Sports Reporter
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the team still has unfinished business against New Zealand despite taking an unassailable lead in their four-Test series with a dramatic 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The win in Soweto put the Springboks 2-1 ahead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, meaning the All Blacks can now only draw the series by winning the final Test in Baltimore, United States, next Saturday.
“I know a lot of people said that this is the series here in South Africa, but it is not — we’ve played three games here and we’re one up, but the final game is still to come,” said Erasmus.
“I know we can’t lose it anymore because there’s not points difference or tries scored (as a tie breaker). But the trophy was actually designed in two halves to be shared if it’s a draw. So, it’s game on.”
The two squads will now travel together to the United States before preparing for the final clash.
Erasmus said there would be little time for South Africa to celebrate before attention turned to finishing the tour with another victory.
“Hopefully me and Dave (Rennie, All Blacks head coach) will have a beer. His will be a little bit more bitter and mine will be a little sweeter. But then on Sunday we arrive there and we get into camp again.
“We assess the injuries; we start planning and it’s number one and two again. It’s the greatest rivalry and we play to try and win the series, and they will try and to draw the series. So, no, it’s going to be flipping important.”
South Africa had to fight their way back into Saturday’s contest after spending much of the first half under pressure.
The Springboks did not take the lead until the 58th minute and only opened up a two-score advantage with about 10 minutes remaining before holding off a late New Zealand challenge.
Erasmus admitted the intensity of the contest had taken its toll on both teams.
“It was epic. It was intense. I think the scoreboard at the end showed how close the game was. We’re just happy we won.
“Now we’re on the same flight and now we must try and go replicate that in Baltimore. They were definitely on top (in the first half). All of us I think envy the way they can handle the ball and they’re certainly brilliant at that. Luckily we went in level at halftime which gives you some hope.
“I’m not sure what my heart rate was but we were certainly nervous. And I think they were nervous.
“It’s massive, this is. You’re playing number one and two in the world and it switches one week to the next and it certainly lives up to that (hype), and I can tell you now, we’re not sitting here thinking we are flipping awesome. We’re thinking there was also a lot of luck that that went our way.”
The victory came at a cost, however, with star wing Cheslin Kolbe ruled out of the final Test after fracturing his jaw during the first half.
Kolbe will remain in South Africa along with props Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu and utility forwards Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon.
There was better news for the Springboks in the backline, with Damian Willemse, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie all fit to travel after battling injuries in recent weeks.
The fourth and final Test will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, with kick-off at 23:00 South African time.
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