Tim Fourie

“I didn’t doubt that we had it in us, I just wasn’t sure we’d had enough time to prepare,” he said.

“What I saw out there was outstanding, especially our defence. We also did well in the contact area, something we struggled with last season.

“In the first half they played down the hill and Claassens joined their line at will, but he doesn’t pass as much as he should so he wasn't the threat he could have been.

“We have ‘Riles’ (Matt Riley), who can join the line just as effectively and he did do, helping to set up our opening try. He’s deceptively fast, extremely powerful and he’s also developing his kicking game. Together with Chris Leck they both kicked well, although we need to work more on our kick-chase.

“But everyone on the pitch worked for each other and if you have that you can get somewhere.

“‘Cookie’ gave us go-forward ball, direction from the base of the scrum; he carried well and sniffed out danger with some crucial tackles.

“I said I wanted 8, 9 and 10 to dictate play and ‘Cookie’, ‘Leckie’ and ‘Jonesy’ did do to a large degree. Add to that the pace we have on the wings, particularly in Paul Wilcock, who was simply outstanding, and you have the basis of a good, attacking side.”