Erasmus and SA Rugby laws advisor Jaco Peyper addressed the media on Monday, discussing everything from the intensity of the rivalry to match tempo and what the Springboks can expect from New Zealand.

Erasmus said the Springboks had been looking forward to the series for some time, even while their focus remained on other opponents.

“We looked forward to these games as much as you did when you were asking about it while we were playing the other matches,” said Erasmus.

Damian Willemse. Photo: Johan Orton

“We just couldn’t talk about it out of respect for the opposition at the time. We all appreciate and respect what this series means. I’d love it if the people at Ellis Park create the same atmosphere as the people did in Cape Town. The haka was heard 100%, which makes it something special.”

The Springbok coach also acknowledged the quality of the All Blacks and the threat they pose.

“We know how good the All Blacks are. Since 2018, when they were leading the world, we’ve always wondered when they’re going to beat us again, and they will beat us again in future, but hopefully not this weekend.

“Some guys will face the All Blacks for the first time, and they’ve heard from their teammates how intense it is. This is a great occasion and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Erasmus will announce his starting XV on Thursday and revealed that only captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche remain doubtful after the squad arrived in Johannesburg.

Both players are recovering well, although Erasmus said their availability could depend on how they come through training.

Ox Nché. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I wouldn’t say either is confirmed out, but if they get through training today, it could go either way. Apart from those two, everybody else is available.”

The Springbok coach also rejected suggestions that South African teams deliberately slow the game down, particularly at set pieces.

“There are always three truths – New Zealand’s truth, the truth people believe, and ‘die waarheid’,” he said.

Tony Brown. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus pointed to the Springboks’ most recent Tests against the All Blacks.

“In our last two games against New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington, people can go and look at those games and ask, were we slowing those down? They beat us in Auckland, and we got a good result in Wellington. We believe there’s a certain way to win big games, and we think it will be a grind.”

He said the Springboks would look to strike the right balance when the pressure rises.

Jaco Peyper. Photo: Morgan Piek

“When you’re under pressure, and you attack, it’s tough to maintain cohesion, so we’ll try to find a balance when games are really tight, but we have a system to fall back on that protects the players.

“Since Tony Brown has been with us, we feel as though we’ve been on the right track. But we always want to keep something to fall back on when the pressure is really on.”

The highly anticipated Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs