Erasmus vows Springboks can still win series after Ellis Park rout by All Blacks

South Africa lost the opening Test match of their series against New Zealand 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in what was the All Blacks' biggest ever win at that venue. The defeat ended the Springboks' 12-test winning streak — their longest under coach Rassie Erasmus — and cost them their No. 1 world ranking. Erasmus insisted the series can still be won, stating the team needs to win three consecutive matches to claim victory.