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Australian newspapers today hailed the historic Tri-Nations win by the Wallabies in South Africa as confirmation of the revival of Australian rugby, news agency AFP reported today.
The Wallabies won their first game in South Africa since 2000 on Sunday morning (NZ time), beating the embattled Springboks 27-15 in Durban to stay in the Tri-Nations hunt.
They now face a Tri-Nations decider against the All Blacks on September 13 as they attempt to win the title for the first time since 2001.
"August 23, 2008, could easily go down as a defining date in the revival of Australian rugby," Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper said.
"The importance of the Wallabies' first triumph on South African soil in eight exasperating seasons cannot be overstated."
"A steady line" of previous coaches "have disconsolately headed back to Sydney with nothing to show from their African adventures," the paper said.
The Australian newspaper also praised the significant win and said the Wallabies appeared on the verge of another golden era.
"While it is still too early to compare the 2008 side with the golden Wallabies of 1998-2001, Robbie Deans' team is showing similar traits," it said.
"Australia's 27-15 win against the Springboks has confirmed this team has the self-belief which is the hallmark of great sides."
But Brisbane's Courier Mail added a note of caution.
"Only when the Wallabies walk off Suncorp Stadium (September 13) after the Bledisloe Cup match can we make an accurate and balanced assessment of the new regime," it said.
- Agencies
