Coaches React To Thrilling Finale

Watch as coaches Heyneke Meyer and Steve Hansen give their view on New Zealand's 38-27 win over South Africa in the final game of the 2013 Rugby Championship in Johannesburg.

In a wonderfully open and free-flowing match, New Zealand scored five tries to South Africa's four to clinch the title.

However, when South Africa were 15-14 up moments before half-time, and when Jean de Villiers crossed for their fourth try before New Zealand had scored their fourth, an unlikely comeback and title win was still on for the Springboks.

However, New Zealand broke South African hearts when Beauden Barrett touched down in the 60th minute - atoning for letting de Villiers run through him moments earlier - and a further score from Kieran Read put the game out of South Africa's reach.

South Africa coach Meyer says it was probably one of the best games he's ever been involved in and he is proud of his team.

"I really thought the guys came out firing, put their bodies on the line, we really played some great rugby.

"Probably one of the best games I have ever been involved with, but by saying that, you want to win and we want to win in style. So we always knew we were going to go for the four tries and score it.

"I thought that by going for the four tries we still stayed very clinical and constructive in defence.... attack sorry. So they didn't score from our mistakes like usual, it was just bad defence.

"But proud of the guys. I think we're closing the gap and they're a quality side and no excuses, they were the better side on the night."

His New Zealand counterpart Hansen added:

"It's really gratifying and satisfying and really no different from the players, you put a lot into it, a lot of people do so firstly it's a sense of relief and then a sense of joy, and really it's a proud moment.

"You get a performance like that from a group of men, that's what we strive to do. We came here and we got told that history was against us and we've had a really good week.

"Everyone put a lot of work in and to come out and get a performance that was good enough to win is very gratifying."

Video courtesy of SNTV. Please note the video will only be available for a period of 14 days, after which the video player above will display the latest live video content.