Tevita Kuridrani snatched victory for Australia, squirming his way to the line on the last play to secure a 24-20 comeback victory over the Springboks.
Having trailed for most of the contest, a dominant second half display- energised by the bench- was enough breach a resolute South African defence and see the Wallaby’s off to a winning start in this years Rugby Championship.
It took 40 minutes for both sides to shake off the ring rust brought about by short-lived Super 15 campaigns. The breakdown and gain line typified a disjointed half, with ferocious South African line speed and hugely impressive work from Bismarck Du Plessis at the ruck stifling any promising phase play the Wallaby’s strung together.
The evergreen Adam Ashley-Cooper provided Australia’s only try of the half. Quade Cooper gathered quick first phase ball from the lineout, drifting wide before popping back inside for the onrushing Ashely-Cooper to cross under the posts.
If ever there was a half of rugby to parade the Jekyll and Hyde of Australia’s maverick fly half this was it. Always a threat with ball in hand, he has the ability to play perilously flat and ignite this thrilling Wallaby back division. That is the the Jekyll. The Hyde takes the form of Cooper’s erratic kicking from hand and tee, doubts still loom over his game management and even the presence of Matt Giteau outside did little to allay those concerns.
South Africa capped their first half display with Eben Etzebeth scoring his only international try. Handre Pollard used the advantage called by referee Nigel Owens to float a chip over to his veteran wing Brian Habana. The decorated winger might not be able to outrun cheetahs anymore but still possessed enough athleticism to pat the ball back to Willie Le Roux who somehow flicked the rebound out to Etzebeth. It was an instinctive piece of brilliance that has become the norm for South Africa’s fullback.
The camera man delighted in cutting to Heyneke Meyer who’s reaction never disappoints. Such unbridled passion that its unclear whether the Springbok coach is celebrating or being exorcised.
South Africa carried a six point advantage into the break and struck early to extend their lead after the interval. Centre Jesse Kriel marked an assured performance of deceptive pace and power to melt the covering Australian defence and touch down in the corner.
Changes needed to be made for Australia and to Michael Cheika’s credit, he reacted quickly . Matt Toomua added direction and ballast to midfield, seemingly a better balance with Cooper than Giteau in the first half. David Pocock made his first international appearance for two years and is still a leach at the breakdown. Of the substitutes it was was scrum half Nick Phipps with the greatest impact on the game. Having come on for the injured Genia at half time, the Waratahs man delivered lightning service to Cooper and controlled a breakdown tormented by Schalk Burger.
Burger was outstanding, rolling back the years with a performance of snarling dynamism. The Bok’ captain was involved in every meaningful collision. That familiar deranged blonde aggression prowling a defensive line was back. He and Lewis Moody should go for afternoon tea.
The only blot on Burgers landscape proved to be a critical one however. Having picked up from the back of a five metre scrum on his line, the number eight was levelled by Michael Hooper behind the in goal area. It was Hooper again that capitalised from the resulting set piece, driving over from close range. If Cheika can find a way to accommodate both Hooper and Pocock their world cup rivals will not sleep easy.
Hooper’s effort cut the South African lead to just three as Australia mounted their final siege. Offered a penalty with five minutes to go, Stephen Moore opted for the posts but the kick drifted short. The Wallaby’s were desperate for a reprieve and Nigel Owens provided it. An exhausted Bok’ back row diving off their feet. This time Moore’s hand was forced by the clock. Cooper kicked to the corner and with Phipps working the fringes Australia edged closer. Finally a bullet pass to Kuridrani found the Brumbies’ powerhouse twisting his way over, Schalk Burger underneath him, who else? Three angles were required for the TMO to see enough to award Kuridrani the try and Australia the win.
In a World Cup year not many are talking about Australia. Write off the three time finalists at your peril, on this second half showing the men in gold can beat anyone.
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