'It's going to hurt': All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reflects on record Bok defeat

The 43-10 loss in the capital was the biggest defeat in the All Blacks' 141-year history, surpassing the 35-7 reversal at the hands of the Springboks in 2023.

As a result, New Zealand now sit third in the Rugby Championship table heading into the final two rounds of the tournament, where they take on Australia for the Bledisloe Cup.

Speaking after the match, Robertson offered some classy remarks on the manner of the Springboks' victory, while also outlining how his side lost key battles across the pitch in the second-half.

"South Africa played incredibly well, they took their opportunities," he told reporters. "Congratulations to them, and we'll take it on the chin.

"It was a game of two halves, but it could have been different if Cheslin Kolbe doesn't gamble on a pass; it's 14-0.

"At half-time, we came in and felt like we'd left a few opportunities out there, but in the second-half they won the aerial battle, won the scraps and then we gave away too many penalties around the set-piece. The game got away.

"If it was the preparation, we probably would have sent the signs up early. I have to say, South Africa have probably been criticised for their kicking game over the years, but they put so much value and time into it and they get return on it, they're so good at it. We've done a lot of prep on it, but they just owned that area and put so much pressure on us. They know their DNA.

"It's something we'll have a look at. We've got to find out pretty quickly as we have a big Bledisloe coming."

While he was full of praise for his opponents, he did not shy away from the fact that this defeat "hurt" both him and his side.

"You get extremely disappointed," said the All Blacks boss. "You put so much work ethic into the team and culturally, you set yourselves up to dig in and show grit; and then that happens.

"We couldn't really buy anything, we couldn't get anything going, and they just went on a tear. We'll have to have a look in more detail, but something like that is going to hurt you.

The All Blacks now have a bit of time to reflect and improve heading into the pivotal Bledisloe Cup Tests at the end of the Rugby Championship, but that will be easier said than done.

New Zealand conceded 36 unanswered points in the second half, with 19 of those coming in the final 12 minutes of the game alone.

The manner of the defeat will certainly take some getting over, and Robertson detailed that his side now needs to own it and turn it into something positive moving forward.

"Firstly [we] own it, and then go and get some responsibility and find out what we need to fix," he added.

"We're not going to be chasing too many things. We're going to be clear about what matters most to us, on and off the field, and then get a plan and look forward to this next game."

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