Rassie Erasmus says the first 15 minutes of the blockbuster Test at Eden Park shook the Springboks’ belief.

The Boks ‘won’ the last hour 17-10 but left themselves with too much to do after the All Blacks took an early 14-0 lead – striking twice from lineout possession, having profited from turnover possession in their own half.

“The one positive is that we’re at least still in the running to win the Rugby Championship,” Erasmus said.

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“Overall, if you look at the 80 minutes, we had 15 really bad minutes which led to a little disbelief. We came out after half time with a bit more belief and I thought the subs really injected some energy into the game.”

Erasmus added: “We’re all very disappointed and we realise people will be very gatvol of us and that we’ll take plenty of heat for this one.”

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But the Bok mentor says they have a chance to set things right in Wellington next Saturday, which now becomes a must-win match.

“Seven days later, we have the opportunity to beat New Zealand and stay in the mix for the Rugby Championship.

“It’s like any other loss. It was away from home against the world’s No 1 team, but it doesn’t make the loss any easier to take.”

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