South Africa 33 Australia 31
New Zealand were today crowned Tri-Nations champions for the fourth time as South Africa pulled off a thrilling victory over defending champions Australia at Ellis Park.
Australia, having lost to New Zealand in the opening game, needed to beat South Africa by 26 clear points to clinch a hat-trick of Tri-Nations crowns.
Matt Burke kicked them into an early 9-0 lead but the South Africa, anxious to avoid a series whitewash, then upped the tempo to run in four tries to surge ahead.
A brace of tries from Breyton Paulse and a score apiece from Brent Russell and Joe van Niekerk gave the Springboks a 26-9 advantage.
With the title all but lost Australia struck back in the final 15 minutes, with tries from Mat Rogers and Toutai Kefu reducing the deficit to three points.
Springbok centre Marius Joubert was then sent off for a high tackle before a George Gregan drop goal brought the scores level.
Brendon Cannon then crossed in the 78th minute for Australia, but there was time still for South Africa to steal the win.
Werner Greef crossed after the hooter had sounded and the full-back converted his own try to seal a famous victory and hand the All Blacks the title.
PA