The Springboks made history when they beat the All Blacks 36-34 in New Zealand on Saturday, ending a near decade-long drought in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
What the win has done is create expectation ahead of Australia and New Zealand’s visit to South Africa for the reverse legs of the Rugby Championship.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who addressed the media on their return to SA at OR Tambo airport on Sunday, understands this and knows that their performance in New Zealand will be used as a benchmark for future Bok showdowns.
Kolisi says: “For us it’s a simple thing; we’ve just got to keep on working hard.
“The coach said it afterwards, our hard work got us the win [against New Zealand]... and a bit of luck.
“We’ve just got to keep on working hard and keep on wanting to improve.rugb
“All the coach asks of us is to keep on going and that’s what we’re going to keep on trying to do.”
The hard-working mentality is one that sticks with the players on-field as well.
Kolisi says while he was on the field, he continually asked himself: “Am I working hard enough? Am I giving my best and that’s what’s been given to us by the coaching staff.”
Of the game, Kolisi adds: “Defensively it’s the best game we played - the most important thing is belief. Players took more responsibility - we just wanted to play for each other.”
Meanwhile, fullback Willie le Roux has told Netwerk24 that “it’s a tough one to answer” when asked if he will be available for the home leg of the series.
Should Le Roux not be available for next weekend’s clash against Australia in Port Elizabeth, all eyes will be on young Western Province flyhalf-cum-fullback Damian Willemse to possibly man that position in what would be his first start for the Springboks.