Sunday, September 7, 2014

AUSTRALIA JUST EDGE OUT SOUTH AFRICA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP; Saturday 6 September

06.09.2014
Australia 24, South Africa 23 in Perth (Mandela Cup; Rugby Championship)

Reviews
Australia scored a very late converted try to just edge out the touring South African side in Perth. Australia has now won their last two encounters against RSA in Perth.

That man Israel Folau played magic and scored an early try but the first half was an arm-wrestle and a kick-fest as both sides tested each other out. South Africa were expected to dominate up front but in a very physical first half honours were about even. Australia infringed more frequently and Morne Steyn punished them through the posts. South Africa led 14-11 at half time.

South Africa began to gain more control in the second half with the signs ominous for Australia. Then the matched turned at the 64th minute. Playing in his 100th test Bryan Habana was yellow-carded for a high tackle. Down 17-23 Australia sniffed an opportunity as the momentum shifted and they moved up a gear. A late try to Rob Horne after some silky work from Folau and others was the result of some relentless pressure from Australia. Foley still had to kick the conversion which he did the match finally ending with an Australian win.

Australia’s win puts them back on track. They face Argentina at home but South Africa now travels to New Zealand to face the All Blacks in Wellington.


Horne’s late try sealed the game.
Image thanks to www.theguardian.com

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