South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that conceding four tries annoyed him after a 31-27 comeback Rugby Championship victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday.
"We gave them a couple of easy tries, and their turnover attack hurt us the most when our defence was not quite set," he told a press conference.
"But we defended really well when things were structured," added Erasmus, who played key roles in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories of the Springboks.
"If the All Blacks had won the test then they would have deserved it. We know the result could have gone the other way, we could easily have lost. But our character was there."
Reaction from the #Springboks: “Whenever we are behind, we never panic” - more here: https://t.co/ZHftBYfp6V 🗣#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/EWpmBL0hs5
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 31, 2024
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson bemoaned moments of ill-discipline as South Africa overturned a 10-point deficit in the final 12 minutes with Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams scoring tries.
The All Blacks, beaten 12-11 by the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, had looked likely winners in Johannesburg, outscoring the hosts by four tries to one at one stage.
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said: "I am so proud of the effort and the way we defended, it was just a little bit of ill-discipline by the lads that cost us.
"But those are the fine margins in test footy. Some of the penalties were down to a bit of interpretation, but those small moments lead to a bit of momentum and the game changes.
"We still had opportunities to win the game, we have just got to execute better. Ellis Park is a hell of an arena – what an atmosphere tonight and the crowd really gets involved.
"But that is where we thrive, we love those moments."
Seeking a second Rugby Championship title, South Africa have 14 points from three victories. New Zealand trail with six points after two losses.
Argentina have four points, from a shock win in New Zealand, and Australia are pointless ahead of their match in La Plata later on Saturday.
Another epic, thank you @allblacks, see you in Cape Town 🤝#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/Vd4qHhA2eo
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 31, 2024