@Springboks
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi said they were pleased with their “special” 33-7 victory against the Wallabies in Brisbane, but they said they would not be resting on their laurels.
In a post-match statement, the two said the first win in Brisbane since 2013 “was not a perfect performance” adding that they expect a strong backlash from the Wallabies.
“Next week is a new Test and we want to give other players a chance, but that said we know Joe Schmidt (Australian head coach) and how he can turn things around,” said Erasmus.
“He’s only had four games with Australia, and next week is a new game and a new venue, and we are expecting a big challenge.”
Kolisi added: “Next week is going to be a completely different challenge and we know it will be tougher, so we need to remain focused and keep working hard.”
The Springboks however proved their championship class in Brisbane, scoring five tries to one.
“This was an important away win for us, and a special one too,” said Kolisi.
“In the last few years, we didn’t start well away from home, so to get this win was special and we are really happy about earning the bonus point.
“We haven’t done well in Australia especially, so we were very focused to turn that around going into this game, even though this ground is a fortress for them, because as I said earlier in the week, we knew we couldn’t win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship here, but we could lose it here.”
The Springboks will travel to Perth on Sunday and begin their on-field preparations for the next Test on Monday.
Reaction from #Springboks captain Siya Kolisi after Brisbane win: “Next week is going to be a completely different challenge and we know it will be tougher, so we need to remain focused and keep working hard” - more here: https://t.co/9aPhP1y3RC ????#ForeverGreenForeverGold… pic.twitter.com/MybORu6ESo
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 10, 2024
