Mallett hailed the match as "the most dominant performance" of the series. He admitted that while the team had shown moments of superiority previously, this game was different.
"I was more comfortable in this game than in any other one I was watching. I felt that for the Boks, it was just a question of how much we were going to win by."
Mallett was critical of those who fantasized a clean sweep but acknowledged that a series end at 3-1 was more than satisfactory. He credited Rassie Erasmus for his strategic player management throughout the series, which contrasted his usual approach during the Nations Championship.
The endurance of the veteran players was another point of celebration for Mallett. He emphasized the rigorous nature of back-to-back tests and how the older members stepped up to the challenge.
"The guys came through with flying colours."
Key players like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi received specific mentions for their impactful play, alongside centers Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, who were pivotal in the defensive scheme.
Mallett also acknowledged Rassie Erasmus’s extensive experience, which he believes plays a crucial role in the team's success, supported by a robust backing from both the players and the nation’s fans.
While Mallett credited the progress made by All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, he was skeptical about Rennie's grasp of tactical gameplay against the Boks. The physicality that the South African team brought to the field was something he felt the All Blacks failed to counter effectively.
This series has not only enhanced the reputation of the Springboks but also cemented the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series as a true test of tactical and physical rugby prowess, living up to its name and thrilling fans worldwide.
