Dave Rennie admits win over Springboks was closer than scoreline suggests

New Zealand ran in five tries at Ellis Park in the opening Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test match and limited South Africa to just one, opening up a 1-0 lead in the series.

The result sees the All Blacks claim top spot in the World Rugby rankings, and while the head coach was pleased to secure a first win over South Africa since taking over from Scott Robertson, he believes the final score did not reflect the match.

"There was nothing in that game," he said.

"I know the score, might sound convincing, but it was an absolute arm wrestle at 19-16.

"We were under the pump and the boys barred up. We defended and defended and then we were clinical when we got our opportunities. I am really proud; a massive effort. It's a great result for us, but we are wary of the response that we'll get next week."

New Zealand's ruthlessness with ball in hand was pivotal to their victory, with the All Blacks averaging 3.67 points per entry into South Africa's 22. In stark contrast, the Springboks averaged 0.91 points per 22-metre entry, emphasising just how brilliant the All Blacks' defence was.

"We were under the pump a fair bit, down on the penalty count, and we gave away some⦠not-smart penalties. So that was frustrating that we kept giving them into the 22, but South Africa are the best in the world," Rennie added.

"They score five and a half points every entry, and tonight I think it was 0.9, whereas we were 3.7. I reckon that's a big stat: we were able to convert when we got down there, and they weren't tonight."

The head coach hailed his assistant coach, Tana Umaga, for the team's defensive efforts and his team's ability to scramble in defence, with both attacks producing similar statistics across the 80 minutes.

"Tana and his defence group have done a great job - a lot of guys working hard for each other. I think the line breaks were pretty similar in the stats tonight and the defenders beaten; we might have been slightly in front, but a couple of times when they could have hurt us, we managed to get people back and create a turnover," Rennie added.

"Look, you're doing well to keep South Africa to one try, and it was a big defensive effort."

READ MORE: Erasmus: “They really know how to stop you when you’re in their 22”