News

Deans proud of 'huge effort'

August 23 2008

Australian coach Robbie Deans praised his charges after they punctuated an eight-year losing streak in South Africa with Saturday's 27-15 win in Durban.

The result ends South Africa's hopes of winning the Tri-Nations and tees up a series decider between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane in September.

The Wallabies pulled off their first victory on African soil since 2000 courtesy of tries from Benn Robinson, Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri, supplemented by a dozen points from Matt Giteau's boot.

The visitors had to hold off a late rally from the Springboks for whom Adrian Jacobs scored two tries in the final quarter.

The Boks struggled to stamp their authority on a disciplined and controlled Wallaby outfit, and South Africa coach Peter de Villiers will need to stop the rot before next week's return clash in Johannesburg.

"You've got to be happy with that," said Deans.

"The performance was by no means error-free, but it was never going to be with South Africa in such a desperate position.

"But the intensity was there, the boys got up and did what had to be done, the hard way. They guts-ed it out, it was not straightforward, and I'm very happy with the composure."

Deans said the amount of time the Wallabies invested in physical preparation for the match had paid off.

"The boys got up and met the physicality of the Springboks, they did huge work and it was a good effort," he said.

Mortlock was one of the stars of the show, scoring a stunning virtuoso try to seal the win late on, and the Australia skipper admitted to his relief at seeing his team shake off their South African hoodoo.

"I've been here many times and we have fallen short and I am very impressed with this group's performance, especially because it is some of the guys' first times in South Africa," he said.

"Today, all 20 guys showed spirit and determination and played their hearts out."

But Deans revealed that centre Berrick Barnes and lock Dan Vickerman were unlikely to play in the return fixture in Johannesburg next week due to shoulder injuries.

"We've done a couple of shoulders, Berrick Barnes and Dan Vickerman, and that's likely to impact on next week," he said.

"They're unlikely to be available and we'll definitely contemplate bringing someone over."