Rassie: 'We’re not sitting here thinking we're all flipping awesome'
REACTION: Rassie Erasmus described the Springboks’ dramatic 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Soweto as one of the most emotional wins of his coaching career, admitting he desperately wanted his team to “take rugby to the people” at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa edged ahead 2-1 in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry with a pulsating victory over New Zealand, but for Erasmus the result represented more than taking the lead in the four-Test series.
The Springbok coach said the triumph was the reward for a group that has grown together since 2018, while acknowledging the All Blacks are building towards the same point under Dave Rennie.
“I was unbelievably emotional today because I wanted us to come to Soweto and take it to the people,” Erasmus said after the match.
“We’ve got the luxury of knowing each other for nine years through tough times. Not to say we’re always going to win because of that, but we’re maybe just a little bit more used to those moments.”
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#REACTION: ‘It’s frustrating’: Rennie identifies where All Blacks lost third Test to Boks 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #NewZealand #AllBlacks #RSAvNZL https://t.co/NBhjPmhxgR
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Nine years together gives Springboks an edge
Erasmus rejected suggestions that the series had already been won simply because the Springboks took a 2-1 lead on home soil, insisting every Test has been fiercely contested.
He pointed to the continuity South Africa have built since his return to the national side in 2018, contrasting it with Rennie’s relatively new All Blacks project.
“Please don’t see this as boasting, but we’ve been together since 2018.
“We’ve hardly selected teams based purely on continuity since the World Cup because the plan was always to give players opportunities with one eye on the next World Cup.
“When we got into this rivalry series, it was about building momentum and continuity.”
Erasmus said he understands exactly what Rennie is experiencing after taking over the All Blacks.
“He’s building a team and I know what that feels like. In 2018 I got this team 18 months before a World Cup.
“At the right moment you need momentum. I know these players inside out, and they know me.”
The Springbok coach labelled the series an “epic” battle between the world’s top two teams and believes it has lived up to every expectation.
“I think the whole series so far has been epic.”
“Now they have the chance to draw it in Baltimore. We’re happy tonight, but we know what’s coming.”
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Kolbe injury and early chaos tested the Boks
The Springboks lost Cheslin Kolbe to a broken jaw just nine minutes into the match, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was temporarily off the field after receiving a yellow card during the same passage of play.
New Zealand capitalised immediately to score, leaving South Africa under enormous pressure.
“They were fast out of the blocks.
“Nobody can deny how brilliantly they handle the ball. They keep it alive and they play to their strengths.”
Erasmus admitted half-time, with the scores locked at 12-12, gave the Springboks renewed belief despite knowing they would have to play into the wind after the break.
He also felt South Africa missed opportunities in the opening half through handling errors and long-range penalty chances.
“There were one or two knock-ons and simple errors. Jesse knocked one on out wide and there were scrap balls we didn’t get.”
“But over 80 minutes it evened itself out.”
No complacency before Baltimore
Despite celebrating a historic first victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium, Erasmus insisted the Springboks were far from satisfied.
“I’m telling you now, I’m not sure what my heart rate was, but we were certainly nervous.
“It’s massive. You’re playing number one and two in the world every week.
“And I can tell you now, we’re not sitting here thinking we’re all flipping awesome.
“We’re thinking there was also a lot of luck that went our way.”
The series now heads to Baltimore, where the Springboks will chase a 3-1 series victory.
