Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has made it clear that South Africa will do everything in their power to bounce back from last week's defeat when they face the All Blacks at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The Boks suffered a frustrating loss in the opening Test of the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. They now enter the second match of the four-Test series determined to correct the mistakes that cost them victory.
“It’s not a secret that we were disappointed with the result last week, especially given the opportunities we had in the game,” Stick said on Friday.
“There were moments where we were in control, but if you don’t take your opportunities and convert them against the All Blacks, you will be punished. That was one of the biggest lessons.”
Reflecting on the week's preparations, Stick noted that the coaching staff and squad worked closely to address the execution errors.
“We prepared very well this week and analysed in depth where and how we missed those opportunities. Although there were some key focus points, it was a Test week like any other for us.
“As coaches, we had to lead by example and come up with solutions. The way we did that together with the players was one of the main positives about the week, so we are in a good space.”
Stick emphasised that clinical finishing will be the ultimate deciding factor in the Mother City.
“From our analysis this week, if we create as many opportunities as we did last week, one of the main things we need to do is convert more of them. That was the biggest factor last week. The All Blacks didn’t have many opportunities, but they took their chances when they came.
“That said, this is a new game, and we’ve studied and learned from everything we saw; now we need to apply it. We have another opportunity tomorrow, and we’ve done everything in our power to make sure the players are ready."
The assistant coach is also banking on a massive lift from the partisan local crowd to help level the series.
"You can’t ask for a better venue to turn things around, with the vibe, the stadium, the occasion, and the hospitality in Cape Town. We’ll be prepared.”