16 July 2019, by: Carl Lewis

THE HISTORY: SOUTH AFRICA V AUSTRALIA AT ELLIS PARK

Two long-time rivals, South Africa and Australia, have played some memorable Test matches at Ellis Park in recent years.

The Tests are significant reference points in Nick Mallett, Jake White and Pieter de Villier’s years as the Springboks coach.

Ahead of the Rugby Championship clash between the two nations this Saturday in Johannesburg, we take a trip down memory lane to recapture the recent history between the two proud rugby nations at Ellis Park.

South Africa were always going to be too strong for the Aussies at Ellis Park as they were in a midst of an unbelievable run. They comprehensively put them away 29-15 to finish off an uplifting Tri-Nations campaign.

Prop Adrian Garvey muscled his way over the line for a try and Bob Skinstad sold an iconic dummy as a substitute for the Boks second try. It sealed the win and the Boks first Tri-Nations title.

A week before the Aussie match, South Africa had memorably beaten the All Blacks to set up the title under Nick Mallett.

A humdinger of a Test match saw fullback Werner Greeff score a late try and conversion to secure the late and very dramatic win.

Pre-match, Brent Russell was called into the starting XV just before kick off and produced a scintillating display from flyhalf with number 22 on his back.

In a Test that was end to end, burly flanker Joe van Niekerk, Breyton Paulse (2) and Greeff were the try-scorers.

Up until the final play, it appeared the Wallabies had completed a remarkable comeback having trailed by 17 points well into the second half.

But Greeff’s incisive line which sliced open the Australian defence open and Wallabies hearts. One of the best Tests between the two nations.

A couple of opportunist first-half tries by Jean de Villiers and Bryan Habana helped the Boks to a 23-8 half-time lead.

Centre Jaque Fourie also dotted down in the second stanza to secure the comfortable 33-20 win in Johannesburg.

Full-back Percy Montgomery was metronomic in front of goal, he converted the three tries and kicked four penalties.

Former president Nelson Mandela was among a 68,000 strong crowd at a packed Ellis Park.

The first half was a snooze fest hampered by poor rugby and ended 3-3. The second stanza was a touch more entertaining.

The Wallabies got the first try of the match in the 48th minute via mercurial flyhalf Stephen Larkham.

Bok 10 Andre Pretorius’ boot kept them in the match and eventually gave them a lead with a drop goal in the 52nd minute. The home team took control of proceedings thereafter.

Good individual tries by Fourie du Preez and then sub Breyton Paulse wrapped up the match.

The match was a turning point for coach Pieter de Villiers after a challenging oping to his tenure.

The forwards dominated Wallabies physically. Halfbacks Fourie du Preez and Butch James took full advantage of the dominance and took tactical control of the match.

Speedster Jongi Nokwe scored four tries and the Boks in what was a record 53-8 victory for South Africa over the long-time rivals.

That result initiated a fantastic run for South Africa. After claiming three straight wins on the End of Year Tour, the Boks went on to beat the British & Irish Lions in a memorable series.

The Boks pushed on winning five out of six Tri-Nations games, that included a remarkable three wins against New Zealand which also meant another Try-Nations title.

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