Share

Boks 'won mental battle'

Brisbane - Jubilant coach Heyneke Meyer praised his Springboks' mental strength and resolute defence as they inflicted their biggest win over the Wallabies in Australia on Saturday.

As it happened: Australia v South Africa

South Africa overpowered Australia with three tries in eight second-half minutes to run away with a 38-12 win over the Wallabies.

It was the Springboks' first win over the Wallabies in Australia for four years and their first in nine attempts in Brisbane over 42 years.

Meyer enthusiastically cheered each of South Africa's four tries, while his team restricted to Wallabies to just four penalty goals in a dominant performance.

"I'm very emotional about the win. I really, really believed in this team. I believe we're growing," Meyer told reporters after the game.

"I truly believe this Wallabies side is a good side. I know how Ewen (McKenzie) feels. You're almost on a hiding to nothing.

"It's only your first and second game - it takes time. They'll be back."

The victory set up South Africa for a showdown with New Zealand, the other unbeaten team in the Rugby Championship, next weekend in Auckland.

"We need to be humble next week and even in South Africa it's going to be a hell of a challenge," he said.

"People believe we can't score tries. We scored 70 points (against Argentina) in South Africa, then we struggled away from home and got criticised and now we've scored four tries again.

"You get this game out of the way, stay humble. Next game it's a tough encounter.

"Obviously you build. The guys are getting mentally stronger. There's still three tough games to come and the championship waiting.

"Forget this game and start focusing on the next one. It's been a huge, huge mental thing," he said, adding that the next game is "going to be a real great challenge".

"I think our defence was awesome tonight. Our loose forwards at the breakdown were really good."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Pakistan 0
New Zealand 0/0
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 364 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 204 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE