Victory in Port Elizabeth will be the cherry on top for the Springboks after a disappointing start to the international season as the South African side rebuilds.

A huge weight was lifted off the Boks’ shoulders when they triumphed 32-26 against Ireland at Ellis Park on Saturday.

As Bok coach Allister Coetzee reiterated: “The war is not won yet‚ the battle was won [on Saturday night].

To win the “war” and clinch the three-test series against Ireland‚ the Boks need to beat the visitors at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium following a defeat in Cape Town and this past weekend’s victory in Johannesburg.

“Next weekend is the real challenge‚” said Bok loose-forward Warren Whitely‚ one of the standout performers who lead the comeback in the second half after the SA side had stared down the barrel of defeat in the early stages at Ellis Park on Saturday.

“If you want the cherry on top – that will be next weekend in PE. This [past weekend’s] performance will count for nothing if we don’t perform well this week. It will be a crunch game.”

Immediately after the second test‚ Whitely looked like a soldier straight out of war as he pranced around with a stiff and aching shoulder which kept him out of training on Monday.

The 28-year-old eighthman left everything on the field in the 40 minutes he was awarded when he replaced Duane Vermeulen.

The Lions’ Super Rugby captain will take the pain for such a sweet victory any day.

“Getting the victory definitely does not make it as sore as it really is‚” he said‚ referring to his painful shoulder injury.

He reflected on the come-from-behind victory: “I’m delighted with the win and character of this side‚ especially in the second half.”

The series-levelling victory has given the Boks a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the critical encounter in PE.

“It means a lot‚” Whiteley said about his side levelling the series 1-1 ahead of the PE clash.

 “It was not easy after last week‚ we were extremely disappointed with ourselves and our performance. To show that character in the second half and to come back after that‚ is definitely a confidence-booster for us.

“There was a massive improvement from last week’s performance‚ so we can definitely build on that.”

Judging by Whiteley’s performance when he came on at Ellis Park‚ Coetzee will certainly consider handing the No8 a starting berth on Saturday.

The No8’s chances could be further boosted and Coetzee’s decision made easier if Vermeulen fails to be passed fit after he also sustained an elbow injury on Saturday.

Despite the growing calls from the public for Whiteley to be the first-choice back-rower‚ he is just happy to contribute to the team even if it is off the bench.

“I just want to make use of any opportunity I get‚” he said.

“Any role I’m put into I just want to make use of it and do the best that I can. We really have a talented bunch of loose-forwards.

Whiteley also called for patience from the public to allow the youthful Boks side time to gel before there are expectations of an exhilarating brand of rugby and star performances from the team.

“It is not going to happen in a week or two of training‚ it will take time. I believe the players have been working extremely hard‚” said Whiteley.

“We are proud to see‚ slowly but surely‚ guys are getting into the rhythm and guys starting to learn and understand each other. We are slowly starting to feed off each other.

“I’m learning how to play alongside a guy like Damian‚ scrumming behind Pieter-Steph. These are guys I haven’t played much rugby with and I’m learning how to play with them.”