‘Make no mistake’: Erasmus makes daunting prediction for All Blacks and Boks

Rassie Erasmus expects the third Test between South Africa and the All Blacks to carry an even greater edge than the opening two matches of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the series delicately poised ahead of the clash at FNB Stadium.

The Springboks and All Blacks head into the Johannesburg encounter level at one win apiece, meaning victory this weekend would give either side a 2-1 advantage before the series moves to the United States for the final Test, or provide an outright winner of the ‘South African leg’ of the series.

Erasmus believes that scenario will alter the atmosphere around the contest, with the prospect of taking control of the series adding another layer of pressure to a rivalry that has already produced two fiercely contested Tests.

The Bok head coach is also expecting the venue to play its part. FNB Stadium can hold around 80,000 supporters, and Erasmus suggested the noise generated by the crowd and vuvuzelas will create a unique challenge for both teams.

The World Cup-winning coach even went as far to suggest that this third match could be more intense than the two we have seen already, adding yet more pressure on his own side as well as Dave Rennie’s.

Fixture

Internationals

South Africa

08:10

5 Sep 26

New Zealand

All Stats and Data

“This game is going to be equally, if not more intense than the last two given the fact that the team that wins this match will be two games up in the series, which will make the clash in the USA the decider or game that could see the series finish in a draw, so there will be a different vibe around this match,” Erasmus said after naming his side.

“We are excited that we will be playing at the FNB Stadium, where on a good day there is an 80,000-strong crowd, and that will be a new and exciting experience for our players because most of these players have never run onto the field there, and the support we enjoy there will add to the occasion.

“With the vuvuzelas and passionate crowd there, we can hardly hear one another on the field, so we are all thrilled about this occasion. But make no mistake, this is going to be another intense battle between the two top teams in the world who are both looking to get an edge in the series, so we know what we have to do, and composure and accuracy are going to be vital for both sides.”