The Springboks silenced their critics as they produced a powerful running game on their way to a 32-25 win over the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday. This leaves them unbeaten in this years Tri Nations, with one hand on the trophy.
While previous tactics have been to kick and chase, the Boks came out firing with great running lines and flat balls, for which they were rewarded with as they scored four tries and picked up a rare bonus point.
Two early tries set the South Africans off to a flying start, which the hosts never recovered from, committing far too many handling errors and not taking their opportunities.
Despite playing well in patches, the Wallabies have now reached their fourth successive defeat, and their sixth in a row in the Tri Nations, equalling their the 2004-2006 bad patch, which was their worst run of losses in the history of the tournament.
The Springboks on the other hand continue to rise, as theyve now shown that they fully justify their number one position in the world, following the British & Irish Lions series win, and four consecutive Tri Nations victories.
Bryan Habana scored two well taken tries, while Jaque Fourie sliced through the Wallaby defence to cross for one of his own.
Scrumhalf Fourie Du Preez, playing in his 50th Test and controlling the match as well as ever, scored from a quick tap as he caught the home side off guard.
With the result a formality, the Wallabies came back to score two late tries to add some respectability to the scoreline. To their credit, they never gave up and while the Boks slipped into defensive mode, the Australians had the better of the second half.
Matt Giteau scored two nice tries, and Lachie Turner snuck in near the end the match, making the scoreboard look a whole lot better than it could have, with the score at 22-6 to the visitors at halftime.
The All Blacks will have watched intently as their grip on the Tri Nations title loosens. If the Springboks beat the Wallabies in Brisbane next weekend, itll be South Africa who will lift the trophy, capping off a great season so far.
Time:
05:03
Sign In