The Wallabies have cast aside the nightmares from Eden park in Durban with a 27 - 15 win over The Springboks. Australia were under pressure to win away from home, something they have not been good at in recent times. The critics should not have worried.

Robbie Deans had stated before the match that The Wallabies had been waiting for the opportunity to move on from Eden park. They certainly have now.

South Africa dominated the early territory but once again struggled to break through a well organised defence. CJ van der Linde will not play for South Africa for a while after a blatant head butt on Sam Cordingley, Giteau kicked the penalty and The Wallabies were out to an early lead.

The first 15 minutes were showing just how much pressure the home team was under with every decision being questioned and sheer desperation in their play. The match was proving to be very much a stop start affair through the first quarter. The Wallabies were forced into an early change with Berrick Barnes leaving the field being replaced by Ryan Cross.

Australia had soaked up all South Africa had to throw at them and promptly marched up the field for Benn Robinson to cross from a yard out at with Matt Giteau's conversion the score was 10 - 0 in favour of The Wallabies. Schalk Burger could also have a case to answer in the coming days with some work off the ball being picked up by the TV cameras...

The first half ticked down with both sides waiting for the other to take ownership of the match, this was highlighted by the kicking duels that ensued. South Africa blew another good opening with three minutes of the half left. The game was really lacking quality as the half drew to a close.
Jantes gave away a cheap 5 metre scrum at the same time that Mumm came on for Vickerman. With just seconds left in the half Australia worked through the phases and South Africa were relieved to see a Giteau drop goal charged down. Australia led 10 - 0 at the break.

Matt Giteau got the second half underway. Another frantic start saw both sides waste try scoring opportunities.

The touchjudge intervened after 4 minutes of play in the second half awarding South Africa a penalty. James slotted thed the penalty kick giving his team their first points. 10 - 3 Australia. Australia would have been concerned with their one out approach to the gameat the start of the second half. A gruber kick gave Australia a chance at threee points but Giteau could not convert.

Australia continued to press The Springboks and Giteau slotted a penalty after 10 minutes play to take the lead to 13 - 3.  From the kick off Australia force a 5 metre scrum after a strong kick and chase by The Wallabies. The Springboks defend well and moved the ball well down to the Australian 22.

Australia tried to move the ball from their 22 but Lote Tuqiri spilled the ball and handed South Africa great attacking ball. Steyn was on for The bok's, could he make the difference? Tahu sneaked onto the pitch for The Wallabies... Is there a larger backline in world rugby than Australias? They are full of pace and power.

South Africa continued to bvattle and were building phases and pressure as the Wallabies made changes. Another CJ van der Linde indiscretion gave the Wallabies breathing space. A great pass from Brett Sheehan to Giteau, he cut out many and found Tuquiri and he was home for the game breaking score 18 - 3 to The Wallabies. Giteau slotted the conversion 20 - 3.

South Africa responded immediately with a try to Adrian Jacobs next to the posts after a Jean de Villiers break. Percy Montgomery added the extras and the score was back to 20 - 10. in the Wallabies favour. Cometh the hour and cometh man, lead from the front Stirling! A wonderful break from the Wallabes captain saw The Wallabies hit back immediately under the posts 27 - 10 with the conversion.

Back game the Springboks and Jocabs crossed for his second try in 5 minutes, the conversion was missed and the score was 27 - 15 in the Wallabies favour. Australia once again moved onto the attack forcing the Springboks to attack from the own line with 5 minutes to play.

The clock wound down for what turned out to be a very comforatble win for The Wallabies, how long will South Africa stomach defeats like this? Losing is one thing losing in a very poor fashion week after week is another, especially if you are trhe world champions.

Scorers:

Springboks

Tries: Jacobs 2,
Con: Montgomery
Pen: James,
DG:

Wallabies

Tries: Robinson, Tuquiri, Mortlock,
Con: Giteau 3,
Pen: Giteau 2,
DG:

Springboks:

15. Conrad Jantjes
14. JP Pietersen
13. Adrian Jacobs
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Jongikhaya Nokwe
10. Butch James
9. Fourie du Preez
8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield (captain)
4. Andries Bekker
3. CJ van der Linde
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira
 
Reserves
 
16. Adriaan Strauss
17. Brian Mujati
18. Joe van Niekerk
19. Luke Watson
20. Enrico Januarie
21. Francois Steyn
21. Percy Montgomery

Wallabies:

15. Drew Mitchell
14. Peter Hynes 
13. Stirling Mortlock
12. Berrick Barnes
11. Lote Tuqiri  
10. Matt Giteau  
9. Sam Cordingley
8. Wycliff Palu  
7. George Smith  
6. Rocky Elsom   
5. Daniel Vickerman
4. James Horwill  
3. Matt Dunning   
2. Stephen Moore  
1. Benn Robinson  

Run on reserves:

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 
17. Al Baxter         
18. Hugh McMeniman    
19. Phil Waugh        
20. Brett Sheehan     
21. Timana Tahu       
22. Ryan Cross        

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