Will Genia of the Wallabies is tackled by Juan Smith (L) and Pierre Spies during the 2010 Tri-Nations match between the South African Springboks and the Australian Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on August 28, 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa.
(August 27, 2010 -All Photos by David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
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Springboks win Loftus epic
South Africa salvaged some pride in Pretoria thanks to a thrilling 44-31 Tri-Nations win over Australia, a Test that will go down as one of the classics.
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Nine scintillating tries were scored at Loftus Versfeld in a fast and furious encounter - five of them coming from the Springboks - but the one that counted the most belonged to JP Pietersen who sealed the deal in the last minute of play.
The result brought South Africa's four-game losing streak to an end in emphatic fashion, and moves the Springboks one point above the Wallabies on the tournament standings.
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South Africa were 14-0 behind after five minutes and trailed 28-24 at the break, but came back well in the second half. However, as memorable as the breathless battle was, the defensive performances from both sides was one of the most inept in Tri-Nations history.
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Man of the match: South Africa largely have scrum-half Francois Hougaard to thank for the win. He set up three of the Boks' five tries and made a try-saving - even match-saving - tackle when the home side were on the rack in the last quarter.
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Schalk Burger of South Africa is tackled by David Pocock
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Match Report - Qantas Wallabies vs Springboks in Pretoria
Story by: ARU
This weekend it was the Qantas Wallabies turn to experience last minute heartbreak as the Springboks broke their 2010 Bundaberg Red Tri-Nations duck with a come from behind 44-31 victory.
It could have been so different for the Wallabies who led 14-0 after just five minutes and 28-14, including a bonus point for four tries, after 26 minutes. They led 28-24 at half time.
But some crucial mistakes from the Wallabies in the second half, where they failed to convert numerous try scoring opportunities (and were outscored 20-3) and some desperate defence from the Springboks, who were playing for home town hero lock Victor Matfield in his 100th Test, saw the home team just squeak home.
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Nathan Sharpe of the Wallabies charges upfield
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Wallabies miss great chance
South Africa have celebrated Victor Matfield's 100th Test match with a 44-31 come-from-behind victory over the Wallabies in a bizarre Investec Tri Nations encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday morning (AEST).
It was a classic case of what might have been for the Wallabies, who failed to capitalise on a dream start after scoring two converted tries in the opening seven minutes.
The visitors scored four-tries-to-three in a frenetic first half to take a 28-24 lead into the break.
But despite a multitude of opportunities, Robbie Deans' men failed to find the goalline in the second 40 while the Springboks crossed twice through Frans Steyn (49th minute) and JP Pietersen (79th) to end their four-match losing streak.
The victory means the Springboks can still reclaim the Mandela Cup with a win in Bloemfontein next weekend, while the Wallabies, who receive two bonus points for their efforts, are still searching for their first win at altitude since 1963.
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Benn Robinson of the Wallabies is tackled by Victor Matfield
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next test:
South Africa vs Australia
Sept 4
Bloemfontein
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