Kriel calls Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry a knockout after 33-16 loss

Jesse Kriel believes the Springboks can still win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 3-1 despite opening the series with a 33-16 defeat by New Zealand at Ellis Park. The South Africa centre described the remaining three Tests as similar to knockout rugby, with the next match scheduled for Cape Town Stadium.

The All Blacks took control of the first Test by scoring five tries to South Africa’s one. Kriel said the Springboks did not make the most of their opportunities and committed errors that allowed New Zealand to turn pressure into points. He also credited the visitors with executing their chances and arriving with an effective plan.

New Zealand therefore lead the four-Test series 1-0, leaving South Africa needing a response in Cape Town before further fixtures in Soweto and Baltimore. Kriel said the world champions had three remaining opportunities to produce the level of performance they expect from themselves.

The 32-year-old’s assessment came after South Africa had to alter its backline because Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe were unavailable through injury. Kriel moved to the wing, Grant Williams also covered that position, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu finished at fullback. Kriel said players prepare for changes of that nature and must adjust during major matches.

South Africa’s defeat was its first setback in the series, but Kriel pointed to previous experiences of recovering from difficult positions. He acknowledged that New Zealand had played at a high level and placed the Springboks under sustained pressure, while maintaining that greater accuracy would be required in the next three Tests. As a two-time World Cup winner, Kriel said the squad understands the demands of high-pressure rugby and believes the series remains recoverable.