Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said on Monday that the challenge of facing New Zealand at Eden Park – where South Africa last beat the hosts in 1937 and the All Blacks have not lost since 1994 – made it a “nervy” yet special week for both teams.
Erasmus also shot down suggestions that this was the biggest match for both teams since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France – which South Africa won 12-11 – saying it would be a “slap in the face” to the other teams participating in the Rugby Championship.
‘Always a challenge’
South Africa and New Zealand will meet at the iconic stadium at 09:05 (SA time) on Saturday in the third round of the Rugby Championship, and Erasmus was open about the fact that the match would be crucial in both teams’ hopes of clinching the title.
“Facing New Zealand away from home is always a challenge, and playing at Eden Park will make both teams equally desperate,” said Erasmus.
“There’s no doubt the players will throw everything out there on Saturday. There is a massive rivalry between the sides, and the history between us is tremendous.”
Erasmus added: “Playing against New Zealand in their backyard, and knowing that according to the world rankings, we are currently the top two teams in the world, is special, and we don’t need more motivation than that.
“It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams.”
‘Slap in the face’
Asked about the match-up being the biggest for the teams since the 2023 World Cup final, Erasmus said: “It would be a slap in the face to Australia and Argentina for us to say this is the biggest game since then.
“Just as that final was a must-win game, both teams are in a similar situation this week and next week with an eye on trying to win the Rugby Championship.
“One must also not forget that they got a red card in the World Cup final, and we were shown two yellow cards.”
Erasmus shot down the hype surrounding playing at Eden Park: “People are making a big deal of the Eden Park record and, of course, it adds pressure for both teams. But if one looks back a few weeks ago, we lost against Australia at Ellis Park, and it’s now history. For us, it’s a huge honour to get the chance to play at Eden Park, and it’s a great opportunity for us.”
Commenting on the decision to name his team on Thursday as opposed to Tuesday, Erasmus said there were a few contributing factors to the call.
“It’s a tough match for both sides, and they are a team that analyse thoroughly,” he said.
“Over and above that, we are not sure what team they’ll announce, while we also have a few injured players at home, and one or two who are not available for selection this week, so there’s a bit of an unknown factor for us both. By announcing our team later in the week, we believe it will even things out more.”
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