So'oialo relieved with opening win

Important win: So'oialo happy to post a victory

New Zealand captain Rodney So'oialo was relieved to see his side get their Tri-Nations campaign off to a winning start against South Africa on Saturday.

With both teams battling the elements in Wellington, the Springboks had the better of the first half thanks to a Bryan Habana try although three Dan Carter penalties ensured the All Blacks held a 9-8 lead at the interval.

But South Africa failed to score a point in the second half and a converted try from Jerome Kaino proved decisive for the hosts in a 19-8 success.

And So'oialo admitted his team had been hanging on by their finger nails at many stages throughout the match.

"It was a very important win for us," he said.

"We were on the back foot throughout the first half but came good thanks to a fifteen-minute spell in the second.

"South Africa are the best, they're the world champs and have a great defence which we needed to crack.

"I'm just glad the boys came through."