The Springboks fell short of winning the title after New Zealand earned a bonus-point win in their final clash against Australia on Saturday morning, which left the Boks with the tough task of having to win their match with a bonus point and a minimum points’ difference of 39, but the South Africans still drew confidence from the fact that the win marked their third in a row.

Jasper Wiese, who scored his first Test try, believes the victory would set the Boks in good stead as they look ahead to the year-end tour, which features Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and England, as well as two midweek games.

“Winning three on the trot was great for the team,” said the Springbok No 8.

“It was great preparation for the year-end tour. It’s going to be a tough tour, and the momentum we built up in the last few weeks will certainly be valuable for the side.”

Wiese, who was named Man of the Match against Argentina for his hard running on attack and high work rate around the park, was delighted about the accolade, but he credited the team for the performance.

“I must give it to the more experienced guys that have helped me settle in,” said Wiese.

“There’s tough competition within the team, and we keep pushing one another to play well. So, I certainly can’t take credit as an individual.”

With experienced campaigner Duane Vermeulen competing for the No 8 jumper, Wiese relished the challenge and said he hoped to continue growing as a player going forward. 

“For me it is always important to perform well,” he said.

“It’s a big task to fill someone like Duane’s boots, but I have learned a lot from him. It would be great to tour with the team at the end of the year, and there are things I definitely would like to work on, such as improving on my mistakes and becoming a better player.”