Flyhalf Morne Steyn kicked four conversions and two penalties in a faultless display of goal-kicking to lead South Africa to a 44-31 victory over Australia in their Tri-Nations test on Saturday.
The Springboks trailed 24-28 at halftime but turned their fortunes around following the break as they patched up their defensive woes and pinned the Wallabies in their own territory for long periods.
The 2009 champions snapped a four-match losing streak to notch up their first win in this year’s event, allowing vice-captain Victor Matfield to enjoy a triumphant 100th Test on his home ground at Loftus Versfeld.
South Africa moved into second place in the standings behind runaway leaders New Zealand, who have 23 points having won all five of their matches. South Africa are on six points and Australia have five.
The Wallabies pounced on some terrible mistakes by the Springboks to net four tries and a bonus point inside the first 26 minutes and open up a commanding 26-17 lead.
The Wallabies appeared to be cruising towards their first win on the highveld since 1963 but the Springbok forwards then began to keep the ball in hand, strong driving play taking them into the Australian 22.
The Springboks scored three tries of their own in the first half and tries by fullback Francois Steyn and wing JP Pietersen put them ahead from the 51st minute. – Reuters