South African Rugby Union (SARU) President Mark Alexander paid tribute to Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi, praising them for continuing to raise the standard of SA Rugby following their victory in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reiterated the team’s motivation after a 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore secured the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry title.
The Springboks defeated their fierce rivals, the All Blacks, 43–28 in the final Test match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to secure a 3–1 series victory in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said they expected a desperate performance from the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore on Saturday, but their motivation to finish with a win and clinch the trophy was fuelled by a desire to make their supporters proud.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named Richie Mo’unga at fly-half and handed the captaincy to Codie Taylor for the fourth and final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore on Saturday.
Eben Etzebeth admits his extended spell on the sidelines was frustrating, but believes his time away from rugby also gave him an opportunity to improve his game as the Springboks prepare for the decisive Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against New Zealand in Baltimore.
Morne van den Berg’s impressive return from injury has earned him a starting berth against New Zealand, with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus making two changes for the fourth Test of a scintillating series against the All Blacks.
Jasper Wiese says the Springboks’ preparation for their latest battle with New Zealand will not change because of the absence of All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, despite acknowledging the influence of one of the world’s leading loose forwards.
With the series on the line, victory remains the overriding objective for the Springboks, but Rassie Erasmus believes the fourth Test against New Zealand in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry offers his side an opportunity to address several areas of their game that have fallen short of the standards they expect.