De Villiers impressed by Ireland's spirit

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers hailed Ireland’s battling spirit after today’s match at Lansdowne Road.

Ireland’s homecoming to the Dublin venue ended in frustration as they slumped to a sixth successive defeat.

However, trailing 23-9 with 15 minutes to go, the appearance of Ronan O’Gara from the bench coincided with a scoring spree which almost reeled in the Springboks.

And De Villiers said: “We had a good lead and we defended it.

“You always worry, the game isn’t won until it’s over – we have learned this in the Tri Nations.

“We respect Ireland a lot and expected them to come back at us...but we never give up and keep on rolling, so I’m very happy.

Next up for the Springboks is a match against Wales in Cardiff next Saturday - and Victor Matfield was quick to turn his attentions to that match.

The stand-in captain said: “With seven minutes to go, a yellow card and a lead of only three points we were under pressure – but luckily the guys kept their heads and we pulled through.

“We have lost quite a few games in the last minute, particularly at home, so we’ve done well.

“We got up to the task today and drove very well in the lineouts.

“Now we are focusing on Wales, that will be a very tough game and probably very different because they like to keep the ball in hand.”