Springboks hold on and beat Australia in a tight battle at Loftus
Morne Steyn was the Springboks' hero in their victory 18-10 over Australia on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld
Although the Springboks could not score a single try, they recovered much of their lost status and showed pride and character when they beat Australia on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld 18-10.
It is well-known that rugby in South Africa is in deep trouble and fewer and fewer spectators arrive at big games these days. The first positive sign of the day was thus when Loftus changed into a colourful sea of green and gold just before the game started. SA Rugby and the Blue Bulls must be congratulated on their outstanding effort to fill Loftus for this test match.
The game kicked off in warm and sunny weather. The first 10 minutes was as tough as only test matches in this tournament can be. Both teams visited each other’s 22 metres area a few times, but only three points each could be shown on the score board for their efforts. First Morné Steyn was successful with a drop goal for the Boks and two minutes later Bernard Foley opened his team’s account with a successful penalty kick.
However, it was the visitors who managed to get over the try line first when Scott Sio burst over after a period during which South Africa had to defend desperately in their own 22 meters area. It would ultimately be the only try of the day.
Thereafter, South Africa dominated the rest of the first half in terms of possession and territory but despite a few real chances, they could not get over the try line. However, Steyn’s third penalty kick just before the halftime hooter, gave the Springboks the lead (12-10) when the players left the field to rest.
After halftime it was the Australians who came back with a huge onslaught. For a long period they literally camped out in the Springbok’s 22 metres area. But the Springboks defended like tigers and managed to keep them away from the try line.
After 60 minutes of play it became clear that the game is probably heading for a thrilling finish. With only five minutes left in the game, the second half was still without any points.
Steyn, however distinguished himself as the hero of the day with another successful penalty kick two minutes before the final whistle and another drop goal in the dying seconds of the game.
Although Steyn scored all the points, the victory was a team effort and the team’s commitment on defence was just as valuable as Steyn’s boot.
SCORERS:
SPRINGBOKS: 18 Penalties: Morné Steyn (4). Drop goal: Morné Steyn (2)
AUSTRALIA: 10 Tries: Scott Sio. Conversions: Bernard Foley (1), Penalties: Bernard Foley (1), Reece
TEAMS
South Africa: Pat Lambie, Bryan Habana, Jesse Kriel, Juan de Jongh, Francois Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Rudy Paige, Warren Whiteley, Oupa Mohoje, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Julian Redelinghuys, Lood de Jager, Willem Alberts, Jaco Kriel, Lionel Mapoe, Willie le Roux.
Australia: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Samu Kerevi, Bernard Foley, Reece Hodge, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper, Dean Mumm, Rob Simmons, Adam Coleman, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (captain), Scott Sio.
Replacements: James Hanson, James Slipper, Tom Robertson, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Lopeti Timani, Nick Phipps, Tevita Kuridrani, Sefa Naivalu.
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