South Africa scored a season-opening 37-14 Test triumph over France in Pretoria Saturday to regain some pride after a disastrous previous campaign.
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The Springboks lost eight of 12 Tests last year and there has been media speculation that a series loss to France over three Tests would see coach Allister Coetzee sacked.
It was an impressive no-frills win for South Africa, but France should be stronger next Saturday in Durban when seven stars rested after the Top 14 final will be available.
New South Africa skipper Warren Whiteley said: "It was a great start for us," after the team won for only the second time in nine internationals".
"The French put us under a lot of pressure -- especially at the start -- and we really needed to grind it out and get some points on the board".
"We started to get our rhythm so I am really proud of the performance".
"There is such a good balance within the side at the moment, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and there is still a lot of work to be done".
France captain and lock Yoann Maestri said: "It was too difficult today, congratulations to South Africa for a good, good game".
"We hope it will be better for the next game. Next week we need to improve everything."
