South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus says he’s relieved that the Springboks managed to claw again a victory towards New Zealand in Ellis Park and admits at one stage they had been simply aiming to cease the All Blacks from coming away with 5 competitors factors.
The Boks, trailing by 10 factors with 10 minutes left, made a dramatic comeback with tries from Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams, securing a 31-27 Rugby Championship victory over the All Blacks.
The house facet led for less than 9 minutes within the match and scored fewer tries than Scott Robertson’s All Blacks.
Siya Kolisi says the win was written within the stars
Siya Kolisi says the win was written within the stars
“I believe the blokes did very well to tug off a victory towards a New Zealand staff that performed very well and dominated the entire recreation,” mentioned Erasmus.
“Our boys had a number of alternatives however for lengthy spells we had been out of the sport. They dominated for lengthy durations, however the guys stayed centered and got here via.
“At one level they had been three tries up and looking out like getting 5 factors and our focus was on stopping them getting the bonus level. New Zealand would have been deserving if that they had received.”
Factors Movement Chart
South Africa win +4
Time in lead
13%
% Of Sport In Lead
81%
67%
Possession Final 10 min
33%
Erasmus recommended the performances of Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Ruan Nortje, who collectively had solely 18 caps once they began the sport.
“We wished to see how the newer gamers may deal with the event and the strain and Aphelele Fassi got here via with flying colors,” mentioned Erasmus.
“Sacha got here via as properly – however that’s to not say that Handre (Pollard) is out of it or that Manie (Libbok) is out of it. We’re going to maintain on constructing the squad.
“To play New Zealand is huge; to beat New Zealand and is huge and for gamers to step up towards Tier One nations like Eire and towards an incredible New Zealand staff is actually good for our long-term plans.”
The Springboks stay the one undefeated staff within the competitors after three rounds, however Erasmus is targeted on the upcoming Check towards the All Blacks in Cape City.
“This places us in a superb place within the Rugby Championship, however we don’t know what Australia and Argentina are going to do,” he mentioned. “If Argentina win each video games it would make it fascinating, so we’re beneath no illusions.
“Successful the Citadel Lager Rugby Championship is essential, and I might undoubtedly like to win it, however we will certainly transfer gamers round subsequent week and hopefully they make it, however we received’t get forward of ourselves.
“All the things didn’t go proper right now, and we’ll take a look at why we didn’t get out of our half at phases and why we didn’t capitalise on possibilities a number of occasions. Our focus is just on subsequent week.”
