PERTH — Rob Horne scored a brilliant converted try two minutes from time to give Australia a 24-23 victory over South Africa in the Rugby Championship at a rain-soaked Subiaco Oval Saturday. Fullback Israel Folau crossed for his 15th test try after two minutes but for much of the rest of the evening Australia were chasing the game and it was only when winger Horne went over in their best move of the match that victory looked likely.
South Africa had a try from winger Cornal Hendricks and six penalties from six attempts from Morne Steyn but will rue the harsh 65th minute yellow card shown to winger Bryan Habana, who was playing his 100th test.
Flyhalf Bernard Foley, who also kicked four penalties, stepped up to nervelessly convert Horne's try and give coach Ewen McKenzie his first win over one of the southern hemisphere superpowers since he took over last year.
“So proud of the guys to get through tonight,” said Australia captain Michael Hooper.
“We thought it was all in our control (but) too many soft, easy penalties. They were punishing us because Morne can kick it from anywhere, so we have got to get better at the start of the game.
“But can't be any happier with a winger scoring in the corner to win the game. Lovely.”
“I thought we played pretty well in stages,” said South Africa captain Jean de Villiers.
“Credit to Australia, they played really well and fought right to the end and scored a really great try in the end so well done to them.
“It was a bit tough to defend with 14 at the end there and we had a couple of mistakes that cost us. We need to work hard to come back next week.”
All Blacks down Pumas
In Napier, winger Julian Savea scored two tries and New Zealand claimed another from a tighthead against a vaunted scrum to beat Argentina 28-9 Saturday in a Rugby Championship test. Savea touched down in the 26th and 43rd minutes for his 25th and 26th tries in 25 test appearances while flanker Liam Messam tipped the match strongly in New Zealand's favor with a try from a clean tighthead on the tick of halftime.
Beauden Barrett started a test at flyhalf for the first time in New Zealand and, while his missed four of five shots at goal, played a creative role in three tries before being replaced.
New Zealand blunted Argentina's traditional weapons of choice — its scrum and rolling maul — and also met the challenge of the Pumas' contestable kicking in slippery conditions.
Savea's opening try allowed the All Blacks to head towards halftime with an 8-6 lead and Messam's score immediately before the break eased the pressure Argentina had been able to impose at times in the first half through a varied kicking game.
When Savea scored again shortly after the re-start, the All Blacks had breathing space and they were able to comfortably retain their unbeaten record in this season's championships after their 12-12 draw and 51-20 win over Australia. — Agencies
