Rassie Erasmus, the coach of the Springboks, is determined to ensure his team avoids the 'punch-drunk' finish that has plagued them in recent matches against the All Blacks. With the series tied at 1-1, South Africa's struggles in the second half of the games have been a cause for concern. Erasmus acknowledges the issue, attributing it to a combination of factors, including penalties and yellow cards, which have disrupted their momentum.
In the third Test, scheduled for Johannesburg, Erasmus aims to instil a more energetic approach. He believes that consistent team selection can help achieve this, drawing parallels to the 2023 World Cup where they managed to overcome similar challenges. Erasmus also highlights the importance of managing player fatigue, noting that the Springboks have played fewer minutes than their New Zealand counterparts over the past six weeks.
Looking ahead, Erasmus emphasizes the need to improve in specific areas, particularly against the All Blacks' impressive attack in the wider channels. He acknowledges their success in outplaying and outsmarting the Springboks in Cape Town, emphasizing the importance of converting opportunities and improving one-on-one defensive skills. Erasmus is confident that his team can turn things around, drawing inspiration from their past performances and the competitive nature of the series.
The Springboks' challenge is further compounded by the fact that they have been outscored in tries, with a 9-4 deficit after two matches. Erasmus recognizes the need to shut down the All Blacks' attacking prowess, particularly in the wider channels, where they have been impressive. He also acknowledges the importance of converting opportunities and improving defensive skills to ensure a more competitive outcome in the remaining matches.
Despite the challenges, Erasmus remains optimistic, drawing on the team's resilience and the competitive spirit of the series. He believes that the Springboks can turn their fortunes around and emerge victorious in the final Test, ensuring they don't 'go to Baltimore and (can only) play for a draw'.
