Pressure back on All Blacks as Springboks target third Test win

For the first time under Dave Rennie's tenure, the All Blacks face pressure following their first loss since he assumed command, a 33-26 defeat to the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday. The All Blacks had previously won the opener 33-16 at Ellis Park, but the Boks rebounded with a stronger performance, highlighted by a formidable first-half showing.

Consequently, the Springboks now enter the third Test at Soweto's FNB Stadium with momentum heading into the final showdown in Baltimore, USA, on Saturday. Both teams are eager to secure victory amidst the pivotal three-match series in South Africa.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus recognized the tight competition between the two teams, with the world number one ranking fluctuating based on match outcomes. Erasmus acknowledged the pressure on the All Blacks, noting their nervousness and the need for Dave Rennie to regain composure. "You lose and you go to number two in the world, and then next weekend you play against the number one team in the world," Erasmus explained after the match.

"I 100% understand the pressure and why people were upset (about the Ellis Park loss), because who wants to support a losing team? Nobody in South Africa is supporting anything that’s not working."

Erasmus was confident in his team's ability to bounce back, admitting that the Boks improved significantly from the first Test. However, he cautioned against becoming complacent following the win, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. He observed that the All Blacks had become a much more dangerous team than in the previous year, highlighting their better coaching and athletic prowess.

Erasmus also revealed that fullback Damian Willemse would miss the third Test due to a hamstring injury sustained during halftime.