Match Details
| Springboks |
VS |
Qantas Wallabies |
|
33 |
Kick off times:
3:00pm
(Local) Sat 23 Jul
|
20 |
|
South Africa has retained the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate with a 33-20 win over the Qantas Wallabies at Ellis Park.
After a tight start between the two sides, the Springboks broke the game open with two intercept tries in a five minute period during the first half, and they never looked back as they recorded a comprehensive win.
Led by Joe van Niekerk and Bakkies Botha, South Africa's new look forward pack was brilliant all night while centre Jean De Villiers was in sublime form as he continually caused the Australian defence problems.
Stung by criticism following their first Test loss in Sydney a fortnight ago, South Africa made a roaring start in front of their home fans, and opened the scoring through a Percy Montgomery penalty after just two minutes.
The Wallabies steadied and equalised on 10 minutes, Matt Giteau converting a penalty after the Boks are caught offside on Australia's first attacking raid of the match.
Australia continued pressuring the Springboks but it paid the price, with Larkham's short pass picked off by De Villiers, who raced 65 metres for a try to put South Africa clear.
Just five minutes later, the Springboks were over again, this time Andre Pretorius snatching Stirling Mortlock's pass and racing away. Chris Latham soon caught up with him but he passed to Bryan Habana, who dashed away to score under the posts.
South Africa kept the pressure on with another penalty but Australia fought back, and was soon making some attacking raids of its own. After some sustained pressure late in the half, the Wallabies were finally rewarded when David Lyons barged over out wide to reduce the deficit.
But the Springboks went to the break on a high, Montgomery booting his third penalty to put the hosts up by 15 at the break.
The second half started spitefully, with Springboks replacement Schalk Burger sinbinned after a high shot on Rocky Elsom. Australia went for the try but couldn't cross the line and again the Springboks took advantage, with De Villiers slicing through before sending Jaque Fourie away for a try under the posts.
The weary Wallabies continued to make errors and South Africa nearly scored again, but Jaco van der Westhuyzen dropped the ball over the line before Montgomery booted another penalty shortly after to all but wrap up the match.
Larkham and Jeremy Paul scored late consolation tries for the Australians, but it was all too late as South Africa cruised to victory.
The loss continues Australia's horror record at the ground, the Wallabies having not won at Ellis Park since 1963. Australia won't have to wait long to seek revenge for the loss, with the two teams meeting next Saturday at Pretoria to kick off the Tri Nations.
