Sir John Kirwan’s honest ‘best team won’ admission as he reveals the ‘difference’ between the Springboks and All Blacks

All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan had no complaints about the result in Soweto after the Springboks went 2-1 up in the four-Test series.

South Africa have arrived in Baltimore having taken the lead for the first time in the contest after going down to New Zealand in the opener at Ellis Park.

Since that 33-16 defeat, the Boks have claimed 33-26 and 29-24 victories which means they can no longer lose the series.

The All Blacks can still level it up when the arch-rivals go head-to-head in the USA in the only match that is taking place on neutral territory, but Kirwan felt they were deservedly beaten at the weekend.

Springboks ‘know how to win’

“The best team won. I thought the South African team was outstanding when they needed to be. We had about 15 minutes in the second half where they just dominated us,” he said on the Rivals podcast.

“Hats off to the South African team, they were pretty good. I’m really proud that the boys stayed close and the difference is you had a very good mature side that know how to win.”

Kirwan was joined on the show for former Springboks lock Victor Matfield, who agreed that experience was telling factor and enabled them to go up a level in the second period.

“What a Test match. That first half, you must have loved a lot of ball in play, a lot of phases, really loose – both teams having a go at it,” Matfield said.

“Actually, South Africa were too loose in that first half but in that second half you could just see this is a very experienced team that has played together for nine years.

“They just had another gear and it came through. The experience, playing together for a long time, there was just an extra gear for them to go to.”

All Blacks coach identifies the key area his side must improve in against ‘dominant’ Springboks

Key All Blacks injuries

The All Blacks also weren’t helped by injuries with Quinn Tupaea and, most crucially, captain Ardie Savea going off due to knee and shoulder issues respectively.

Both players will now miss the encounter this weekend and it could be critical with Dave Rennie’s seeking to avoid a series defeat.

“There were one or two big injuries for the All Blacks with Ardie getting injured played a big role as well, but what a Test match, what an atmosphere,” Matfield said.

“Everyone was talking about this Greatest Rivalry tour and it’s lived up to all expectations.”

READ MORE: How New Zealand’s media reacted to All Blacks’ defeat to Springboks as departure of ‘inspirational captain’ and scrum woes identified as key reasons for loss