Pieter-Steph du Toit has acknowledged that the Springboks were their own worst enemies in Saturday's 33-16 loss to New Zealand at Ellis Park, conceding that wasted opportunities and unforced errors proved costly in the opening Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
"All credit to New Zealand, they were just better than us at Ellis Park," said Du Toit. "We made some mistakes, and we weren't able to convert the opportunities we had, so unfortunately we shot ourselves in the foot. In a game like this, it's those small errors and small opportunities you get that count. We'll definitely have to go back to the drawing board."
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie was quick to contextualise the margin, noting the game was far closer than the scoreline suggested. "There was nothing in that opening game. I know the score might sound convincing, but it was an absolute arm wrestle at 19-16. We were under the pump and the boys barred up."
Rennie pointed to a stark territorial efficiency gap as the decisive factor: New Zealand converted at 3.7 points per entry into South Africa's 22, while the Boks managed just 0.9. "South Africa are the best in the world — they score five-and-a-half points every entry — and we were able to convert when we got down there, and they weren't able to."
The All Blacks coach praised his defence, noting that limiting the Boks to a single try represented a significant collective effort. "You're doing well to keep South Africa to one try."
Rennie is under no illusions about what awaits in Cape Town. "We are wary of the response we'll get. I am really proud of a huge effort, but we know what's coming."
Rassie Erasmus has made several changes for the second Test, with Handré Pollard and Cobus Reinach starting as the halfback pairing. Ethan Hooker comes onto the wing in place of Cheslin Kolbe, who is carrying a knock from the first Test.