'Not far off': All Blacks remain positive despite 'failure' in South Africa
The All Blacks rugby team is reflecting on a narrow 29-24 loss to the Springboks in South Africa, which leaves them trailing 2-1 in the series. Despite the defeat, the team remains optimistic about their performance and is preparing for the final Test match in Baltimore.
Why it matters
This match highlights the high-stakes nature of international rugby and the physical toll on elite athletes, with key injuries impacting the team's future prospects.
Amidst the positivity from the All Blacks that they pushed the Springboks all the way in South Africa and that the margin between the world’s top two teams is small, there is an acceptance of failure. Assistant coach Neil Barnes, reflecting on yesterday’s <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/06/saveas-injury-adds-to-all-blacks-woes-after-defeat-to-boks/">29-24 defeat by the Boks in Soweto</a> which gave the home side a 2-1 lead in the series, said his men had “a chance to be amongst history and we failed and that hurts”. That is an indication of the importance placed by the All Blacks both on the recent clash in front of 86,000 spectators at FNB Stadium and the fourth and final Test in Baltimore, USA, on Sunday morning NZT.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Rugby: Springboks outmuscle All Blacks to win third test, take 2-1 series lead
Ardie Savea OUT of Springboks-All Blacks Test in Baltimore
Dave Rennie's 12-word verdict on the Springbok scrum in Soweto
Boks take ‘moral victory’ in series after overpowering All Blacks in Soweto
All Blacks v Springboks: World media reacts to South Africa’s late surge to victory
Springbok player ratings from 29-24 win against All Blacks in third Test
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