THE GREATEST RIVALRY series always looked likely to start with a bang and on Saturday we got just that, New Zealand recording a statement win in Johannesburg to pile the pressure on the Springboks heading into the next three Tests.

The 33-16 victory was the most impressive yet under Dave Rennie, who was building momentum with his New Zealand team through the July wins against France, Japan and Ireland.

Going and winning in South Africa is the clearest indication yet that this All Blacks side are creating something highly promising after the frustrations of Scott Robertson’s tenure.

It’s too early in the series to make any grand statements, but it puts the Springboks in a fascinating position. New Zealand arrived for the first Test fitter, sharper and more efficient than their hosts, but Rassie Erasmus didn’t look too perturbed post-game. He’ll expect his team to improve, but must feel they can’t afford another defeat as the tour moves to Cape Town this week. If they want to win this series, they now need to win three in a row against these revitalised All Blacks.

Perhaps the most impressive aspects of this New Zealand performance were just how assured Dave Rennie’s side looked, with the resilience to soak up pressure and keep faith in their gameplan. New Zealand felt the heat at the scrum but didn’t allow that to dictate the flow of the game, instead finishing on top to outscore the back-to-back world champions 21-0 in the final 33 minutes.

South Africa's Jasper Wiese is tackled by New Zealand's Jordie Barrett. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The All Blacks worked hard to deliver key defensive sets and were technically excellent in the tackle – Jordie Barrett a prime example in twice dislodging the ball in contact.

Now the Springboks need to lay down a marker of their own. We already have some insight into their thinking, with Erasmus reverting to his fondness for an early-week team announcement, having held off until Thursday for the opening Test.

So, we know he’s leaning back on experience. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is out, having failed to grasp the opportunity on Saturday. At his best the 24-year-old is a dynamic, creative spark at 10 but much of the opening Test passed him by and his decision-making was poor, with the Stormers man perhaps too light on gametime having only recently returned from injury (far from the only Boks player who falls into that category).

In comes Handré Pollard, a more experienced operator who has been there and done it all in the Springboks shirt and the man Erasmus feels can steer the team through what is expected to be a wet encounter in Cape Town.

Indeed, it’s an all-new half-back pairing, with Cobus Reinach replacing Grant Williams at nine. Williams is out with a ‘niggle’ but like Feinberg-Mngomezulu, he didn’t make the desired impact at Ellis Park.

Handrè Pollard is back in the Springboks team this weekend. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

There’s further intrigue in the Boks’ backrow. Erasmus is no stranger to doing things differently and today he delivered another first by naming two players in one position, with Siya Kolisi/Paul de Villiers listed at openside. Kolisi sat out the opening Test but the South Africa captain will start ahead of de Villiers if he makes it through the week ‘comfortably’.

Should Kolisi line out, it will take the total caps in South Africa’s starting team to 1,012 – up from 850 last weekend. The hosts look likely to take a kick-heavy approach, keeping faith in the strength of their set-piece and the power in their pack.

Fielding a more experienced side may fix some issues – South Africa had two yellow cards on Saturday – but doesn’t necessarily correct the most glaring holes in Saturday’s performance.

The Springboks made more carries (96 to 86) for more metres (298m to 197m) than their visitors – much of it led by the excellent Jasper Wiese – had more linebreaks (7 to 6) and enjoyed more territory (60% to 40%), but lacked the cutting edge to make any of it count as they were outscored five tries to one in their own backyard.

Instead, it was New Zealand who looked more vibrant and cohesive in attacking positions. Will Jordan again showcased why he is one of the most lethal wingers in world rugby, Cam Roigard kept the tempo up at nine while Barrett was outstanding in midfield, using his physicality in contact and winning a remarkable five turnovers. Over the 80 minutes New Zealand forced 14 turnovers to South Africa’s five.

And maybe much of this lies in the fact New Zealand had more rugby in their legs, playing three pre-Test fixtures in South Africa while the Springboks hadn’t been on the pitch since beating Argentina in Buenos Aires on 8 August. It was notable how New Zealand’s combinations looked far more connected than South Africa’s. And still, the home side were in a strong position early in the second half, only to fade as New Zealand turned the screw.

It sets the rest of the tour up beautifully. South Africa will need to dig deep to avoid this series slipping toward disaster against an in-form, confident All Blacks side in Cape Town on Saturday.