The Springboks ended their four-test losing streak against Australia with a 20-15 victory in a Tri-Nations encounter on Saturday. The home team outplayed the World Cup champions in the tight phases, with tighthead prop Cobus Visagie and captain Bobby Skinstad spearheading an improved performance in the scrums and lineouts.
Skinstad scored the only try of the match on the stroke of halftime, to go to a 14-0 lead, while Australia relied solely on the four penalties by Matthew Burke and a penalty by Manuel Edmonds for their points. Springbok coach Harry Viljoen also had several of his much criticised selections vindicated.
The inexperienced Conrad Jantjes was impressive at fullback in only his second test, while Braam van Straaten succeeded with five out of his six kicks at goal.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
