Rassie Erasmus believes the pressure has shifted to the All Blacks ahead of the series decider in Johannesburg, but has cautioned against complacency after South Africa's 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium levelled the Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.
The win preserved South Africa's world number one ranking and ended Dave Rennie's eight-match unbeaten run as All Blacks head coach — New Zealand's first defeat of 2026.
Cheslin Kolbe was the difference with the boot, landing four penalties and three conversions. The Springboks were outscored four tries to three but Kolbe's flawless kicking performance proved decisive.
Erasmus acknowledged the anxiety that accompanied the build-up to Cape Town following the 16-33 Ellis Park defeat, and was candid about what a second loss would have meant.
"You lose and you go to No. 2 in the world, and then next weekend you play against the No. 1 team in the world," he said. "Of course I felt the pressure. I think the players will tell you I felt the pressure."
He expects Rennie to manage the situation coolly heading into the decider. "He's experienced. He would keep the team calm, and he'll do it now with his first loss. They'll be a little bit under pressure."
Despite the relief of the result, Erasmus was blunt about the performance. "We must make sure that we do not go and comfort everybody, because there was a lot of shit things that we did," he said, adding that New Zealand are a significantly evolved side from last year. "They attack with width, get offloads away. They are really well coached, and they've got athletes that can beat you in a game. This is not the same New Zealand team that played last year against us."
The third and deciding Test takes place in Johannesburg.