Springboks overcome Wallabies

South African center Jean de Villiers looks back at Australian lock Nathan Sharpe after South Africa scored a try during their Tri-Nations rugby union game at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday. PHOTO: EPA

South Africa coach Jake White heaped praise on his Springbok players after turning around a four-match winless streak by beating New Zealand and Australia on consecutive Saturdays on home soil.

The Springboks, 21-20 winners over New Zealand in Rustenburg, defeated the Wallabies 24-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The 'Boks had previously lost in Brisbane, Wellington and Pretoria in the Tri-Nations, to go with the July defeat to France in Cape Town not to mention a 49-0 hammering by the Wallabies at the start of the tournament.

"It's been a really difficult time for the team, but everyone put their weight behind us and kept supporting us," said a happy White, who looked to be in danger of losing his job a few weeks ago.

"When you're on a downward spiral, like we were, it's so easy to fall apart. But the guys stuck to the task and showed plenty of character. To play New Zealand twice and then Australia to finish a very long, and tough competition is not easy. The guys stepped up really well," he said.

Fourie du Preez breaks through the Australian defense during their Tri-Nations game at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday. PHOTO: EPA

The 'Boks scored two tries to one against the Wallabies on Saturday, with man of the match Fourie du Preez a thorn in the side of the Australians.

Young Pierre Spies also enjoyed another big game after making his debut in the 49-0 Brisbane massacre earlier in the year.

The 'Boks have looked a class side in recent weeks with flyhalf Andre Pretorius overshadowing both Dan Carter and Stephen Larkham in the last fortnight.

After a poor first half, characterized by plenty of aimless kicking, the teams changed sides locked at 3-3, but the Wallabies went into the lead five minutes into the second period when Larkham went over for his team's only try.

The 'Boks hit back almost immediately with a sublime individual effort by Du Preez, who took a quick tap penalty to charge over from 35m and while Stirling Mortlock closed the gap with two penalties, the 'Boks enjoyed the majority of possession in the final quarter to seal the game.

Breyton Paulse scored his team's second try with seven minutes remaining and the Bok defense, so good all afternoon, saw out the result.

"Leading up to the World Cup we'll have a better perspective of what's needed to be successful. The hardships we've endured will have made us stronger."

John Smit, Springbok captain

"The attitude of the players, on and off the field, is what's really impressed me," said White, who called Du Preez's effort at scrumhalf "outstanding."

Bok John Smit said the defeats earlier in the season had been an "educational lesson."

"Leading up to the World Cup we'll have a better perspective of what's needed to be successful. The hardships we've endured will have made us stronger," Smit said.

Australian John Connolly stated his team had failed to execute properly in the face of strong Springbok defense.

"The 'Boks put us under a lot of pressure at the back and forced us into mistakes. We were maybe a bit too anxious and played far too flat to get anything going. We just weren't allowed the space to gel," he said.

Wallaby George Gregan said the return of Pretorius at flyhalf was the major difference between the 'Boks of the last two weeks and the team that lost 49-0 in Brisbane.

"He's given them a lot more direction. His tactical kicking puts the 'Boks on the front foot and they were finding themselves in a better position on the field. He's a smart player," Gregan said.

New Zealand won the Tri-Nations with three matches remaining. The 'Boks, Wallabies and All Blacks will all tour Europe in November.