The Springboks were brought crashing back down to earth as the All Blacks claimed an impressive 33-16 victory at Ellis Park in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
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South Africa enjoyed plenty of possession and territory and their forwards had periods of dominance, but New Zealand were far more clinical when opportunities arrived.
The hosts turned the ball over 23 times and, despite controlling 61 per cent of the territory, were outscored five tries to one.
Will Jordan crossed twice for the visitors, while Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also scored as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.
For Rassie Erasmus, attention will immediately turn to how he responds ahead of the second Test.
Here are five Springboks who struggled at Ellis Park – and the changes Erasmus should consider making.
5. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
There were flashes from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, particularly as the first half progressed and the Springbok pack began to take control.
He challenged the All Blacks defence with some dangerous carries and offloads, but there was simply too much looseness in his game.
On an occasion that demanded South Africa’s chief playmaker take control, Feinberg-Mngomezulu never truly managed it.
His move to full-back during the second half didn’t help matters either. His defence was exposed when Damian McKenzie powered through him during a dangerous New Zealand break shortly before the hour mark.
Try as he might, Feinberg-Mngomezulu simply couldn’t get going.
Replacement: Handre Pollard
This feels like the obvious change.
Pollard was left out of the matchday 23 for the opening Test despite being included in South Africa’s wider squad.
The double Rugby World Cup winner offers exactly what South Africa lacked at Ellis Park: control, experience and an ability to manage the biggest occasions.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains an enormous talent, but Erasmus could turn back to his proven number 10 for Test two.
