Hansen sings Bok praises

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes the Springboks showed their true potential in their 24-25 defeat to New Zealand at Newlands on Saturday.

Hansen has sang the praises of the Boks, who went some way to redeeming themselves for the 57-0 humiliation in Albany.

"South Africa can be very proud of that performance and it showed what a good rugby side they are," Hansen said.

"Our side showed tremendous courage and character and had to make a lot of tackles.

"I tried to tell anyone who would listen that Auckland was a ridiculous score that did not reflect how tough the game was.

"Obviously I’m pleased any time we win — it’s easier on the ticker when you win 57-0 — but it gives you greater pleasure when it’s a real contest, and both sides played well tonight," Hansen told a media conference.

Meanwhile, Hansen singled out David Havili and Damian McKenzie for special praise as the pair's sparkling counter-attack led to a McKenzie try.

"To see youngsters like David Havili and Damian McKenzie combine for the try that put us in front, that’s not a bad sign," Hansen said.

"Some of our younger players have not been in that situation before — that when it is tough you have to find a way.

"It's been a great year for us and 2016 was a bit of a breeze, we played some extraordinary rugby.

"Guys are coming in and trying to establish themselves.

"It was quite apparent that they were very talented, but they were never really under pressure.

"But this year they have been under quite a lot of pressure and there have been some 80-minute performances, but others where we have dropped off after 60 minutes.

"It's a learning (curve) for a young team and tonight we only had five guys with more than 50 caps, which is unusual for us.

"So we have been able to grow the talent underneath, which is great for the World Cup."