Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town, levelling the four-Test series at one win each.
- Damian Willemse will miss Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium after suffering a hamstring injury.
The Springboks have hit back against the All Blacks to level their four-Test series and put the pressure back on New Zealand.
South Africa won 33-26 in Cape Town on Saturday after losing the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park.
A strong first half helped the Boks produce a far more clinical performance than they managed in Johannesburg.
The result was also Dave Rennie’s first defeat since taking over as All Blacks coach earlier this year.
The teams now meet at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday before the final Test in Baltimore, United States.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he had felt the pressure after the opening defeat.
“I was nervous,” Erasmus said, The Citizen reported.
Now he believes Rennie and New Zealand will experience some of that pressure themselves.
“They’ll be under pressure. He’ll feel what we felt last week,” Erasmus said.
But he warned the Boks not to become comfortable after one victory.
“We must make sure we’re not comfortable after this win and think we’re all good again,” he said.
Erasmus believes New Zealand have improved significantly and warned that the Boks still face a major challenge.
“They are not the same as last year’s team,” he said.
“They are very well coached and they have athletes who can beat you on the grass.”
South Africa will also be without Damian Willemse for the third Test.
The fullback was forced off at halftime in Cape Town with a hamstring injury.
“He injured his hamstring, he’s out for next week,” Erasmus said.
With the series now level, Saturday’s Soweto Test gives either team the chance to take control before the final match in the United States.
Pictured above: Captain Siya Kolisi celebrating his try.
Image source: @Springboks
