South Africa 26 Australia 22
South Africa resisted a late fightback by Australia to clinch a morale-boosting 26-22 win in the opening Tri-nations match in Cape Town today.
Flyhalf Louis Koen kicked six out of seven attempts at goal for a personal haul of 16 points to keep the Springboks' noses in front, despite being outscored by three tries to two.
The Wallabies claimed two tries in the second half through flanker Phil Waugh and winger Joe Roff, closing a 10-point interval deficit to three points at one stage.
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But two long-range penalties from Koen were enough to preserve the lead established by tries from replacement fullback Brent Russell and lock Victor Matfield in the opening period.