Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has warned that South Africa will need to improve significantly in the third Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday (29 August 2026).
The Springboks levelled the three-match series at 1-1 with a hard-fought 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, following their 33-16 defeat in the opening Test in Johannesburg.
Despite the victory, the Boks were outscored four tries to three. Cheslin Kolbe produced a flawless kicking display, landing four penalties, while Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi scored the Springboks’ tries, with Kolbe converting all three.
“They are a brilliant team and there are definitely things we must fix,” Erasmus said.
“I don’t want to be technical about the edge defence, but they have really smart players, and they are two classes up from what they were last year.
“The one thing we immediately agreed in the changing room is that this is a really good New Zealand team. This week we did a lot of things much better, and I can tell you now that this is not the same New Zealand team we played last year.
“They attacked with width, they got offloads away, they’re really well coached and they’ve got athletes who can beat you on a dime. A couple more phases at the end and it could have been a draw.”
The Springboks scored inside the opening two minutes and were never headed as they secured a crucial victory to ease some of the pressure following last week’s heavy defeat.
Erasmus acknowledged the pressure surrounding the team after the opening loss.
“We 100% understand the pressure and why people are upset because no one wants to support a losing team,” he said.
“No one in South Africa wants to support anything that’s not working. A loss here and there doesn’t make you a losing team immediately, but it’s when you go on a losing run that the pressure comes on.
“But of course, I felt the pressure. I think the players will tell you I felt the pressure. I was nervous.”
Erasmus said the victory should not lead to complacency ahead of the deciding Test.
“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.”
Erasmus explains front-row changes
The Springbok coach also explained the late change to the starting front row, with the trio initially named among the replacements promoted to the starting XV.
He said the decision was influenced by the change to drier weather conditions.
“The closer we came to the game the weather was said to be dry, so we felt that a front row that was a little bit lighter would be better on a dry field,” Erasmus said.
Du Toit celebrates 100th cap
The Test was also a landmark occasion for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who earned his 100th Springbok cap
.
Du Toit took over the captaincy after Siya Kolisi was replaced in the second half.
“I started at Newlands and now to be here at Cape Town Stadium was very special for me; being able to have all my family here. I’m just very grateful for how things played out,” Du Toit said.
The series will be decided in the third Test at FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Saturday 5 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The Springboks levelled the three-match series at 1-1 with a hard-fought 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, following their 33-16 defeat in the opening Test in Johannesburg.
Despite the victory, the Boks were outscored four tries to three. Cheslin Kolbe produced a flawless kicking display, landing four penalties, while Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi scored the Springboks’ tries, with Kolbe converting all three.
“They are a brilliant team and there are definitely things we must fix,” Erasmus said.
“I don’t want to be technical about the edge defence, but they have really smart players, and they are two classes up from what they were last year.
“The one thing we immediately agreed in the changing room is that this is a really good New Zealand team. This week we did a lot of things much better, and I can tell you now that this is not the same New Zealand team we played last year.
“They attacked with width, they got offloads away, they’re really well coached and they’ve got athletes who can beat you on a dime. A couple more phases at the end and it could have been a draw.”
The Springboks scored inside the opening two minutes and were never headed as they secured a crucial victory to ease some of the pressure following last week’s heavy defeat.
Erasmus acknowledged the pressure surrounding the team after the opening loss.
“We 100% understand the pressure and why people are upset because no one wants to support a losing team,” he said.
“No one in South Africa wants to support anything that’s not working. A loss here and there doesn’t make you a losing team immediately, but it’s when you go on a losing run that the pressure comes on.
“But of course, I felt the pressure. I think the players will tell you I felt the pressure. I was nervous.”
Erasmus said the victory should not lead to complacency ahead of the deciding Test.
“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.”
Erasmus explains front-row changes
The Springbok coach also explained the late change to the starting front row, with the trio initially named among the replacements promoted to the starting XV.
He said the decision was influenced by the change to drier weather conditions.
“The closer we came to the game the weather was said to be dry, so we felt that a front row that was a little bit lighter would be better on a dry field,” Erasmus said.
Du Toit celebrates 100th cap
The Test was also a landmark occasion for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who earned his 100th Springbok cap
.
Du Toit took over the captaincy after Siya Kolisi was replaced in the second half.
“I started at Newlands and now to be here at Cape Town Stadium was very special for me; being able to have all my family here. I’m just very grateful for how things played out,” Du Toit said.
The series will be decided in the third Test at FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Saturday 5 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
