South Africa secure 22-16 win over Australia

PRETORIA - A penalty and a drop goal in the last seven minutes helped South Africa begin the defence of their Tri-nations rugby title with a 22-16 victory over Australia in the opening game on Saturday.

The Springboks continued with the ball-in-hand approach which earned a 33-20 win over the Wallabies in the Mandela Challenge Plate in Johannesburg last weekend.

Slick handling by the South African backs gave them a try 11 minutes into the second half when winger Bryan Habana got the ball away in the tackle and Percy Montgomery made a half-break to send wing Breyton Paulse speeding down the right touchline.

Montgomery converted and the Springboks had drawn level at 13-13 after trailing 13-6 at halftime.

Flanker George Smith dived over for Australia's only try a minute before the break after a series of inside passes had cracked open the defence.

With seven minutes remaining, replacement halfback Enrico Januarie snapped up a loose ball after a Paulse up-and-under and loose forward Joe van Niekerk's charge drew a penalty at the ruck.

Montgomery booted a difficult kick 10 metres in from touch before first five-eighths Andre Pretorius made it 22-16 with a drop goal in the final minute.

Fullback Montgomery finished with three penalties, a conversion and a first-half drop goal while centre Matt Giteau landed three penalties and a conversion for the visitors.

The Springboks maintained their unbeaten home record under coach Jake White and now travel to Cape Town where they continue the defence of their Tri-nations title against New Zealand next Saturday.

Australia, who have never won at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld, get a week's break before taking on the All Blacks in Sydney on August 13.

South Africa 22 (Breyton Paulse try; Percy Montgomery 1 con, 3 pen, 1 drop goal, Andre Pretorius, 1 drop goal)

Australia 16; (George Smith try, Matt Giteau 1 con, 3 pen).

Half Time: 6-13

- REUTERS