Springboks shock Wallabies in Tri-Nations opener

3.30am - By ANDREW AUSTIN

SOUTH AFRICA 26 AUSTRALIA 22

A rejuvenated Springbok team shocked the Wallabies with some fierce tackling and exciting running to win the opening match of this year's Tri-Nations tournament in Cape Town today.

The match saw the Wallabies continue their losing streak in South Africa, which dates back to 2000. It also set the scene for an exciting match between South Africa and the All Blacks in Pretoria next weekend. The Wallabies did not go away empty handed, however, earning a valuable bonus point for finishing within seven points of the Springboks.

The Springboks showed they meant business early on and it was their strong defence, led by second five-eighth De Wet Barry, which kept Australia on the back foot and deprived their much-vaunted backline of attacking chances. Barry was named man-of-the-match for his effort, despite being sinbinned by referee Steve Walsh for a professional foul.

The Springboks built on their defensive advantage and strong pack to secure victory through brilliant running by replacement Brent Russell and accurate goal kicking by first five-eighth Louis Koen.

Australia took an early lead through a drop goal from fullback Matt Burke, but South Africa struck back when Russell, on early for fullback Jaco van der Westhuysen, crossed to score behind the posts. Koen converted for the Springboks to lead 7-3.

The Wallabies, who were flustered by the heavy-hitting Springbok midfield, eventually spread the ball wide for wing Wendell Sailor to score a try converted by Burke. Sailor, who has grown as a rugby player since defecting from league last year,looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

The Springboks stepped up a gear and the Australians were harried into making more mistakes. Koen kicked two penalties to put the Springboks 13-10 ahead.

Russell then showed his magic by collecting the ball nearly eighty metres out and handling twice in a move that eventually saw big lock Victor Matfield crash over for a try. Koen was successful with the conversion and the Springboks went into the halftime break with a deserved 20-10 lead.

The Wallabies started the second half full of running and kept the pressure on the Springboks, who were lucky not to give away a penalty try when Barry illegally killed the ball. With Barry off the field, the Australian forwards took their chance and propelled flanker Phil Waugh to the line. Burke converted to close the gap to 20-17.

Sloppy errors by Australia meant that Koen was able to slot two more penalties, which gave the home team a 26-17 lead.

The Australian backline sprang into life again and the ball moved swiftly to wing Joe Roff, who side-stepped the defence to score in the corner. Burke, who was not his normal poised self, missed the conversion.

The Australians narrowly avoided another disaster when replacement Lote Tuqiri escaped unpunished after punching Springbok prop Robbie Kempson. However, Tuqiri was cited after the match and will appear before a judiciary hearing before the Wallabies leave Cape Town.

With ten minutes left, the game was balanced on a knife edge, but despite some good running by wing Stefan Terreblanche the Springboks were unable to score again. They did, however, manage to keep the Australians at bay for the rest of the match and secure a good win.

The Springboks had been under much pressure after below par performances against Scotland and Argentina and they needed this victory to set them on the right track to the World Cup in Australia. The match was typical of the Springboks, who have tended in recent years to play at the level of their opponents. An example of this is how they struggled to beat a mediocre Scotland side in two tests, but returned to down the world champion Wallabies.

Springbok captain Corne Krige said after the match that winning against good teams was important because it gave the Springboks confidence.

Scorers:

South Africa: Tries - Brent Russell, Victor Matfield. Conversions - Louis Koen (2). Penalties - Koen (4)

Australia: Tries - Wendell Sailor, Phil Waugh, Joe Roff. Conversions - Matthew Burke (2). Drop goal - Burke