News

Coach stuck with us - Matfield

August 30 2008

South Africa skipper Victor Matfield paid tribute to his side after their 53-8 thrashing of Australia in Johannesburg on Saturday.

South Africa bounced back from two straight home defeats in the Tri-Nations to record their biggest-ever win over the Wallabies.

The world champions ran in eight tries, with winger Jongi Nokwe crossing for four of them, to provide some much-needed respite for their under-fire coach Peter de Villiers.

"We were under a lot of pressure, but the coach stuck with the players, and this win feels good after the last three weeks," said Matfield.

"I think character comes out when the going gets tough.

"Today the guys showed they've got a lot of character.

"We'd just like to thank everyone close to us that supported us through these tough three weeks, and kept believing in us."