Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was full of praise for his team, in particular the tight five, after they started their Tri-Nations campaign with an impressive 28-19 win over New Zealand in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

De Villiers said that the Springboks were an organised side, disciplined and patient.

"Hats off to the tight five," he told a post-match media briefing.

"I think the positive approach helped us, we knew we had to create our own chances," De Villiers said.

Springbok captain John Smit said the Boks wanted to keep the ball in hand in the first 10 minutes, but that it didn't materialise in a slow Springbok start to the match.

However, he was happy that they didn't give many opportunities to the All Blacks in the last half hour.

"It was a great start for South Africa," he said, adding: "Hopefully we can take it further.

"It's a great Test to win," Smit said, and was especially pleased that the Springboks had denied the All Blacks a bonus point which could have a bearing on the outcome of the competition later on.

"The All Blacks got their intensity up after the half-time," Smit said, but pointed out that the turnaround from the Test against the Wallabies just a week ago would not have been easy for the All Blacks to overcome.

"It's difficult to turn around from one week to the other and play at altitude," Smit said.

Star flank Heinrich Brussow said he was pleased to have done well and to have beaten the world's No.1 side on his home field in Bloemfontein with his family in the stands.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen admitted afterwards that Brussow had played very well and was especially good in the tackle area.

"He is a phenomenal find [at this level] and is making a big difference for us and also making it very difficult for the opposition," Smit added to the accolades of the 23-year-old who was playing in only his fifth Test.

Denied a place in the original squad for the British and Irish Lions series, he was roped in to fill in for Schalk Burger - who was injured for the first test and suspended for the third.

Brussow came on as a replacement in the second Test, and was also a star for the Boks and a thorn in the Lions' flesh.