'You could look at it like that': Jessie Kriel makes telling concession after Boks loss

Jesse Kriel insists the Springboks remain firmly in the fight despite their heavy Ellis Park defeat to the All Blacks, with the South Africa captain viewing the remaining three Tests of the Greatest Rivalry series as knockout rugby.

The Boks now head to Cape Town needing three consecutive victories to claim the series, but Kriel said belief remains high within the camp.

“Of course, I think anything is possible in rugby,” said Kriel when asked if South Africa could still win the series 3-1.

“We’ve obviously been in situations like this before. We know that we weren’t as accurate as we wanted to be tonight.

“We also know that New Zealand played unbelievably well. They were very well prepared, and they came here tonight with a great plan.

“So, I think that’s the beauty about this series. We get another three chances and we’re really looking forward to those three chances.”

Kriel conceded that the challenge facing the Springboks has changed dramatically after surrendering the opening Test, comparing the final three matches to a World Cup knockout run.

“You could look at it like that,” he said when asked if the series had become a playoff scenario.

“It’s obviously a massive series. We knew coming into this that it would feel like knockout rugby.”

Rather than dwell on the defeat, Kriel said the focus will quickly switch to reviewing the performance and finding answers before next weekend’s rematch.

“We’ll obviously watch the game, work through it and find solutions,” he said.

“We’re a team that finds solutions. We’ll find solutions and we’ll be better next week.”

The Springbok skipper also pinpointed the key difference between the two sides, admitting New Zealand were ruthlessly effective when opportunities presented themselves.

“The All Blacks were more clinical when they got their chances,” said Kriel.

“At the highest level, with the two best teams in the world, that’s what happens. There’s a very small margin for error at this level.”