Nienaber accepts Irish defeat in Dublin: 'They showed why they're No 1 in the world'

In Dublin

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that Ireland was the better side as they continued their home dominance against South Africa on Saturday with a 19-16 win at the Aviva Stadium.

The sides were tied at 6-6 at half-time, but Andy Farrell's Ireland pulled away from the visitors with two tries in four minutes from flank Josh van der Flier and left-wing Mack Hansen.

The win was Ireland's third consecutive home success against the Boks since they last lost to them there in 2012.

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The success also meant Ireland has now beaten South Africa and New Zealand (thrice in four games) within the space of a year.

Nienaber doffed his cap to the hosts, saying they taught them a lesson in the exploiting of opportunities.  

"I thought Ireland deserved this one," Nienaber said.

"I thought they were good, and they showed why they’re number one in the world at the moment.

"They had a couple of opportunities and they capitalised on them. We looked at Ireland's attack and how they keep the ball, but it can be missed that they have a very good maul.

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"Behind us, they maul the most and they use their rolling maul very well. They also sometimes disguise their lineout attack with the rolling maul.

"They scored against us, they scored against France, and they scored twice against New Zealand.

"They nailed their opportunities when we didn't and that shows why they're number one in the world."

Nienaber said they took some lessons from the game, but also had a bit of concern in his voice in terms of how some plans worked and some didn't.

RECAP | Late Springbok