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Rugby Union

Springboks steal Tri Nations opener

16/06/2007

South Africa drew first blood in this season's Tri Nations with a 22-19 win over Australia in Cape Town.

Jake White's men clawed their way to victory as two drop goals in the final ten minutes finally overhauled the nine-point lead established by the visitors early in the second half.

Ranked by many observers as New Zealand's closest challengers for September's World Cup, the home side looked as if they would justify that status with a series of sweeping attacks that had Australia scampering in defence early on.

After 14 minutes the green-and-gold backline was fatally breached as Jaque Fourie gathered a floated pass from Butch James to triumphantly dive over in the right-hand corner.

The hosts' dominance continued for much of the opening 40, but wavering discipline and concentration cost them the half-time lead.

An infringement from Bakkies Botha allowed Stirling Mortlock to slot over a penalty attempt before Matt Giteau was allowed to wriggle through a tackle to touch down on the half-hour.

Number eight Pierre Spies was dispatched to the sin-bin three minutes before the break and the Wallabies took advantage of their man advantage with penalties either side of the interval to push themselves into a 19-10 lead.

But, within sight of just a second Tri Nations win in the country, Australia gradually folded as South Africa enjoyed a feast of possession in the final stages.

Percy Montgomerie punished Australia twice from the tee, before a 74th-minute drop-goal from Francois Steyn levelled the match and his second, four minutes later, won it.

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