Captain John Smit has praised the impact of the Springbok's bench © Getty Images

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Match Pack: Match report: Steyn boots Boks to victory

Matches: South Africa 22 - 19 Australia

Teams: Australia | South Africa

South Africa skipper John Smit was full of praise for his side after they turned round a half-time deficit to claim victory over Australia in the opening clash of this year's Tri Nations.

"It was a very close affair throughout the afternoon," he commented following the Newlands triumph.

"But thanks to our replacements, who made a massive difference when they came on, we were fortunate to sneak it at the end.

"Those fresh legs brought a positive influence to the team when they got on to the field, and I think we showed great character there at the end."

Smit, who was forced out of the game early on with a hamstring injury, had to look on from the touchline as his side battled back from being 16-10 down at the break.

"I think it was some of the best rugby we've played," he added. "We created good opportunities and dominated for long periods, but just couldn't convert those chances.

"We had to really grind it out, and the way we did it was very special."

Twenty-year-old match-winner Francois Steyn, who slotted two crucial drop goals, told reporters, "The kicks just happened. The Lord moves me around like a pawn and I don't know where I'm going to end up next."

Springboks coach Jake White haile dhis side's composure commenting, "A lot of teams wouldn't have had the character to pull that victory off.

"What the side showed was character and composure that comes with the experience of having played four years together."

White was also delighted that his replacements helped to turn the game around in the Springboks' favour.

"I believe that in the second half however, we were able to gain a good return from our replacements, and it paid dividends for us. That said, you can't afford to create so many opportunities and not finish them off, and it's a relief we are able to say that having pulled off the win."

Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock rued the fact the game was lost when an historic triumph was with his side's grasp.

"We gave it our all and I thought we showed a lot of courage out there," he said.

"I was particularly happy with our defence and the character we showed throughout the contest."

Australia coach John Connolly was also full of praise his side's defensive effort adding, "Matches like that can hinge on certain moments and the two field goals proved just that. And for us a couple of wide out misses cost us at the end of the day.

"I was delighted with the effort we showed for the entire game and I told the players that after the game," added the Wallabies boss.

"Sport is about winning so that is a tough thing to take but from our point of view we came here full of confidence and we played with a heap of confidence.

"New Zealand will provide slightly different challenges but we are very comfortable with this team and believe we can adapt for the challenges they will present us with."