Australia edge out South Africa

12.10am


Australia heaped more Tri-Nations misery on South Africa with a 30-26 victory on Saturday.

Edged out 23-21 a week ago by New Zealand in Christchurch, South Africa led 16-15 at halftime in Perth but in a see-saw match a try seven minutes from time by ex-Springbok winger Clyde Rathbone sealed the Wallabies win.

It was a sweet victory for Australia captain George Gregan, who was winning his 100th cap to become only the fourth player to reach the landmark.

Australia and South Africa both lost their opening games of the series in New Zealand. The Springboks now fly home for their final two matches while Australia return to Sydney to play New Zealand next Saturday.

Australia - Tries: Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Clyde Rathbone. Conversions: Matt Giteau, Matt Burke. Penalties: Giteau (2).

South Africa - Tries: Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jean de Villiers, Gaffie du Toit. Conversion: Percy Montgomery. Penalties: Montgomery (3).

- REUTERS