Quinn Tupaea identifies key areas behind Boks defeat

New Zealand centre Quinn Tupaea has identified South Africa’s fast start, pressure game and aerial dominance as key factors behind the All Blacks’ 33-26 defeat in the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in Cape Town.

Quinn Tupaea reflects on Springboks pressure

The Springboks responded strongly to their opening-Test defeat at Ellis Park, securing victory at DHL Stadium to level the four-match series at 1-1.

Tupaea admitted South Africa immediately put New Zealand under pressure, but also felt the All Blacks contributed to their own difficulties by failing to execute important moments.

“The Boks started strong and put us under a lot of pressure, but we did well to fight back and give ourselves a chance to win,” Tupaea said.

He added that New Zealand had put considerable scoreboard pressure on themselves through mistakes at crucial stages, with South Africa proving more clinical when opportunities emerged.

“Yes, scoreboard pressure was a word, but we felt we put a lot of pressure on ourselves in the game through key moments we won’t be too happy about.”

“It’s just footy; you have to nail those little moments. I guess they had more moments than us tonight and we were poor in some areas and the Boks made us pay."

All Blacks identify high-ball problems

South Africa’s aerial game was another area where New Zealand encountered difficulties.

Springboks outside back Ethan Hooker was particularly effective when competing for and retaining kicks, helping South Africa maintain pressure and favourable field position.

Tupaea acknowledged the All Blacks would need to improve under the high ball before the third Test.

“They caused us a lot of problems under the high ball; that’s something we need to tidy up,” he said.

Attention now turns to the third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5, where both teams will look to move ahead in the series before the final encounter in Baltimore.