilliant team and there are definitely things we must correct.'

The second test showed greater clinicality from the Springboks, especially in terms of physical strength and set-piece play against the All Blacks. Nevertheless, the visitors demonstrated a sufficient level to keep the hosts under pressure until the final whistle.

The coach also reported that fullback Damian Willemse is questionable for the upcoming match, and outside centre Jesse Kriel also sustained an injury in the game and could be another casualty this week. Nevertheless, the team's focus will immediately shift to the next meeting and what needs to be done to secure a win in Soweto.

South Africa gained confidence from the Cape Town duel by correcting the errors that cost them the victory in Ellis Park. However, the Springboks fully understand that the 'Kiwis' have also learned many lessons. Erasmus noted that the All Blacks are a very strong team, and they have improved since last year; they attacked with width, made adjustments away from the line, and possess excellent coaching staff and athleticism.