Springboks need to figure way back into series after loss to All Blacks

Johannesburg, Aug 22 - South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus pledged to stay quiet, refrain from reading headlines and seek a recovery for his team in the test series against New Zealand following their 33-16 loss in the first match of the four-game series. The All Blacks dominated, scoring five tries to the Springboks' solitary effort.

"We've taken a severe beating from a formidable New Zealand side," Erasmus stated post-match at Ellis Park. "We need to find a way back, we got a good hiding from a strong New Zealand team." "We must remain silent," added Erasmus, who is known for his outspoken nature. However, he dismissed the defeat as not a major setback. Erasmus recalled past catastrophic situations, such as the 2021 series against the British and Irish Lions and the opening game of the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand, both of which South Africa eventually won.

He emphasized that the team must secure three consecutive victories to level the series. Erasmus acknowledged missed opportunities and conceded that New Zealand's intensity forced some mistakes, but he remained confident that the team could recover.