Australia 30 (17)
South Africa 13 (3)
Robbie Deans warned his
players before the game that the Boks would launch a heavy
attack in the opening minutes of the game, but in the first
10 minutes it was the Wallabies who had over 80% possession,
while a wild tackle from forward Jaque Fourie earned him a
yellow card and a subsequent four-week ban.
Clearly there was tension
in the Springbok camp that led to error after error, and
sure enough after 13 minutes Matt Giteau capitalized to kick
the game's opening penalty and put Australia 3-0 ahead.
The home side's lead
proved temporary however as Australia’s forward failed to
stay on their feet and the Springboks soon levelled the
score with ease.
At 3-3 all the game was
being played at a great pace yet marred by errors from both
sides as Giteau again added another three points to push the
Wallabies into a narrow lead.
The game was being played
at a hectic pace, with a 14-phase move presenting the hosts
with the first real chance for a try. Unfortunately for them
James O’Connor had the ball over the goal line but
television replays showed he'd crossed the touch line.
A third Giteau penalty extended Australia's advantage but
the game was not proving to be the forward clash expected by
the Springboks and this allowed the Green and Golds to
capitalise on the many errors in handling and launch attack
after attack towards the Boks’ goal line.
Given no alternative the
Springboks joined into the running game and had the
Wallabies stretched time after time with runs out wide, but
with both teams pushed to the limit defensively it was only
a matter of time before an error would occur, and it did
with the Boks not releasing the ball as Giteau added another
three points.
Australia had the points
on the board but on the field the game was being played at a
pace not seen in Australia rugby (or by the Springboks) for
many years, The dour game expected had turned into a running
spectacle by both sides, and in the running game the score
was equal.
That equality went the
Springboks way when awarded a penalty five out from the goal
line and they took the scrum as an alternative, but again
poor discipline by the Springbok forwards gave the Wallabies
a penalty and a clearing kick and for the moment, out of
danger.
Then it happened. Another
bad mistake by the Boks when Australia stole a lineout and
the dash was on, first to the left side, then quickly back
running the South African forwards ragged and over went Drew
Mitchell for a try, and with some relief from both sides the
first half of one of the most exciting games seem in
Queensland for many came to a close.
Great anticipation came with the kick off for
the second half and the Boks had made a change in their
tactics, short kicks onto the box and keeping tight into the
forwards but discipline broke down yet again and a penalty
had Australia on the run again and after a staggering 17
phases finally broke the defence and scored again. To add to
the excitement, Botha was sent from the field for a
professional foul and as he walked from the field Giteau
converted.
The pace of this brilliant
game kept the ball moving and incredibly the Boks put
together a solid 19 phases that finally broke down with the
loss of the ball and a well-earned breather for both sides
ending with another yellow card, this time for Quade Cooper
on a touch judge's report - Australia down a man for ten
minutes.
The Springboks were now
controlling the game but still not making a break until,
after 17 phases and with the Wallabies stretched beyond an
acceptable level, their first try came with Fourie almost
walking over the line. The Boks failed to convert to leave
them trailing 23-8.
Understandably the game
had slowed by now and it became a matter of who had the
greatest conviction to finish out the remaining 20 minutes.
With tiredness came a lack of discipline and the Wallabies
were first to break leading to an unconverted try to the
Boks by Gurthro Steenkamp. Quickly the play changed
Australia’s way from the kick off and from a lineout and
two phases of scrummage, Will Ginia was over for a try, and
the Giteau conversion had Australia home with the final
30-13.
Do
you agree with Carl, or have a comment. If so you can email
him direct on
collett.rugby@gmail.com
Previous columns:
07.07.2010:
'Jouer
l'advantage' - Who’s calling the shots, the ref or the IRB?
27.06.2010:
Robbie Deans sitting uncomfortably as a Kiwi in the Wallaby
camp
**
Carl Collett is an Australian journalist now based in France
for six months of the year. Having played district rugby in
Australia he joined the referee's ranks and moved to Test
status in 1981 - taking charge of teams including England,
France, Argentina and New Zealand - having already refereed
more than 200 first grade games.
