A clinical defensive performance enabled the Wallabies to shut down the Springboks and claim a special Tri-Nations victory over the world champions, Australian newspapers said Sunday.

The Wallabies won their fourth straight game under New Zealand coach Robbie Deans to open their Tri-Nations campaign with a 16-9 victory over South Africa in Perth on Saturday.

Australian rugby is in a rebuilding phase under new coach Deans and will next take on the All Blacks in an emotion-charged Bledisloe Cup Test match in Sydney next Saturday.

Australian press praised a gutsy defensive performance from the Wallabies to shut out the Springboks, coming off a come-from-behind 30-28 victory over the All Blacks to end New Zealand's world record of 30 home wins.

"It was wild and dramatic, but in the end the Wallabies were able to enjoy one of their most courageous wins over the world champions," The Sun-Herald said.

"The most clinical of defensive performances enabled the Wallabies to stifle the most extravagant of Springbok attacks and win their first Tri Nations game of the season.

"They were fearless and committed, and the reward was a special victory over quality opposition, and the ideal build-up before next weekend's Bledisloe Cup Test.

"On at least four occasions in the first half, it appeared that the ever-adventurous Springboks were just one pass away from delivering the telling blow, but they were either squashed by an exceptional tackle, or they wasted the moment by fumbling the final delivery."

The Sunday Telegraph said the Springboks' defence was punishing, but the creativity implanted in the team by Deans paid dividends as Lote Tuqiri and captain Stirling Mortlock scored tries either side of halftime.

"Australia's never-say-die defence held firm, a try-saving tackle by (replacement) Ryan Cross on Bryan Habana in the dying stages a match-winner," it said.

"Having battled the All Blacks twice in recent weeks, the Springboks were weary and the Wallabies' backrow trio of George Smith, Wycliff Palu and Rocky Elsom made them pay.

"All three were terrors in defence and at the breakdown, forcing 35 turnovers."

AFP

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