All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has admitted the Springboks were "unlucky" not to beat the All Blacks in Pretoria on Sunday (NZ time) in their Rugby Championship clash.
South Africa led by 17 points on two occasions during the second half, but conceded a 79th-minute try to Ardie Savea, converted by Richie Mo'unga to seal a 32-30 win for New Zealand.
That was the only time Hansen's men led during the entire match, which added more insult to injury for the Boks.
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It was also an excellent way for the All Blacks to avenge their two-point loss to South Africa suffered in Wellington.
After that loss, the All Blacks leadership group was criticised, choosing to chase a match-winning try instead of going for the more sensible option of a drop goal from in front of the posts.
But Hansen thinks the leadership group in the re-match was key to success at Loftus Versfeld, even though he felt the Boks should have held on to win.
"You think back to how we didn't manage that game well, but I think Kieran [Read] and the leaders can take lots of pleasure and satisfaction in how they managed this game," said Hansen.
"It could have easily been one we let go and allowed them to win. They dug in deep and refused to give up, and sometimes if you keep knocking on the door, someone will open it and you can come in.
"South Africa played incredibly well and were probably unlucky not have won. We felt we were unlucky to lose in Wellington, and they probably feel that they were unlucky to lose this one."
Hansen also praised his bench players for the role they had in the come-from-behind win.
Flanker Ardie Savea was forced to play more minutes than usual, after a first-half injury to Sam Cane, while Mo'unga, who replaced Waisake Naholo and shifted Beauden Barrett to fullback, brought greater control and precise distribution.
Hansen said bringing on his bench players earlier was the difference, compared to Boks coach Rassie Erasmus, who brought on his bench players later in the match.
"They did what we asked of them by bringing energy and purpose," Hansen added.
"How you use your bench is a trump card and I think both teams have good benches.
"Rassie went deep into the game with his, because he could afford to, but you've got them there and you have to use them at some point.
"It's an art to come off the bench and do something, and we train for that lots and there is an expectation they add to the game.
"You can't play everyone for 80 minutes, because they'll run out of petrol - especially in a game like this one."
Newshub.
