Chronicle EditorCAPE TOWN. — New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said South Africa could be very proud of their performance after the All Blacks scraped a 25-24 Rugby Championship victory in Cape Town on Saturday. While the All Blacks made it six wins in a row against the Springboks, the home team emphatically shook off the horrors of their 57-0 loss to the All Blacks in their last meeting, three weeks ago in Auckland.
“South Africa can be very proud of that performance and it showed what a good rugby side they are. Our side showed tremendous courage and character and had to make a lot of tackles. I tried to tell anyone who would listen that Auckland was a ridiculous score that did not reflect how tough the game was. Obviously I’m pleased any time we win – it’s easier on the ticker when you win 57-0 – but it gives you greater pleasure when it’s a real contest, and both sides played well tonight,” Hansen told a media conference.
As the All Blacks prepare for the next World Cup in 2019, at which they will be aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of titles, Hansen said he was pleased some of his younger players had been exposed to a high-quality, high-pressure international.
“To see youngsters like David Havili and Damian McKenzie combine for the try that put us in front, that’s not a bad sign.
“Some of our younger players have not been in that situation before – that when it is tough you have to find a way. — AFP.
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