It won the physical battle in both encounters and stifled the All Blacks for periods. Twice the All Blacks have been faced with coming back from large deficits against the Springboks. It is great the All Blacks are so adept at getting themselves out of these situations - that in itself is a hugely important skill. It is in the north that - aside from the All Blacks - the strength has been in recent years. Then the focus will turn to rugby's biggest stage - when the All Blacks and Springboks meet in their tournament opener in Yokohama on September 21.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 08, 2018 15:35 UTC