Still a spring in Springbok step after epic test

The Boks were not revelling in defeat last night but they were at least savouring the fact they have rekindled rugby's greatest rivalry.

For the better part of last century, clashes between South Africa and New Zealand set the pulses racing. They were the tests the rugby world wanted to see. They were about big men playing with no regard for their own safety and unflinching passion for the jersey. They were clashes of true heavyweights, the unofficial championships of the world.

But when the modern era arrived with its suitcases full of loot, the South Africans lost their way. They were hampered by their bickering and a refusal to move with the times.

Generations of New Zealanders grew up believing that New Zealand's oldest foe was Australia, possibly even France. It was a scenario that hurt South Africa and one perhaps the whole rugby world wanted to see reversed.

That South Africa came within a whisker of beating the All Blacks at Carisbrook last night has placed them back in their rightful place.

Last night's test was arguably the best between the two since the Tri Nations kicked off in 1996 and Springbok coach Jake White was able to see the value of that.

"I was walking through the city this morning and someone said it was just like the old days. That is a compliment to this team because we have really earned people's respect. As a national coach, I can't say that it is OK to lose but all credit must go to the players.

"At 21-10 down, most sides would have got a hiding there.

"This is a special team and to go from sixth in the world to second in 18 months is something they can be proud of.

"If you had said to most South Africans that we would beat Australia three times, then again in Perth, the All Blacks at home and win a series against France, I think most supporters would have taken that. But the expectations of this team are greater than that."

White's skipper, John Smit, endorsed the disappointed but proud mood that was in the Springbok changing room.

Smit said: "The guys were very disappointed but we can take great heart from the fact we are getting closer and closer. It is looking good for the future. It is good for a young side going forward to get momentum for 2007."

All Black coach Graham Henry thought his team's victory was the right result.

"We deserved to win because we played the most rugby," Henry said.

His captain Tana Umaga complimented the Springboks. "To the Springboks' credit they came all this way and never gave up - as you saw on the scoreboard and in the way they played. We were fortunate to hold them out and get what we got but we're happy with it."

Umaga said the All Blacks were told to keep their composure at halftime. "We created things but they lived off our mistakes. That's the way they've been playing and it's obviously successful for them, so all power to them.

"But our boys really came out strong and with the support of the Carisbrook crowd we came out on top."


- HERALD ON SUNDAY