Springboks beat Italy: Who said what after scrappy Loftus Test

There was plenty of reaction after the Springboks' scrappy victory over Italy. Here is what was said at Loftus after the dust had settled.

Springboks captain Jesse Kriel on their struggles at against Italy at the breakdown

"We knew from the beginning of the week that it would be a tough battle. We know the Italians are a passionate rugby nation and they showed that tonight," Kriel told SuperSport TV after the match.

"It was a tough Test match, but I was happy with the win. But there is a lot to work on. In the first half we started pretty strong, but in the second half they defended like their lives depended on it.

"We let ourselves down at the breakdown a bit. I thought they slowed our ball down quite well - we obviously wanted to attack off quick ball."

Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg on scoring two tries and playing behind the Bok pack

"It was special to do that (score a brace) and I’m very happy with the victory. It’s truly amazing. It’s my first time playing here (at Loftus) for the Boks and I must say it’s something unbelievable," Van den Berg told SuperSport TV after the match.

"Unbelievable. To see those boys do their work, it’s a massive privilege to be here, I got the best view in the house. It’s a real privilege."

Faf de Klerk on his Springboks comeback and Van den Berg's performance

"It’s an amazing honour and a blessing. I really enjoyed it. Obviously just grateful to be back in the set-up and hopefully we can string a lot more good performances together," De Klerk told SuperSport TV.

"Morne is a fantastic player, I’m just happy he is taking the opportunities he is getting. He is doing really well for the Lions and showing his quality now.

"He is a great guy and he wants to learn. It’s always great to have such a guy in the squad.

"I think there is going to be disappointment after tonight’s performance. There was a lot of good stuff and a few bad things, things we can work on.

"Credit to Italy, they really made it hard for us, especially at the breakdown. I thought their forwards were phenomenal tonight and it’s something we must look at in the coming week before the next Test."

Italy captain Gonzalo Quesada is proud of his boys after matching the Boks physically

"I’m very happy about our performance. We knew it would be a tough game, a very physical game, but we prepared for it. We are happy, but we have to improve on some details before next week," Quesada told SuperSport TV.

"This week we had a lot of injuries, we were unlucky. But we were patient. We have a strong group, so we move forward to the next week.

"It’s not easy to play South Africa in South Africa. We know a lot of guys from the URC, but this is another level. When they wear the Springbok jersey they reach another level. But we put in a good performance."

@JohnGoliath82