Graham Henry blamed poor execution rather than incorrect tactics as the reason for New Zealand's 31-19 defeat to South Africa.
Coach defends gameplan after Durban defeat
Graham Henry blamed poor execution rather than incorrect tactics as the reason for New Zealand's 31-19 defeat to South Africa in the latest Tri-Nations match in Durban.
The Springboks dominated the game from behind the scrum with fly-half Morne Steyn imperious with the boot, while the All Blacks looked to run their way out of pressure situations.
Those tactics backfired as New Zealand were penalised for their indiscipline, but the head coach believes it was the right gameplan on the day.
"We had to play a certain game," Henry said. "If we had taken some of the opportunities we had created it may have been a bit closer and it may have been a better contest.
"We didn't execute as well as we would have hoped but I think that is a sign of pressure. But obviously we have got to work on that and make sure we improve our execution as the season goes on."
Henry and his men will now be hoping Australia can halt the world champions' march in Cape Town next weekend before the trans-Tasman foes lock horns again in Sydney on August 22.
"It is always a challenge when you are relying on other sides to produce the right result I would imagine," he added. "But we have got three games to go and we just have to be positive.
"The only thing we can do is look forward and look to improve."
