Scott Robertson bemoaned moments of ill-discipline as South Africa overturned a 10-point deficit in the final 12 minutes to beat the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The All Blacks, beaten 12-11 by the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, had looked likely winners in Johannesburg, outscoring the hosts by four tries to one at one stage.
Trailing by 10 points with 12 minutes remaining, the reigning world champions scored tries through flanker Kwagga Smith and scrumhalf Grant Williams to snatch victory.
A minute before Smith scored, the All Blacks had been reduced to 14 men when prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi was yellow-carded at Ellis Park.
“I am so proud of the effort and the way we defended, it was just a little bit of ill-discipline by the lads that cost us,” Robertson said.
“But those are the fine margins in Test footy. Some of the penalties were down to a bit of interpretation, but those small moments lead to a bit of momentum and the game changes.
“We still had opportunities to win the game, we have just got to execute better. Ellis Park is a hell of an arena – what an atmosphere tonight and the crowd really gets involved.
“But that is where we thrive, we love those moments.”
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett added he felt they were on top for an hour, but a bit of inexperience cost them at the death.
“The Springboks showed that they are a class team and we were not quite good enough,” Barrett said.
“We were good for 62 minutes, but there were two key moments after kick-offs when we could not get out of our half and they punished us.
“It was a huge effort and I’m proud of the boys, but it was not quite enough. We will regroup quickly. For a lot of the guys it was their first time here, and it is pretty intense.”
Seeking a second Rugby Championship title, South Africa have 14 points from three victories. New Zealand trail with six points after two losses.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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