Australia matched its worst losing record in nearly 25 years on Saturday after its fourth consecutive rugby union test defeat, losing 22-19 against a rampant South Africa in the Tri-Nations series.
A sellout record crowd of 43 278 at Subiaco Oval was not able to help the Wallabies overcome winger Bryan Habana’s two tries. The loss was certain to renew calls for the replacements of Wallaby coach Eddie Jones and captain George Gregan.
Australia, which has not lost four in a row since the 1981-82 season, had all the pressure in the opening two minutes, coming close to scoring before a turnover left Habana to score a near length-of-the-field try on the way to a 14-6 South African lead at halftime.
It was the only try of the half but South Africa dominated possession and the scoreboard following a 9-5 first-half penalty count. Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery landed just three of six attempts at goal in the opening half.
Australia’s first-half points came from penalty goals to Matt Giteau and Mat Rogers.
Rogers gave Australia a 19-17 lead in the 62nd minute before Habana’s second try with 12 minutes left sealed the match for South Africa, its first away win in the Tri-Nations since 1998.
Australian flyhalf Elton Flatley was a last-minute withdrawal for the match, forcing a shuffle in the Wallabies’ backline with Giteau shifting from centre to flyhalf and Clyde Rathbone coming off the bench to start in the centers.
It was South Africa’s first win against a major rugby power in 15 away matches. South Africa’s home record tells a completely different story with mostly wins against the other rugby powers.
”It was a do-or-die kind of thing,” said South African captain John Smit. ”It wasn’t pretty, but we are really proud of the win.”
Australia’s first two losses of the streak came against the Springboks in South Africa. The Wallabies lost last weekend to New Zealand and now have a week off before playing the All Blacks on September 3 in Auckland.
A loss in Auckland would leave Australia winless for the first time since the Tri-Nations began in 1996. Only New Zealand — in 1998 — has gone through the series without a win.
”Unfortunately we came up just a little bit short,” said Gregan.
Jones said that his side should be able to rise above the lengthy Australian injury toll.
”You’ve got to be good enough to cope with those sort of issues,” said Jones. ”They (the injuries) all seem to be coming at the same time at the moment, but we should have been good enough to win the game.”
Scores:
South Africa 22: Bryan Habana 2 tries, Percy Montgomery 3 penalties, drop goal
Australia 19: Clyde Rathbone try, Matt Giteau penalty, Mat Rogers 3 penalties, conversion. – Sapa-AP