South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus wants his team to turn the hurt of their weekend defeat to New Zealand into fuel as they look to get themselves back into contention in the four-Test series.
The Springboks lost their No. 1 world ranking when the All Blacks won the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Sunday, outscoring the hosts five tries to one as they withstood South Africa’s efforts to muscle them into submission.
Erasmus says the hurt was clear to see on everyone’s faces after the match, and they know what they need to do to bounce back strongly this week.
He says the team was angry with each other and admitted that the coaches did and said some stupid things.
Erasmus also says the players made mistakes on the pitch, while he personally believes he made some wrong calls on the tactics they wanted to use inside their own 22.
Erasmus again named his side early, but kept the All Blacks guessing by including flanker Siya Kolisi in the team, provided the inspirational captain proves his fitness.
If he is ruled out, Paul de Villiers will remain in the starting line-up.
The All Blacks will face South Africa in the second Test at 3.10am on Sunday.
Source: rugby.com.au
