The Springboks claimed the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title with a 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore, scoring six tries to four to seal the series 3-1 in front of a USA rugby record crowd of more than 68,000 — the majority of whom were expatriate South Africans.
Erasmus was candid about the closeness of the contest, acknowledging the match remained in the balance deep into the second half. "I wouldn't say we were the better team today. At 60 minutes the game was still in the balance. We appreciate that we won but the margin between us and New Zealand is very small."
Both Erasmus and Kolisi framed the victory in terms of what it means to South Africans at home and abroad. "We appreciate the people who were here, but we don't forget the people who were at home — the people on the farm, the boy in the township, the people in the shopping mall. That's what drives us," said Erasmus.
Kolisi echoed the sentiment, noting that a lengthy stoppage for referee audio problems briefly interrupted the flow of the match but gave the players a moment to absorb the atmosphere. "In that moment, you get to appreciate the crowd singing and enjoying the environment."
Erasmus also addressed the Springboks' polarising profile on the global stage. "I know we sometimes annoy other people around the world for the way we go about things, but we really care the most about South African people."
The match ended with a joint moment of prayer between the two squads. Kolisi said the gesture was partly in recognition of how the All Blacks had engaged with South Africa during their time in the country. "The way the New Zealanders came to our country and embraced our country — we came together to thank them for that."