/ 29 August 2009

SA too strong for Australia in Tri-Nations

World champions South Africa moved closer to wrapping up this year’s Tri-Nations with a 32-25 win over Australia at Perth’s Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

The unbeaten Springboks scored four tries to seal their first bonus point of the season and extend their lead over New Zealand at the top of the standings to nine points with two games remaining.

Australia replied with three tries to earn a bonus point for losing by seven but their fourth straight defeat left them out of the running for this year’s title.

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and outside centre Jaque Fourie both scored tries inside the first 10 minutes for the Springboks before wing Bryan Habana added a brace.

Matt Giteau scored two tries in a personal haul of 20 for Australia with wing Lachie Turner scoring their other try. – Reuters