Rugby: Australia cruise to victory over South Africa
Saturday, 29 July 2000 15:25
Australia inflicted more misery on South Africa as they beat the tourists in emphatic style, 26-6, in their Tri-Nations clash at Sydney's Olympic stadium today. The Wallabies proved too strong for their opponents and turned in a polished display to resign the Springboks to their fourth consecutive defeat.
South Africa were always struggling against a vastly superior Australia, with the game as good as over by half-time, the Aussies taking a 19-6 lead by the break. Victory kept the Wallabies three points behind New Zealand, and now makes for a crucial showdown between the two on Saturday in Wellington.
The defeat puts further pressure on Springboks coach Nick Mallett, who will expect a hot reception when he returns home early next week. The South Africans have not scored a try in their last 200 minutes of rugby covering their last three matches against Australia, twice, and New Zealand.
Before a crowd of 77,048, Wallaby winger Stirling Mortlock scored 21 points with a try, four penalties and two conversions. Jeremy Paul scored the other try, while fly-half Braam van Straaten kicked two penalties for South Africa.
In Melbourne earlier this morning, the Irish Schools claimed the 2nd win of their Tour of Australia, beating Victoria Schools by an impressive 84 points to nil.
- 6.01 News: With Eamon Horan
