By: Bon Miguela Nhlapo
South Africa edged New Zealand 33-26 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday in the second Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has warned his team to work on improving ahead of the third test.
The victory drew the four-Test series at 1-all following last weekend’s 33-16 defeat in Johannesburg. The Boks were in the lead from the second minute and held on for a hard-fought win, despite being outscored four tries to three.
A flawless performance by Cheslin Kolbe contributed four penalty goals, while Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi scored South Africa’s tries which all converted.
Erasmus praised the All Blacks’ performance and said South Africa could not afford to become complacent just yet.
They are a brilliant team and there are definitely things we must fix,” said Erasmus.
The coach admitted there was immense pressure to perform following last week’s defeat, but stressed that the Boks still had work to do.
We must make sure we’re not comfortable after this win and think we’re all good again because there were things we didn’t do well.”
A late switch to the front row raised some concerns but the coach kept to his decision and it worked out. He explained the switch was made in consideration of the drier weather conditions in the Cape for the weekend.
Ending off on a personal high note, Pieter-Steph du Toit earned his 100th Test cap and took over the captaincy after Siya Kolisi was replaced.
The rivals meet again in the third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg next Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10.