'Hopefully me and Dave will have a beer. His will be a little bit more bitter'

Rassie Erasmus insists South Africa still have work to do before they can claim Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry honours, despite edging New Zealand 29-24 in a gripping third Test at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The victory handed the Springboks a 2-1 lead heading into next weekend’s final match in Baltimore, but the South Africa boss was quick to dismiss suggestions the series was already effectively wrapped up.

“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,” said Erasmus.

“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.”

The teams will now travel together to the United States for the fourth and final Test, with Erasmus joking that he and All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie may share a drink before attention immediately turns back to the decisive fixture.

Fixture

Internationals

South Africa

14:00

12 Sep 26

New Zealand

All Stats and Data

“Hopefully me and Dave will have a beer,” he said. “His will be a little bit more bitter and mine will be a little sweeter.

“But then on Sunday we arrive there and we get into camp again.

“We assess the injuries; we start planning and it’s number one and two again. It’s the greatest rivalry and we play to try and win the series, and they will try to draw the series.

“So, no, it’s going to be flipping important.”

South Africa were made to work hard for the win after spending much of the contest chasing the game. The Springboks did not lead until the 58th minute and only created breathing room during a frenetic final quarter before holding off a late All Blacks response.

Erasmus admitted the match lived up to everything expected of a meeting between the world’s top two sides.

“We are happy tonight. It was epic. It was intense,” he said.

“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.”

The Springbok coach acknowledged the tension in the closing stages as momentum shifted repeatedly between the rivals.

“I’m not sure what my heart rate was but we were certainly nervous,” he said.

“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.”