All Blacks star Cam Roigard has admitted that there was plenty of frustration after Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, but hopes they can get back on track in the Bledisloe Cup.
New Zealand overcame the Springboks in the opening Test at Ellis Park, but then succumbed to three successive defeats to lose the series 3-1.
They have had a short break before their next challenge, which is defending the Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies in a two-Test campaign.
The All Blacks have held the trophy since 2003 and it would therefore be a huge blow if they were to relinquish it this year.
Wallabies confident
Australia, who are unbeaten in five matches under new head coach Les Kiss, will be dangerous and the confidence of Dave Rennie’s men has taken a knock after the South Africa games.
Kiss’ side warmed up for the Bledisloe Cup with a stunning victory over the Boks and Roigard knows that it will be a “massive challenge” for his side.
“It’s been weird to be honest having such a long tour and then a few weeks off. It kind of felt like it was the end of season tour in a sense,” he told Sport Nation.
“Having the longest stint is normally at the end of the campaign or the calendar year so it’s been a little bit weird knowing that we were coming back in for a short stint before a long one again.
“It’s been good to have a couple of weeks off and mentally refresh after a massive campaign. There’s been lots of energy in camp.
“It’s a massive challenge ahead, it’s not getting any easier but we love that in this group and it’s all eyes ahead for Saturday.”
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All Blacks’ failure to adapt
The All Blacks were competitive against the Springboks but that arguably made it even more infuriating for the players and coaches.
Despite often looking dangerous in attack, the fundamentals of set-piece and kick receipt continually let them down and enabled South Africa to take those three wins.
Roigard was disappointed that, after seeing the Boks dominate in those key areas, there was not much improvement as the series went on.
“The frustrating thing over the last three games were the reasons we didn’t get the results was for similar reasons when it came down to small margins,” he added.
“When we needed to be accurate, we weren’t and things like discipline let us down for more than one game. Things like that sting a little bit more when you’re not learning or adapting as fast as what you need to at that level, especially against a quality side like South Africa.
“It definitely still stings and it probably will for a while.”
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