'It's easier said than done': All Black leaders search for answers

REACTION: There will be a lot of soul-searching in the All Black camp over the next two weeks after they failed to capitalise on winning positions against the Springboks in South Africa.

The world champions overturned a 3-9 half-time deficit to win 18-12 in their Rugby Championship Round Four encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

The win was South Africa’s fourth in as many matches in the tournament, almost guaranteeing them the title.

Meanwhile, it was New Zealand’s third defeat, eliminating them from contention.

A week earlier at Ellis Park, the All Blacks had a 27-17 lead going into the final 15 minutes before the Boks staged a fightback to win 31-27.

As a leader, captain Scott Barrett was asked what his approach will be to help turn things around ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies in Sydney on September 21.

“I think we have to regroup. There is certainly going to be a lot of discomfort heading into the bye week and we have to highlight what that is exactly,” said Barrett

“Right now, I am not too sure, but we have to be better.”

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Vice-captain Ardie Savea said the team was “gutted” after this latest defeat, where they failed to score a try in the match.

“I feel for the boys,” he said.

“We gave ourselves opportunities to close it out, but we didn’t.

“It’s a testament to the Springboks and what they do and can do.

“The boys are really gutted.”

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On those opportunities that weren’t taken over the last couple of weeks, Savea added: “It’s probably individual skillsets.

“As a leader, it starts with us.

“We are getting into the right areas of the field and then we are just giving the Springboks penalties and losing the ball.

“We’ve got to try and stop those. It’s easier said than done.”

Savea said it was important that they move on from this tour and see what they can do to grow as a squad.

“We feel the hurt.

“It hurts, but I’m a bit of an optimistic fella,” said Savea.

“My baby son turned two today [Saturday], so even though I’m hurt, I am still grateful for the little things in life.

“I will go home and see my family and most of the boys will do that, but when we come back, we are ready to work and ready to take the lessons instead of talking about it.”

@rugby365com