So here we are once again at Von Stadium for the opening game of this year's CT Tri-Nations Tournament. Bevan heads up the Springbok department, with Marco taking over the reigns for Australia this year. Both coaches have plenty of experience, but lately Marco has not been showing the form we are accustomed to, baring that one way traffic in the CT S12 final. Bevan on the other hand has been showing steady improvement and should have a good chance at guiding his team through to lifting that trophy. Without any doubt tonight's action will set the tone for the rest of this tournament - let's hope we are in for a thriller!

Commentary
The game begins with a deep kick from South Africa, it's well taken by Australia who drive it back up field. A few phases pass before the ball is chipped over the top, a good idea from Australia but the execution was poor. Springbok get underneath it and take it back into the Australian's 22. A try is begging as Australia come under some serious pressure, but unfortunately the Springbok give away a penalty while on attack and the pressure is relieved.

The Australia secure at the line out and drive the ball into the other half. The Australian forwards move the ball down the wing and make some good ground, tiptoeing along the touchline. Once the South African defense gets organized they stop the Australian attack dead in it’s tracks and then force a turnover. They strike back quickly, spreading the ball wide, once again a try looks like it is surely on, except this time it is stopped by the refs whistle as Australia infringe at the tackle. The Springboks calmly kick the ball into the corner, from the resulting line out the forwards form together and maul the ball over the try-line for a tele-ref awarded try. The conversion is spot on.

Australia fight back strongly and force a turnover at the kick-off. They then slowly work the ball forward. South Africa change tactics and try to slow the ball down with some foul play. Unable to go for touch the Australians are forced to take a quick tap. They make a few meters before the Springbok repeat the offense, again the Australia tap and go. Showing determination usually seen by the Springboks, the Australia stubbornly and slowly force their way onwards. Ultimately they create a gap and are rewarded with a try next to the poles. The successful conversion levels the score and the teams head back to the locker.

Australia 7 - South Africa 7 (half time)

The second half does not start off well for Australia. The ball falls well short of the 10m line, the men in orange drop their heads and expecting the scrum. The Springbok surprise them and play the ball! With few defenders alert to the danger, the Springbokn backline cruises over for the softest of trys. Koen slots the conversion.

Australia 7 - South Africa 14

The Australian's reply is far too hot-headed, they storm forward en-mass, perhaps hoping intimidation might force an error, but once again the error comes from them. The ball is tapped back by the Australians, but the only player on the receiving end is the Springbok winger! He immediately shifts into top gear and bursts away from the startled Australian forwards and with the rest of the Australia defense out of position in their attempt to rush the Boks, there is no-one home to cover... unbelievably the Springbok score an even softer try than the previous one. Further salt is rubbed into the Australian wounds with another easy conversion. Hardly 10min. into the second half and the Boks have a comfortable 21-7 lead. It's going to be tough to come back from this one...

Australia 7 - South Africa 21

The Aussies make sure there are no mistakes at the next kick-off, but so do South Africa. They secure and safely move the ball back into the Wallaby half. Their steady, play gives the Australians an opportunity to re-group and then counter-attack, good rucking isolates the ball carrier, but their good work is undone by a lack of discipline and they give away a penalty just as they get the ball. The Boks don’t make much ground from their touch kick, but they do keep possession from the line out. The desperate Australians try everything to stop the golden boys, but the ref lets play flow and the Boks punish the rattled Wallabies once again as they break through to score under the posts. Another 7 points raises the difference to a surely unassailable 21 point lead, especially with just 20minutes remaining.

Australia 7 - South Africa 28

Immediately on receiving the ball the Bok fullback puts the ball back into touch just inside their half. The Australian day shows no signs of improving as they fail to secure at the line out. Once again as South Africa get possession they kick it into touch - this time into the Australian half.The Wallabies gather around their captain, as he looks for ways to inspire his team back into the game. The talk seems to raise their game slightly and they manage to put together several disciplined, brutal phases. In the moments just before they score a face saving try - most of the Bok team lie strewn over the field! The conversion brings a bit more respectability to the scoreline, but the South African’s tactics have worked well and the Australians have run out of time. The score ending on 28-14.

Australia 14 - South Africa 28
 

Game Overview
All credit to the South Africa for making the most of their opportunities and limiting the Wallabies to very few. Australia are going to have to go back and have a serious look at how they are playing the game, this sort of performance is not what we expect of them. South Africa now just need to keep this sort of intensity going and they could be in line to capture that trophy.