Decisive Springboks penalty was fair, says Steve Hansen
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said that the late penalty awarded to South Africa which cost his team a 22-match unbeaten record was a fair decision.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said that the late penalty awarded to South Africa which cost his team a 22-match unbeaten record was a fair decision.
Replacement fly-half Patrick Lambie potted the monster 55-metre shot at goal to give the Springboks a dramatic 27-25 Rugby Championship triumph in Johannesburg.
Liam Messam high-tackled fellow replacement flanker Schalk Burger and after studying the incident on the Ellis Park big screen, English referee Wayne Barnes awarded the penalty.
It was a pretty tough old first half for us, but we kept believing and gave ourselves a chance of winning
Lambie, who had come on for outstanding two-try playmaker Handre Pollard, was at the edge of his goal-kicking range.
But he told skipper and centre Jean de Villiers he was confident and as the ball sailed between the posts, a sell-out 62,000 crowd erupted.
"I have no problem with the penalty because Liam made contact with the head," said Hansen following only his second loss in 37 tests since replacing Graham Henry after New Zealand won the 2011 World Cup.
The other reverse was a 38-21 drubbing from England at Twickenham almost two years ago.