The Springboks believe a crucial change in mindset helped turn their fortunes around against the All Blacks — and Kurt-Lee Arendse says the team’s decision to focus on themselves made all the difference.
After a disappointing defeat at Ellis Park in the opening Test, South Africa responded in emphatic fashion, beating New Zealand 33-26 in the second encounter to level the momentum in the series.
Despite the All Blacks crossing for four tries compared with South Africa’s three and holding their own at scrum time, the Springboks produced a significantly more controlled and complete performance.
For Arendse, the difference came down to where the team directed its attention.
Springboks Turn Focus Inward
Arendse acknowledged that South Africa may have become too preoccupied with New Zealand’s strengths during the first Test.
The All Blacks are renowned for exploiting space in the wider channels, and the Springboks subsequently worked on specific defensive solutions to limit that threat.
But the bigger adjustment was psychological.
Rather than concentrating excessively on what New Zealand might do, South Africa shifted its attention towards its own execution and the areas that needed improvement.
The Springboks also continued their regular defensive work during the week, using the lessons from the previous Test to tighten up their systems and reduce opportunities for the All Blacks.
That approach could prove vital as the rivalry moves to its next chapter.
FNB Stadium Ready For Another Epic
The third Test promises another huge occasion, with a massive Johannesburg crowd expected at FNB Stadium, affectionately known as the “Calabash”.
Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg said the squad has been energised by the prospect of playing in front of a near-capacity crowd.
After training at the stadium during the week, Van den Berg described the atmosphere around the team as one of excitement and anticipation.
With tens of thousands of passionate supporters expected in the stands, South Africa will be hoping the home crowd can provide another important advantage against their long-time rivals.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springboks vs All Blacks: Key Numbers
The rivalry remains one of the biggest in international rugby.
- Tests played: 112
- Springboks wins: 44
- New Zealand wins: 64
- Draws: 4
- Springbok points scored: 1,899
- New Zealand points scored: 2,328
- Springbok tries: 185
- New Zealand tries: 257
- Springboks win percentage: 39.2%
- South Africa have won six of the last eight meetings dating back to August 2023.
There are also several individual milestones in sight.
Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his record as the most-capped Springbok ever to 145 Test appearances.
The loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese are also set to move into the record books, while Deon Fourie could further extend his record as the oldest Springbok to appear in a Test.
Jasper Wiese is also closing in on the 50-cap milestone and needs two further Test appearances after this match to reach the mark.
A Decisive Test Awaits
The Springboks’ response to their opening defeat demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly, but the challenge now is to maintain that level of performance.
With the All Blacks capable of exploiting the smallest defensive weaknesses, Arendse’s message is clear: South Africa cannot afford to become distracted by the opposition.
The focus has shifted back to the Springboks themselves — their execution, their defence and their ability to impose their own game.
And with FNB Stadium ready to roar, another chapter in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries is about to unfold.
