Erasmus hails victory over All Blacks as Epic

The Springboks take a 2-1 lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series following back-to-back wins at DHL Stadium and FNB Stadium, breaking their hoodoo at the Calabash.  It was an intense encounter, which saw the sides level at half-time, but it was the Springboks, in front of an 85 976-strong crowd in Soweto who got the better of the All Blacks in the second half, scoring two tries and a Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu penalty. 

Speaking at the media press conference, Erasmus says it was a fierce battle in all departments.

"I thought it was epic. I think the whole series so far is epic and now they can draw it in Baltimore. Obviously we are happy tonight, but I don't want to swear again because I got into trouble last time," said Erasmus

READ: Springboks produce heroic fightback to stun All Blacks at FNB Stadium

"I really apologise for that last weekend. It was not well-mannered, I apologise. No, it was epic and it was intense and both teams lost some vital players."

"We lost Cheslin [Kolbe], they lost Ardie [Savea]. It was a fierce battle in all departments. I think the scoreboard at the end showed how close the game was.

We're just happy we won and now we must try and replicate that in Baltimore."

Erasmus admits that the All Blacks play a style of rugby that is difficult to defend. Adding that for the series against The All Blacks a team was selected with continuity.

"But they came in with a 100% record and they're playing a style that is tough to defend. Our pre-season series is posting, but we've been together since 2018. I don't know if we've ever, in the last two years since the World Cup, selected a team with continuity.

Our plan was always to give a lot of guys a chance with our eye on the World Cup. But then when we get into this rivalry series, we start to build some momentum and continuity."

The Springboks will miss the services of Cheslin Kolbe in next weekend's fourth Test against the All Blacks. Kolbe was replaced as early as the 10th minute with an injury. Erasmus has confirmed that Kolbe suffered a broken jaw. The 53-year-old also gave an update on some of the other players making a return from injury.