The Springboks took a 2-1 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series after overpowering the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, and Rassie Erasmus’ team will now be looking to finish the job when they kick off the final Test in Baltimore this Saturday.
Should the Springboks win this weekend’s Test at the M&T Bank Stadium, they will clinch the RGR trophy, but victory for the All Blacks will see the teams draw the series on two victories apiece.
“I know a lot of people said that this is the series here in South Africa, but it is not – we’ve played three games here and we’re one up, but the final game is still to come,” Rassie Erasmus reiterated.
“I know we can’t lose it anymore because there’s not points difference or tries scored (as a tie breaker). But the trophy was actually designed in two halves to be shared if it’s a draw. So, it’s game on.”
Late kick off for South Africans to note as the Springboks and All Blacks go back into battle
With the fourth Test taking place at M&T Stadium in Baltimore, USA, the time difference does mean that it will be a late start for those watching in South Africa.
Kick off is at 23:00 SA time.
More work to do
The 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium has given the Springboks the upper hand in the series, but Erasmus said nothing could be taken for granted.
Erasmus said: “We are happy tonight. It was epic. It was intense. I think the scoreboard at the end showed how close the game was. We’re just happy we won.
“Now we’re on the same flight and now we must try and go replicate that in Baltimore. They were definitely on top (in the first half). All of us I think envy the way they can handle the ball and they’re certainly brilliant at that. Luckily we went in level at halftime which gives you some hope.
“I’m not sure what my heart rate was but we were certainly nervous. And I think they were nervous.
“It’s massive, this is. You’re playing number one and two in the world and it switches one week to the next and it certainly lives up to that (hype), and I can tell you now, we’re not sitting here thinking we are flipping awesome. We’re thinking there was also a lot of luck that that went our way.”
