South Africa moved a giant step closer to wrapping up this year’s Tri-Nations with a 32-25 win over Australia in Perth yesterday.
The Springboks scored four tries in a dominant display to remain unbeaten in this year’s competition. They extended their lead at the top of the standings to nine points over New Zealand, who have only a slim mathematical chance of overhauling the South Africans.
The signs were ominous for the Australians from the start as the Springboks raced to a 12-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes.
PHOTO: REUTERS
They crossed for three tries in the opening half to establish a commanding 22-6 lead at the break then added another touchdown in the second term to build a big enough lead to snuff out a late Aussie fightback.
South Africa scrumhalf Fourie du Preez opened the scoring after five minutes when he caught the Australians napping with a simple quick tap and go. Five minutes later, Jaque Fourie strolled through a gaping hole after a perfectly-executed backline move off the scrum.
The Wallabies opened their account with a penalty from Matt Giteau but when Lachie Turner spilt a high kick, Habana swooped on the rebound to put the Springboks 22-3 in front. Giteau kicked a second penalty on the stroke of halftime then wriggled his way over to score under the posts shortly after the restart to give the Australians a brief glimmer of hope.
However, the South Africans extended their lead to 32-13 with Habana scoring from another set move off a scrum and flyhalf Morne Steyn adding his third conversion and his second penalty.
Giteau and Turner scored late consolation tries for Australia.
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