South Africa coach Jake White praised his side’s ability to grind out a victory despite not being at their best in Saturday’s Tri-nations opener against Australia.
“It was not our best performance because we didn’t hold on to the ball enough,” White told a news conference after the Springboks’ 22-16 win.
“But we still ground out a win and those are the type that you can put in the memory bank and use later. A year or two ago we would have lost it.”
South Africa and Australia scored a try apiece, with the Springboks clinching victory with a penalty and a drop goal in the last seven minutes.
Fullback Percy Montgomery kicked three penalties, a conversion and a drop goal to pass 500 points in his 67th test.
Both coaches described the test as a classic.
“That’s a test match. The Australians are a very clever side and they showed how good they really are today,” White said.
His opposite number Eddie Jones agreed.
“That was a pretty exceptional test, as intense as you get,” the Australia coach said. “It was a high standard and it showed it’s going to be a pretty exciting Tri-nations.”
Jones said his team were in a position to seal victory in the second half, but had wasted their opportunities.
More: today.reuters.co.uk
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