Rassie Erasmus has dismissed any notion that last Saturday's 29-24 win over New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Soweto has already settled the Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, insisting the job is only half done ahead of the fourth and final Test at M&T Stadium in Baltimore this Saturday.

The victory gives the Springboks a 2-1 lead in the four-match tour, but Erasmus was quick to reframe the stakes. "I know a lot of people said that this is the series here in South Africa, but it is not – we've played three games here and we're one up, but the final game is still to come," he said. "The trophy was actually designed in two halves to be shared if it's a draw. So it's game on."

With no points difference or tries scored acting as a tiebreaker, a draw in Baltimore would see the trophy shared. Erasmus was unambiguous about his intent: the Springboks travel to win the series outright, while the All Blacks will be fighting to force a split.

The win itself was far from comfortable. The Springboks trailed until the 58th minute and only opened a two-score lead with ten minutes remaining. Erasmus acknowledged New Zealand's dominance in the first half but took heart from going into the break level. "All of us I think envy the way they can handle the ball," he said. "Luckily we went in level at halftime which gives you some hope."

He was candid about the role fortune played. "We're not sitting here thinking we are flipping awesome. We're thinking there was also a lot of luck that went our way."

Both squads will share a flight to the United States before separating to prepare for Saturday's decider — a logistical quirk Erasmus acknowledged with dry humour. "Hopefully me and Dave will have a beer. His will be a little bit more bitter and mine will be a little sweeter. But then on Sunday we arrive there and we get into camp again."

On the injury front, Cheslin Kolbe, who left the field in the first half at FNB Stadium, has been confirmed out of the Baltimore Test with a fractured jaw. Props Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu, along with utility forwards Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon, are also staying behind. However, backs Damian Willemse, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie — all of whom had been managing injuries in recent weeks — are fit and will make the trip.

Kick-off in Baltimore is at 23h00 SA time on Saturday, live on SuperSport.