| Rugby: Australia defeat South Africa in Tri Nations |
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| Sunday, 06 August 2006 | |
 (sportal.com.au) Australia's Wallabies have escaped with a 20-18 win over a gallant South Africa outfit in a topsy-turvy Tri Nations clash at Telstra Stadium in Sydney. Australia held a 10-0 lead at half time, with a fortuitous try to Wallabies winger Mark Gerrard the only bright spot in a dull opening stanza. But the Springboks hit back with two tries in the second half to hold an 18-13 lead with five minutes to play before replacement flyhalf Mat Rogers scored a late try to level the scores and Stirling Mortlock kicked the conversion from the sideline to give Australia a heart-stopping win. The Springboks looked like a different side to the one thrashed 49-0 by the Wallabies in Brisbane three weeks ago, producing a much better defensive display and adding moments of enterprising attack. In contrast, the Wallabies looked sloppy at times and almost lazy in defence and were perhaps lucky to come away with the win. A dull first half was dominated by the boot, as both teams sought to gain territory through long-raking kicks downfield, with neither side gaining any real ascendency. Mortlock put Australia ahead with an easy penalty goal in the 12th minute before the Wallabies grabbed an opportunist's try when a cross-field kick from South African flyhalf Butch James bounced directly into the arms of a flying Gerrard who sprinted 50 metres unopposed to dive over for the first five-pointer of the game. Mortlock converted to put Australia out to the half time score of 10-0. South Africa eventually got on the scoreboard five minutes into the second half courtesy of a James penalty. James added a second just a minute later after South Africa had busted the Wallabies defence wide open down the middle with an eye-catching backline movement that saw centre Wynand Olivier romp into the clear. He found winger Akona Ndungane in support but a great covering tackle from George Gregan saved a certain try as he pulled up the winger 10 metres short of the line. However, flyhalf Stephen Larkham came into the ruck from the side and was penalised gifting James the three points to make it 10-6 to Australia. But the momentum was with the visitors and they leapt into lead in the 55th minute when scrumhalf Fourie du Preez pounced a mistake from the back of the Wallabies scrum. Gregan dropped a pass from No.8 Wycliff Palu and Du Preez toed the ball ahead, centre Jacque Fourie won the footrace and dived on the ball to force the try. James converted to put the visitors ahead 13-10. Mortlock levelled the scores with 17 minutes left in the game before the Springboks regained the lead just three minutes later when Montgomery forced his way over for a try. The Springboks' fullback looked to be wrapped up ten metres short of the line but he managed to stay on his feet and his support players pushed him over for the try. But Wallabies hit back in the 75th minute when replacement flanker Phil Waugh, playing in his 50th Test match, romped inside the Springboks half and popped a nice ball over the top to Rogers who sprinted away to score in the corner and level the scores. Mortlock's conversion from the sideline bounced off the left hand upright and dropped over the crossbar for the Wallabies to snatch a dramatic victory. Australia 20 Tries: Gerrard, Rogers Penalty goals: Mortlock 2 Conversions: Mortlock South Africa 18 Tries: Fourie, Montgomery. Penalty goals: James 2 Conversions: James |
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