The Springboks will savour their victory over the All Blacks for a little while, switch off, and recover with family when they land in South Africa this week before returning to training in preparation for back-to-back Tests against Argentina.
After dismantling the Kiwis 43-10 in Wellington on Saturday, the world champions retained the Freedom Cup for a second consecutive year. They also kept their hopes of defending the Rugby Championship title alive with a six-try, bonus-point win at the Cake Tin.
The triumph also lifted the Boks back to the No 1 spot on World Rugby’s rankings, leapfrogging both Ireland and the All Blacks.
“We knew scoring those last two tries was important to keep us in contention for the rest of the Championship,” said Bok utility back Damian Willemse.
“It’s on now. We just have to stay focused. We’ll obviously enjoy this victory, but after that, it’s back to work with Argentina coming up twice. They’ll be another strong challenge. We must sharpen up. But this is very special, and we will enjoy it.”
Willemse played a critical role in the victory, scoring a powerful try while igniting the backline with his hard-running carries to create space out wide. He was equally effective on defence, making key tackles to blunt New Zealand’s attack, including a try-saving stop on flanker Ardie Savea.
The team significantly improved their performance from the previous week. While the six tries stole the spotlight, the forwards laid the perfect platform. The scrum and lineout were on point, providing the Boks with plenty of front-foot ball. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, flyhalf Manie Libbok, and Willemse’s box kicks also piled pressure on New Zealand’s defence.
The Springboks will aim to replicate this level of play when they take on Los Pumas in Durban in their first Test, followed by a second clash at Twickenham in London.
“Argentina is a very strong side. We’ll do our analysis on them next week. They can play all over the field – they kick well, they run well, and their scrum and maul are dangerous,” Willemse added.
“It’s going to be two tough fixtures. Luckily, we get to go home now, see our families, and enjoy this win before getting back to work.”
