"I reckon this week will be about: you can't panic now," stated Smit on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby AUNZ podcast. He emphasized the need for the team to regain their composure and find their usual rhythm.
According to Smit, the emotional response from South Africa to the loss might seem like an overreaction, but it's typical. "South Africa will be depressed into all hell, and it’ll be like the world has come to an end and what is happening. People quite easily go from zero to catastrophe in South Africa when the Boks lose."
"We haven't become a s**t team in one day. We actually have the ability to bounce back and give this series a proper go; there are three games left."
Smit also reflected on the specific moments that tilted the game away from the Boks, mentioning key turnovers that drastically altered the course of the game. He believes focusing on these aspects can help recalibrate the team's focus and strategy.
"Malcolm [Marx] loses a ball over the line, and the next thing, the nine [Grant Williams] gets charged down, and it’s a 14-point swing. You go from having momentum to getting a spanking," he recounted. Smit's advice is straightforward - stay calm and do not panic.
In further analysis, Reinach pointed out that the All Blacks had put particular pressure on the breakdowns, not just targeting the scrumhalf, altering the dynamics of the match.
The Springboks look to regain their footing and challenge the All Blacks in the upcoming second Test in Cape Town. With three matches remaining, the series is still very much open, and the Boks are determined to rebound.
The resilience and tactical awareness of the team will be critical as they aim to turn the tide and restore their top form in one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
