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South Africa edge Aussies 22-19

Australian lock Phil Waugh, second right, is tackled by South African lock Johann Muller and South African center Jean De Villiers, right, during their Tri-Nations match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

Substitute winger Francois Steyn kicked two late drop goals on Saturday for South Africa to beat Australia 22-19 in the opening Tri-Nations rugby match.

The Springboks were trailing 19-16 in the 74th minute when Steyn kicked a 40m drop goal on the right-hand touchline after Wallabies flyhalf Stephen Larkham had failed to find the line with a kick.

South Africa attacked from the restart with center Jean de Villiers making a long break, allowing Steyn to kick his second drop goal from 20m out in the 78th.

Both teams scored one try, but bruising defense and wholehearted commitment prevented any more.

The Springboks dominated possession and territory for the opening 20 minutes, but lost captain John Smit to a hamstring injury in the 12th as Australia fought back in the first half.

Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery and Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock traded penalties before South Africa capitalized on its dominance with a converted try to center Jaque Fourie.

Mortlock kicked another penalty and then Matt Giteau dived over close to the line and the visitors led 16-10 at halftime.

In a hard-fought second half, Montgomery kicked two penalties and Mortlock another before the Springboks' dominance in possession was rewarded with Steyn's drop goals.

"That was some of the best rugby that we've played, but we struggled to finish," Smit said. "The substitutes made a big difference for us."

Mortlock was disappointed with the loss, but pleased with the Australia's defense.

"We showed a lot of courage and character in defense, but the game is about winning," he said.

South Africa's backs had a number of chances, but often took the wrong options or dropped the ball.
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