The Springboks lost another match on tour in Australia bringing their losing streak to four matches in a row. South Africa were a much improved side and even looked like they might win with 10 minutes to go.
South African captain John Smit was again forced to play the full 80 minutes giving no experience to his replacements. If John Smit picks up a serious injury they will have no-one with experience to come in his place as he has played in every test since White took over in 2004.
The Wallabies led 10-0 at half time and the second half was a very good one for South Africa as they scored all their points in the half.
Then in the 76th minute Phil Waugh surged into space and sucked in two defenders and passed the ball overhead & out of the tackle to Mat Rogers who sprinted away to score in the left corner.
Stirling Mortlock’s conversion from the touchline bounced in off the left upright and then over the bar. The game itself was dominated by kicks and after the match Wallaby Captain confirmed that the Australians wanted to play a territorial game.
Percy Montgomery had a shocker of a night with the boot but managed to score a try for the Springboks.
South Africa now go home after being on the road for six weeks and will play three games at home, two against the All Blacks.
The Tri nations table now stands at All Blacks – 13, Australia – 10 and South Africa 1.
Scorers : Australia 20 South Africa 18
Wallabies – Tries: Gerrard, Rogers. Conversions: Mortlock (2). Penalties: Mortlock (2)
Springboks – Tries: Fourie, Montgomery. Conversions: James. Penalties: James (2)
Australia: Latham; Gerrard, Mortlock, Giteau, Tuqiri; Larkham, Gregan (capt); Holmes, McIsaac, Blake, Sharpe, Vickerman, Elsom, Smith, Palu.
Reserves: Paul, Shepherdson, Chisholm, Waugh, Cordingley, Rogers, Rathbone.
South Africa: Montgomery; Ndungane, Fourie, Olivier, Habana; James, Du Preez; Du Randt, Smit (capt), Van der Linde, Muller, Matfield, Tyibilika, Smith, Cronje.
Replacements: Ralepele, Andrews, Van der Berg, Van Niekerk, Januarie, Bosman, Van der Westhuyzen.
Referee : Joel Jutge
