New Zealand head coach Ian Foster receives full backing from Ardie Savea

New Zealand back row Ardie Savea dedicated the win over South Africa at Ellis Park to head coach Ian Foster.

Sam Cane and Samisoni Taukei'aho scored first half tries for the All Blacks but Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi responded for the Springboks making it 23-21.

Nevertheless, tries from David Havili and Scott Barrett ensured with their tries in the final five minutes ensured New Zealand returned back to winning ways and secured a first victory in the ongoing Rugby Championship.

The result was also a huge relief for Foster, who was under criticism from all corners after the All Blacks slipped to the fifth position in World Rugby Rankings after losing five out of their last six games.

“This performance was for all of us, but for me, that’s my coach, I back him 100 percent, side by side,” said Savea.

“He has been under a lot of pressure, and I know Foz (Foster) doesn’t want to make it about himself, but I just want everyone to know that all the players have got his back.

"He’s a great coach, he’s got great coaches beside him, and we back him 100 percent. I hope everyone that reads this backs us because we are going to get it.

“The last couple of weeks this team has been through adversity, and in life and sport when you go through adversity it brings the best out of people. I saw something saying belief only takes us so far … it took us pretty far this week.

"I’m just proud of everyone in this team stepping up, especially at Ellis Park. It’s bloody hard, I’m knackered, and can’t wait to hit the sack and go see the family next week.”