Springboks coach Jake White hailed his side's 40-26 win over New Zealand as their most important win so far, but admitted the scoreline was flattering. The result, which included a hat-trick by centre Marius Joubert, sets up a Tri-Nations decider at home to Australia next Saturday in Durban.
"This week was our most important game, but now next week is," White said.
"I've told the players to enjoy these moments and to soak it all up after all the sacrifices they have made."
White picked out captain John Smit for particular praise.
"We were under pressure you cannot understand, but I thought the captain was outstanding," said White.
"He's a young captain and it could have gone either way, but to win 40-26 in the end is unbelievable."
The high point of the game was Joubert emulating Ray Mordt's 1981 hat-trick against New Zealand, and the player was understandably thrilled. "It was an unbelievable feeling," he said.
"My form has not been that great in the Tests so far and Jake just told me to run hard and score some tries."
New Zealand coach Graham Henry was gracious in defeat.
"We didn't get a lot of ball and the few opportunities we created, we couldn't finish. But that shows the quality of the opposition," he said.
"The Springboks put us under pressure and caused us to make mistakes we don't normally make."
MMIX
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The Springboks put us under pressure and caused us to make mistakes we don't normally make 