Taylor's reflections on the series were tinged with respect for the opposition. "Reflecting on the first game, we probably created a few more moments in that second half and applied a lot of pressure, and then we probably fell short to a few crucial moments in those last three Tests and South Africa are just a bloody good side," he acknowledged.
"They'll punish you if you give them those opportunities. But in saying that, there's so much to be excited and proud of and the group that we have in the All Blacks, and you know, this is a good stepping stone for us for what's to come in the future, especially next year."
Aside from the games, Taylor highlighted the growth and cohesion within the team. “The culture has been amazing, we’ve sort of grown as a team off the field and I feel like the connection’s amazing,” Taylor said. He praised the commitment from everyone involved, signaling that despite the series loss, the team direction is promising.
The series also showcased the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two teams, evident in their shared post-series moment of prayer. Taylor commented on the deep-rooted respect that stems from both nations' passion for rugby and the character of the players involved.
Adding another dimension to the rugby festivities was the record attendance at M&T Bank Stadium, stressing the growing interest in rugby in the United States. Taylor remarked on the vibrant sports culture in America, which has embraced rugby warmly, setting a positive stage for the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s been amazing to come over here and just soak up what America has to offer. You know, they obviously love their sports, and they got right behind rugby,” Taylor noted. He humorously mentioned frequent encounters with South African fans in his hotel's elevator, highlighting the widespread support for rugby among South Africans in the U.S.
As the tour wrapped up, Taylor looked forward to reconnecting with family and preparing for upcoming matches. “It’s been great to see USA Rugby sort of keep building and leading into 2031. It’s in a pretty good place to start building a foundation for what will be an awesome World Cup come five years,” he concluded.
The All Blacks' journey in the series, though marked by challenges, has been a testament to their resilience and growth as a team. With strong leadership and a clear focus on future goals, the New Zealand team appears poised to harness these experiences for future successes on the global stage.
