Based on today's evidence, the traditional rugby rivalry between the All Blacks and Springboks is as strong as ever.
After being humiliated 57-0 in Albany last month, South Africa forced the All Blacks to scrap for every inch before sealing their 25-24 victory at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.
Coach Steve Hansen thought South Africa's effort was outstanding, but was also full of admiration for what his men delivered under huge pressure.
"I though South Africa will be very proud of their performance and the fans will be," said Hansen.
"They never disappoint us, they always turn up when we play them in this country and they are a good rugby side.
"Our guys showed a tremendous amount of courage and character and our defence. I don't know how many tackles we made, but we mad lots and nice to see lots of they young guys have the courage to do what they did.
"There are lots of good things in it and we'll go away, grow, learn more about ourselves - that seems to be the song we're singing this year, but it's not a bad song."
A bruising and physical first half saw 50 minutes of rugby played as both teams battled it out for 10-minutes after the halftime hooter.
The All Blacks headed into the sheds leading 8-3 at the break, but the extra 10 minutes forced the All Blacks to bring on their substitutes earlier than expected.
That decision to clear the bench early might have proved the difference according to Hansen.
"It completely changed the picture. We started the second half at the 50 minute mark so we weren't going to muck around, we were going to get the subs on fairly quickly so that is what we did.
"I'd say that effected the tackle count too because we made a hell of a lot of them so I'm not sure why we didn't kick it out but we'll talk about that come another day."
All Blacks captain Kieran Read admitted the physical nature of the Test was the reason why they kept on fighting and didn't kick the ball into touch.
"I think the Boks' showed their intent but I think our egos maybe got in the way of what perhaps was a smart decision," said Read. "Our guys wanted to give it back to them and hold the ball.
"It's Test match footy and it turned into a spectacle. To not concede in that period kept us in that contest."
But playing that extra 10 minutes might have come at a cost for the All Blacks who lost two key players to injury.
Beauden Barrett left the field for an HIA, and despite passing, he still didn't feel great so Hansen decided to leave the first-five on the bench.
However it was bad news for Nehe Milner-Skudder with Hansen confirming after the match the winger dislocated his right shoulder during the extended 10 minute period in the first half.
But with both players off the field, Damian McKenzie and David Havili stepped up which impressed Hansen.
"Nice to see a couple of the young guys have the courage to do what they did, I thought Havili and McKenzie combined well there," said Hansen"
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