'Neither of us would've achieved anything': Rassie dismisses 'exhibition match' claims
INTERVIEW: Much has been said about the fourth and final Greatest Rivalry Test being an exhibition match played in Baltimore.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, however, have a vastly different view on the topic.
Many fans and pundits claim that South Africa won the series 2-1 on home soil, despite it being a four-match series.
Ahead of the third Test in Soweto, All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair had a similar outlook when the teams were locked at one win apiece.
“Technically, you could argue the series would be one on whoever wins this game because those are the three games in South Africa,” Blair said ahead of the third Test.
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However, Erasmus dismissed those claims, saying the location and ground are irrelevant to what a Test series constitutes.
“I don’t want to appear arrogant, but New Zealand will have the same stance – they’ll give everything to win the match and share the trophy,” Erasmus said.
“Both teams will be equally motivated. I don’t agree that the series finished in South Africa and this is just an extra Test match.”
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Erasmus shared his view regarding a drawn series should New Zealand get one over the World Champions on Saturday.
“We knew from the outset that the fourth Test will take place in Baltimore – there was a lot of chat around whether there will be extra time [in case of a draw], and we ended up deciding that the trophy would be shared if we draw level here.
“We knew about this months ago – we’re preparing to win just as New Zealand does. If they win, we’re level [2-2].
“Then neither of us would’ve achieved anything – it’s a huge game for us and New Zealand would view it the same way as well.”
