Erasmus says Springboks must outscore All Blacks, not contain them, in series-sealing fourth Test

Rassie Erasmus has warned that attempting to contain the All Blacks is a strategic trap, insisting the Springboks must simply outscore New Zealand to clinch a 3-1 series victory in Baltimore.

Speaking at the team naming ahead of the fourth Test, Erasmus pointed to the All Blacks’ relentless attacking output — four tries in each of the first three matches — as evidence that defensive containment is futile. “I think one of the biggest mistakes you can make against the All Blacks is just to try and defend,” he said. “To try and contain them is extremely difficult — just ask our franchises and France.”

Instead, Erasmus drew on history for inspiration, invoking Jannie de Beer’s five drop goals against England at the 1999 Rugby World Cup as a reminder that the method of scoring matters less than the scoreboard. “If it means they score four tries and you kick five drop goals like Jannie de Beer at the 1999 World Cup against England, you just need to score more points than them.”

The third Test in Johannesburg offered a blueprint. Twice behind at FNB Stadium, the Springboks shifted the ball wide to telling effect — Kurt-Lee Arendse finishing in the corner to cut a 7-0 deficit before Jesse Kriel beat Leroy Carter one-on-one to put South Africa ahead at 19-17. A penalty try from the scrum, set up by a Manie Libbok line break, further underlined the rewards of attacking intent.

For the fourth Test, Erasmus has made two changes, both in the backs. Damian Willemse returns at outside back in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg starts at scrumhalf ahead of Cobus Reinach, who drops to the bench. “Morné made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” Erasmus said. “Cobus switches to the bench where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”

Willemse’s return is straightforward: “Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match, so it’s good to have him back.”

Erasmus expressed confidence in the continuity elsewhere in the backline. “Damian [de Allende] was good on Saturday, Jesse [Kriel] was very good, Ethan [Hooker] did well, so I think the guys are getting better,” he added.