Boks showed what a good side they are — Hansen
CAPE 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, highpressure 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.
“It’s been a great year for us and 2016 was a bit of a breeze, we played some extraordinary rugby.
“Guys are coming in and trying to establish themselves.
“It was quite apparent that they were very talented, but they were never really under pressure.