The error-ridden Wallabies were slammed by Australian rugby media yesterday after the Springboks clamped one hand on the Tri-Nations Cup.
South Africa's 32-25 win in Perth all but ensured they will end the All Blacks' four-year run as Tri-Nations champions, while inflicting the Wallabies' sixth consecutive defeat in the Sanzarcompetition.
The only way the All Blacks can retain the trophy is the highly unlikely scenario of the Springboks failing to secure a competition point against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, then the hosts securing maximum points against both sides in Hamilton and Wellington.
"Woeful Aussies sink to new depths," said the lead headline in Sydney's Sun-Herald newspaper. Its back page was dominated by a photo of playmaker Matt Giteau making one of many fumbles, with the headline: "Wallabies drop the bundle - again".
Despite scoring two late tries to secure a bonus point, the Wallabies' early efforts drew comparisons with their 8-53 hiding by the same opponents in Johannesburg last year.
"What an embarrassment. The Wallabies were at their dunderheaded worst at Subiaco Oval when they were made to look like a pick-up park team and were deservedly put away by the Springboks," journalist Greg Growden wrote.
"Not since the horrors of Johannesburg have the Wallabies played so badly."
Coach Robbie Deans couldn't hide his dejection as he bemoaned how his side handed the world champions a 22-6 halftime lead on a platter.
"We contributed again to the result with some soft tries scored against us," he said.
The rugby league-dominated Sunday Telegraph relegated the Wallabies to page 12 of its sports section, under the heading: "Dark days return for Wallabies".
Journalist Jim Tucker was more forgiving, praising the visitors rather than attacking the hosts.
