South African coach Rassie Erasmus is confident the All Blacks vs Springboks rivalry is well and truly back, after another close match between the old foes.
The All Blacks came from 30-13 down to beat South Africa 32-30 in Pretoria on Sunday (NZ time), reversing a stunning two-point loss in Wellington last month.
The Boks have come a long way since their 57-0 drubbing from New Zealand in Albany last year, as the last three games between the two nations have been decided by a total of five points.
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They also finished second in the Rugby Championships - their best result since 2014.
That gives Erasmus plenty of confidence, looking ahead to next year's Rugby World Cup, where they will face the All Blacks in pool play.
"I have got to be so careful [about] saying positive things after a loss in South Africa. I don't want to sound positive after a loss, I just really think the rivalry is back," he said.
"When New Zealand and South Africa are on the field, you are not sure who is winning. That makes us proud until the last minute today, three weeks ago and at Newlands last year.
"I think there [has not been more than] two points [between the teams] in the last three games. We meet once more before we play each other in the World Cup.
"South African rugby fans are not stupid and there will be criticism of this defeat, but we have shown growth and we will cling on to that.
"It gives me hope that and belief that if we do a few things right, we will be in with a real chance at the next year’s World Cup."
Erasmus said that the deciding factor on Sunday (NZ time) was probably New Zealand’s greater experience in tight games.
The Boks twice held a 17-point lead in the second half, but crumbled late in the match.
A 79th-minute Ardie Savea try brought the teams level and Richie Mo'unga kicked a conversion to win the match.
"I remember from when I was in Ireland, seeing New Zealand come back against the Irish from an impossible position, so I never thought the game was in the bag, even with five minutes to go," Erasmus added.
"That's New Zealand’s culture, that’s how they do things and that’s where we have to get to. We will learn from this."
Newshub.
