Jacques Nienaber is thrilled the Springboks successfully cleared the first hurdle of their World Cup title defence in a gritty encounter against Scotland.
In a tight game at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, two Manie Libbok penalties to one from Finn Russell made it just 6-3 at half time.
Momentum swung after Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse crossed for a try apiece between the 47th and 50th minutes, the Boks effectively shutting down any response from the Scots after ensuring dominance on the scoreboard.
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“It could have been a slippery one, Scotland are a good side and are not number five in the world for nothing,” said Nienaber after the match.
“We were only leading 6-3 at half time after having some dominance. They are a nuggety team and hats off to them. We had to grind the win out.”
Nienaber said it wasn’t rocket science how the Boks turned the screw in the second period.
“Rugby is not a complicated sport. If you get a good platform from the forwards, then you can create momentum that can create some space and then you have some backs who can make some magic,” he said.
In particular, Nienaber was delighted with South Africa’s defence, as the Springboks did not concede a try against a deadly Scotland backline.
“Defence is just beautiful to me,” he joked.
“Credit to Scotland playing with speed and variety. We had to be sharp to cut off their options.
“They can create something out of nothing. Credit to the players. A lot of hard work has been put in. It took a lot from the players on defense on Sunday night.”
Nienaber could not confirm the extent of Eben Etzebeth’s shoulder injury, after the lock was replaced midway through the first half.
The Springboks next face Romania on Sunday, 17 September.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP