Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams kicks a high ball during the opening match of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks.
The Springboks’ loss against New Zealand in the first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry may not be such a bad thing.
After an unbeaten run of 12 matches, it came to an abrupt and convincing end against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday evening, as the world champions went down 33-16 in the opening match of the series.
It was a sobering defeat, but perhaps one the Boks needed.
The loss puts them in a must-win position in the remaining clashes if they are to seal the series against their arch-rivals. More importantly, though, it has reminded them that they are not unbeatable and that, without some of their key players, they can falter.
