Tupaea insists All Blacks 'right there' despite Springboks' series-levelling win

All Blacks midfielder Quinn Tupaea has backed his side to turn the series around after South Africa levelled at one Test apiece, insisting New Zealand “right there” despite a defeat shaped by a handful of key moments that went the Springboks’ way.

South Africa burst out of the blocks in the second Test, driving a strong maul from the opening exit before halfback Cobus Reinach spotted space for Jesse Kriel to crash over inside two minutes. The 7-0 deficit barely registered in the All Blacks’ changing room, Tupaea said, because the team had spent the week preparing for exactly that scenario.

“It was something we expected. Just had to reset and go again,” Tupaea told reporters after the game. “We always knew Springboks would get momentum, so we practiced on how to get that back. We’ve got a great leader in Ardie and guys around them that help us stay focused. We were pretty positive after that start.”

New Zealand leaned on attacking kicks early in an attempt to stretch the Springboks’ defensive line on a dry track, though South Africa’s cover was sharp. Tupaea acknowledged the tactic was a mixed result — the All Blacks gave possession away too cheaply at times, but the pressure eventually softened the edges enough for Will Jordan to break clear and set up Cam Roigard.

“Early on we gave the ball up a little bit too easily, trying to find some kick space, but then ultimately that softened them up in the end,” he said. “We found some good edges. They scramble really well. Got to nail those little moments.”

Tupaea was candid about the areas South Africa exploited, particularly the Springboks’ kicking game, which he said caused New Zealand “a lot of problems” at the contestable ball. He pointed to South Africa’s locks joining the aerial wall as something the All Blacks need to tidy up before the third Test, acknowledging it was an area where they had been solid in previous weeks.

“They exposed a little bit of us there,” he admitted. “We’ve been pretty good at it over the last few weeks, but yeah, they stacked more moments than us tonight and made us pay. A lot of lessons to take.”

Despite a sombre dressing room after the final whistle, Tupaea was clear that confidence in the squad’s system and coaching setup remains intact ahead of the series decider.

“Oh, we’re right there. Got a lot of belief in our game, love the way our coaches have set us up and the squad we have, so still got belief,” he said.