Springboks scrum-half insists they ‘will take the positives that we can’ after loss to All Blacks

Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams insists his squad would take some positives from their 35-20 loss to the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.

Defeat leaves South Africa needing to beat Argentina and the Wallabies to do them a favour against New Zealand on July 29 in the last round of games.

The Springboks were left stunned by the All Blacks’ rapid start at Mount Smart Stadium, as they raced into a 17-0 lead early on thanks to two slick crossings.

Big gap to make up

That turned into a 20-3 half-time deficit for the Boks and while they scored tries times to New Zealand’s two in the second period, they were well beaten.

After a week’s break in the Rugby Championship, South Africa will finish their campaign against Los Pumas in Johannesburg as they look to bounce back.

Williams, who was a replacement for Faf de Klerk in the second half, believes the Springboks can take the positives from the tough game and move forward.

🗣️ “I felt we struggled to get into the game because of poor discipline.”

🇿🇦 Jacques Nienaber reacts to the defeat to the All Blacks. #NZLvRSA #RugbyChampionship https://t.co/QHdG1KszfX

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 16, 2023

“Personally I think we could have been better in the aerial battle. It’s something they made changes to in their game. But as a team we’ll take the positives that we can from the match and build on that,” the scrum-half told SA Rugby’s website on Sunday.

Despite their defeat, Williams admits that he’s loving being involved in the Springbok camp and that he is taking in as much as possible on a daily basis.

“I joined the Boks in 2021, so I’ve been part of the set-up for a little while,” Williams explained. “I’m really enjoying it and I’m learning a lot.”

Backed by his team

While the scrum-half is very much a youngster in an experienced side, he admits he feels backed by everyone in the camp as he looks to show off his qualities.

“The backing from the team management and the guys around me is fantastic and it makes it easy for us as players,” added the form Sharks number nine.

Williams will now hope to build on his minutes when the Springboks resume the campaign against Argentina before they face the same side on August 5.

The second clash with Los Pumas serves as a Rugby World Cup warm-up game, with further Tests coming against Wales (Cardiff) and New Zealand (London).

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