| South Africa v. Australia, Pretoria 28 August 2010 South Africa (24) 44 Tries: Smith, Steenkamp, Spies, Francois Steyn, JP PietersenCons: Morne Steyn 4, Butch James Pens: Morne Steyn 2, Francois Steyn Australia (28) 31 Tries: O'Connor 2, Genia, Mumm Cons: Giteau 4 Giteau Pens: Giteau South Africa recovered from a nightmare start to beat Australia and move to second place in the Tri-Nations. The Wallabies amassed 14 points in only four minutes after quickfire tries from Will Genia and James O'Connor. The sides shared some 38 points before the break, and the 50th minute saw Francois Steyn finish a messy move to put the hosts into the lead at 34-31. Further points by Francois Steyn and a try from JP Peterson put the match beyond Australia's reach. The win means South Africa edge a point ahead of Australia and into second place with five points - but still way behind the All Blacks who are uncatchable at the top with 23. The victory also ended a four-game losing streak for Peter de Villiers' men, and was a fitting way to mark the Victor Matfield's 100th Test at his home ground. After the game, Springboks' Juan Smith paid tribute. "This crowd was unbelievable and it was well deserved for a big hero like Victor. "A start like that is something we want to scratch out pretty quickly. But the boys stuck to their task." The final score was in stark contrast to the opening stages when the Springboks looked as if they were on course for a drubbing. Australia's Drew Mitchell caused an ... |
