Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has issued an apology after coming under fire for his behaviour in a press conference.
After New Zealand boss Dave Rennie accused South Africa of acting illegally during scrums following the second match of the two sides' epic four-Test 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series, a fuming Erasmus launched into a passionate defence of his side during a press conference last week. Branding Rennie's claims "nonsense", the 53-year-old even dropped the F-bomb as the war of words between the two coaches escalated further.
Erasmus apologises after third Test win
However, after the Springboks took a 2-1 series lead with an exhilarating 29-24 win in the third Test in Soweto on Saturday, Erasmus has now seemingly extended an olive branch to Rennie by apologising for losing his temper during the press conference.
Asked for his thoughts on the game - which has set up a dramatic final clash in Baltimore next weekend - the veteran coach told reporters: "I thought it was epic. The whole series so far has been epic, and they can draw it in Baltimore."
"Obviously we are happy tonight, but I don't want to swear again because I got into trouble last time, and I really apologise for that last week. It was not well-mannered and I apologise."
"It was epic and it was intense. It was a fierce battle in all departments and the scoreboard at the end showed how close the game was," Erasmus added. "We're just happy we won, and now we're on the same flight and we must try to replicate that in Baltimore."
All Blacks lose captain and two more to injury
Both sides were left counting the physical cost of Saturday's enthralling battle, with Erasmus confirming post-match that wing Cheslin Kolbe will not travel to the United States with the rest of the squad after breaking his jaw while tackling New Zealand flanker Luke Jacobson.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, have had to send three more players home following the third Test, including captain Ardie Savea, who suffered a dislocated shoulder when he was cleaned out in a ruck by Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.
Jacobson, who took over as captain after Savea left the field towards the end of the first half, is also set to fly home after injuring a tendon in his elbow, while centre Quinn Tupaea is out with a knee ligament injury.
All Blacks confirm trio ruled out of series
A statement from the All Blacks later confirmed that the trio had been ruled out of playing any further part in the series and will be travelling back to New Zealand.
"Three players have been ruled out after receiving injuries in the third Test against the Springboks," the statement read.
"Ardie Savea has a dislocated shoulder; Quinn Tupaea has a MCL (knee) injury; and Luke Jacobson has injured a tendon in his elbow, which will require further investigation on return to New Zealand."
"Return to play timeframes for these players are yet to be determined."
