Rugby Championship: All Blacks should learn from Springboks defeat - Matt Pearce

A more rational approach might be the result of the All Blacks 36-34 Rugby Championship loss to South Africa in Wellington.

That's the opinion of SuperSport rugby commentator Matthew Pearce, who was amazed Kieran Read's side didn't set up for a drop goal in the closing stages of a ferocious test match.

The All Blacks instead went for a killer blow via the try line, but when Damian McKenzie lost the ball in contact, the match was lost.

Speaking to RadioLIVE, Pearce believes Saturday night's experience will benefit players like McKenzie and Beauden Barrett in the long term.

Pearce questioned whether New Zealand had prepared for a situation where three-points rather than five, was needed to clinch a test.

"I was amazed there was no apparent thought of a drop goal in the last few minutes," Pearce told Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes.

"But then again who in this New Zealand side has been in a position where they have to win a test in the final two minutes out in front of the posts.

"Surely somewhat uncharted territory for the All Blacks and I am sure they will take a lot out of that.

"They will be disappointed and I just wonder if that result hasn't given them the shot in the arm they needed.

"Maybe they just got a little too fancy and they need to be a little bit more pragmatic."

The two-point win has literally changed the mood of a nation overnight in South Africa.

One-week removed from a shoddy loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane that left coach Rassie Erasmus admitting his job was on the line, the Springboks could run the table in the their remaining three fixtures and snatch the Rugby Championship title away from New Zealand's grasp.

Pearce expects a passionate, revitalised Pretoria crowd in three-weeks-time when the two rugby giants meet again.

"People who were very grumpy and cynical a week ago are celebrating," Pearce told Sunday Sport.

"This will have a massive impact on ticket sales for Pretoria which was nowhere near sold out.

"I would imagine that will change, but first of all there is revenge against the Wallabies at Port Elizabeth."

The turnaround from South Africa is quite remarkable considering 12-months ago the All Blacks ran rampant on Auckland's North Shore, scoring a record 57-0 win.

The Boks replied with grit a few weeks later, losing by just one point, but the expectation of both nations rugby public was for a scorline similar to that at QBE Stadium.

South Africa had lost three of their last four tests, humbled by the Pumas in Mendoza before blowing a match winning opportunity, 23-18 against Australia last week.

The All Blacks in comparison had trounced Australia twice, and ran away with a 20-point win over a very good Argentine side.

Pearce credits Erasmus and his coaching staff for instilling a sense of belief within the playing group, allowing them to express themselves on the field.

"Regardless of the poor performances in Mendoza and Australia, Rassie Erasmus has always maintained that this side would be measured on how they perform against the best side in the world," Pearce said.

"There was always an eye on this game knowing that history is so incredibly stacked against them.

"To wait these nine tests really gives this team belief as we head towards Japan next year.

"The coaches have never stopped encouraging and showing them what they could be capable of.

"The faith in their ability really empowered the players. It may be cliché but there is nothing quite as dangerous as a wounded Springboks and that proved to be the case."

Rugby Championship: All Blacks should learn from Springboks defeat - Matt Pearce

However nothing is won just yet, with three games still to play, the Boks must defeat the Wallabies in two-weeks to keep their title aspirations alive.

South African sides of the recent past have failed to put consistent performances together. Pearce believes it is imperative that they repeat the result of Westpac Stadium against Michel Cheika's Australians.

"Part of the genius of the All Blacks is the always reset the clock back to zero and back up outstanding performances week in and week out.

"They [Springboks] must back up last night against Australia. They have to win in Port Elizabeth."

The All Blacks head to Buenos Aires to tackle the Pumas on September 30.

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