MELBOURNE - Springbok captain Corne Krige's exasperation was evident after the match. Krige's mood was predictably downbeat and the frustration clear as he told a post-match media more than once: "We just couldn't get our hands on the ball."
It was meant as a compliment to the All Black forwards, who
outshone their bigger opponents.
Krige said the South Africans had aimed to beat the All Blacks up front, but did not get a look in.
"In the opening 25 minutes of the first half, we didn't even see the ball, we just defended. I just kept saying to the guys, 'Let's try and get our hands on the ball.'
"In the last 10 minutes of that half, we did carry the ball and it did look quite good for us.
"In my mind and my heart ... I thought if we could get hold of the ball first of all and keep it, we could punish their defence, but it wasn't to be on the day.
"They were very streetwise and their defence was strong."
Krige said his players threw everything into the game and played their hearts out.
"But the fact of the matter is that if you don't have the ball and the team playing against you makes life so difficult for you that you are just defending . . . you're in trouble. That's what happened."
The veteran flanker said he thought the Springboks could have scored a try when they were hot on attack - just before halftime - and were awarded a penalty.
He said he was forced to go for a penalty goal because referee Tony Spreadbury told him if the ball was kicked out it would be halftime.
- NZPA
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