Malcolm Marx, named Man of the Match after Saturday's 29-24 win over New Zealand at FNB Stadium, says the Springboks are treating this weekend's Test in Baltimore as unfinished business despite holding a 2-1 series lead.
The Boks defeated the All Blacks in front of 86,000 in Soweto to move ahead in the series, but Marx was quick to echo Rassie Erasmus's reluctance to call it done. Victory at the M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday seals the series; a New Zealand win forces a 2-2 draw.
Both squads flew to Baltimore together on Sunday, arriving the same afternoon.
"We still have one game to play, so it's not done," Marx said. "We want to lift our standards and we're going to focus all our energy on that."
On the shift in momentum after losing the series opener, Marx said the group made a conscious decision to focus inward. "There was quite a bit of pressure after losing the first game, but we knew the third game was always going to be make or break. We tried to focus on ourselves, what we do, what works for us."
Marx, who will be making his first visit to the United States, acknowledged the change in atmosphere the neutral venue brings. "It's going to be closer to 50-50 in terms of support, but I'm looking forward to the experience."
He also reflected on the rare opportunity of facing New Zealand four times in succession. "We normally have the privilege of facing the All Blacks twice a year. It's tough mentally and physically, but we are all honoured to face such a prestigious team four times in a row."
Erasmus is set to name his squad for the Baltimore Test on Monday evening.