Redemption. It’s a word that gets thrown around in sport far too often. But for this game it’s hard to find a more apt description. Join us as we live blog South Africa versus Australia, live from Kings Park, Durban, from 1:00am AEST.
MATCH REPORT: Wallabies defeat Springboks, but it’s unconvincing
This young Wallabies side, all brashness, attitude and flair, were humbled last weekend by the all-conquering might of the All Blacks. The Springboks chose to rest their top players and send a ‘B squad’ to their first two Tri Nations clashes, and were routinely belted for their troubles.
Pride was hurt, egos were bruised, and with one eye on the rapidly approaching World Cup, the road to redemption for both teams begins here.
For the Wallabies, the Tri Nations competition is still well and truly alive. Despite the All Blacks continuing their dominance over the Wallabies in last week’s Eden Park encounter, a bonus point win over the Springboks would put them right back in the hunt for the title.
A fantastic game was talked by the Wallabies leading up to last week’s game, but none of it was replicated on the field. They’ll be stinging from this setback, and will be looking to respond in the best possible way.
This week they will be looking at setting a much more dominant, abrasive platform in the forwards and unleashing their potent backline at the correct moments.
They won’t have it all their own way though, as the Springboks finally welcome back their frontline players. All fresh and focused after their rehabilitation/training camp, the A team are back in the fold and ready to exact their revenge.
With such names as Matfield, du Preez, Burger and Broussow returning, this revamped Springboks side positively oozes class and will be no pushover in front of a parochial home crowd.
There are key match ups all over the park, but none more so than the clash of the two halves Will Genia and Fourie du Preez. In recent times Genia has assumed the title of world’2s best halfback, but with du Preez’s long term injury concerns a thing of the past, the wily veteran will be looking to take back what some believe is rightly his.
It’s shaping to be a classic clash of brains versus brawn, so be sure to join us from 1:00am AEST for South Africa v Australia, live from Kings Park, Durban.
Kick-off time: 1:00am (AEST).
Micah
Guest
This is an international match. I expected better from both teams. The Wallabies as a team probably played worse than last week.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Another test win in SA, beat 16 men and 'off the ball' Botha, man that swinging arm into the rucks isn't half obvious but I guess with the ref being blind and all?
Football United
Guest
bryce lawrence was horrible and should have his position at the world cup reviewed because of that disgusting performance. complete blatant bias towards the home team.
DanSA
Guest
!"&%!"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How the hell can John Smit still be selected, he is f@king useless, just and does not deserve his place. I am ashamed of that team being called the Springboks with him as captain ....
Mark
Guest
Elsom had a better game, still not happy with him. Higginbotham will be better with more games under his belt. AB's will score 30-40 on the Boks! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Having my fifth coffee and have snapped off a couple of quick posts, didn't post during the game as would have said some poor words towards Bryce. Can referees be dropped from the RWC squad?
Red Rooster
Guest
You watch everyone will be giving Deans credit for picking Fiangaa and Samo when they should really be asking why it has taken so long to give them a go
gusbrisbane
Guest
WALLABIES!!!!! Samo number 8 for RWC!!!
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
You play club rugby Micah or just touch?
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
I would rate that up there with Paddy O'Briens Fiji debacle. Seriously that was blatant biased towards the home side, after the first 'few' I thought a Wallaby must have lipped Bryce.
Tarragon Fields
Guest
Nice to win but hardly inspiring. ABs will have some fun in the republic. Anthony Fainga'a and Samo really had an impact off the bench though. Hoped for a bit more from Higgers. Rocky played pretty well I thought. Horwill consistently awesome.
AdamS
Guest
Elsom?,mate he had a pretty good game...
AdamS
Guest
Sano and Ant F, cameos cant be ignored. And Wallabies march a Bok scrum! how good was that?
Seiran
Guest
That has to be the worst referee performance I have ever seen. It was as if the guy didn't know the rules. Someone needs to give him a blood test as he had to be under the influence of something nasty.
Mark
Guest
I want Fiangaa run on and Samo!!!!! Seems to me Reds players are the way to go!!!! Like most of us have been saying!!! Higginbotham should have stayed on, remove Elsom. Scrum was great! Can't help but think the Wallabies won because the Boks were bad!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Micah
Guest
Neither side was impressive. Maybe a little better than club rugby.
Drew Musch
Roar Pro
FULL TIME SA 9 AUS 14 Well that was a bit of a strange game from both sides. SA never really got going, they had a lot of ball gifted to them and couldn't make the most of it. Australia however and plenty of chances but simply could not hold on to that pill when it mattered, ie always! Based on this, I don't think NZ will be too worried about either team as they march towards another Tri Nations title. What did you think Roarers - how did YOU see the game? I'd also like to say a big thank you for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Johnno
Guest
Wow does Robbie DEANS LOOKED RELIEVED WITH THAT WIN. id give it a 7/10. iMPROVEMENT BUT STILL ALOT TO WORK ON, Quade cooper did some silly little erros in 1st half. Sharpe stabilised the tight 5, leave simians out of RWC squad. Keep Timani and Vickerman, and Samo. Samo is so much better than Ben Mcelman.
Jon
Guest
That was one of the reffing preformances I've ever seen. Lawrence is a joke. Well done Wallabies.
Drew Musch
Roar Pro
Another penalty to Sa at the ensuing lineout against Sekope Kepu. Again SA kick for touch - a penalty goal can't help them now. As the rain begins to come down SA win the lineout and attack. BUT Danie Roussouw knocks it on, and... AUSTRALIA WIN!!!! 80' South Africa 9 – Australia 14