Beaten Springboks can count on Gayton McKenzie’s support
· The South African
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has thrown his support behind the Springboks after their heavy defeat to New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday, insisting he has no concerns about South Africa’s prospects in the remainder of ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour.
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The All Blacks stunned the Springboks 33-16 in Johannesburg on Saturday, overturning a 13-12 half-time deficit to take the early advantage in the four-Test series.
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The defeat also saw New Zealand move to No 1 in the World Rugby rankings, replacing South Africa at the summit.
Remains confident
Despite the setback, McKenzie remains confident that the Springboks will ultimately prevail in the series.
In a message shared on social media, McKenzie said he had “no stress or worry” regarding the national team’s chances.
“I have no stress or worry inasfar as the Springboks are concerned, we will emerge as winners of the Greatest Rivalry Tour no doubt,” McKenzie said.
His comments come as the Springboks prepare to respond in the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August.
Springboks face fightback
Saturday’s defeat was New Zealand’s biggest-ever victory over South Africa at Ellis Park and handed the All Blacks an important psychological boost heading into the remainder of the series.
The All Blacks scored five tries to South Africa’s one, with Will Jordan crossing twice and Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also scoring.
The Springboks’ only try came from Andre Esterhuizen, while Cheslin Kolbe contributed a conversion and three penalties.
South Africa will now have to regroup quickly, with the second Test providing an immediate opportunity to level the series.
McKenzie’s confident message will be welcomed by Springbok supporters hoping for a strong response in Cape Town.
With three Tests still remaining, the minister believes the Springboks can recover from their Ellis Park disappointment and ultimately claim victory in one of rugby’s most fiercely contested rivalries.