Scrum of the Earth /

South Africa 53

Tries: A Bekker, J Nowke 4, A Jacobs, O Ndungane, R Pienaar,
Cons: B James 5
Pens: B James

Australia 8

Tries: D Mitchell
Pens: M Giteau

Pieter de Villiers looked like Hugh Hefner had just handed him a lifetime's pass to the Playboy Mansion after seeing Australia dish out of the freebies to South Africa in Johannesburg.

What on earth the Wallabies were up to would even struggle to get an answer from the holy word of David Campese. They clearly forgot to disarm the self-destruct button before leaving the changing room.

Only time will tell whether Robbie Deans’ handful of changes was a tactical masterstroke or merely evidence of his international naivety - the Wallabies were playing blindfolded with their hands tied in between their legs for most parts.

The title was always going to be decided in Brisbane when the All-Blacks come to town next weekend, but Australia were like scared schoolchildren running away from the bigger, louder and scruffy playground bully.

Only seven days ago in Durban, Australia exorcised their travelling demons, but tours can be long old slogs and evidently many were feeling a little homesick.

South Africa at least proved they are world champions for a reason, especially when all 15 men – oh and the coach – are singing off the same hymn sheet.

Enjoying the bulk of possession, this contest was over by half-time with the Springboks 27-3 up and Jongi Nokwe three tries to the good.

While the Wallabies were overzealous with their ambition and screwed things up in similar fashion to an England football team, South Africa had learned how to off-load and keep the momentum alive. It was stirring stuff.

As soon as Andries Bekker went over for the first of eight tries, there was a feeling it could all end miserably for Deans.

Adi Jacobs score sandwiched Nokwe’s third and fourth while Odwa Ndungane and Ruan Pienaar ramped up the celebrations a notch or two.

Percy Montgomery bid farewell after 102 caps and even though many left Ellis Park with broad smiles after a good day's work, it was the Wallabies, who still walked off with the gold and a chance of the glory.