Scrum of the Earth /

It's over. Australia ended their eight-year travel bug in South Africa with a clinical performance led from the fore by inspirational skipper Stirling Mortlock.

Mortlock's sensational solo score put the gloss on a polished Wallaby display with bodies bruised, battered and bloodied as the final whistle signalled mixed emotions of both elation and relief.

James Horwill has been the find of the Robbie Deans era with the 23-year-old putting in another mature shift alongside elder statesman Dan Vickerman in the Australian second-row.

South Africa had their chances - they coughed up several in the opening exchanges - but their structure, especially at the breakdown was a shambles.

Australia's first two visits to the Springboks twenty-two yielded 10 points.

While the Boks pushed the panic button, Australia's pragmatism and patience enabled Deans' men to watch in amazement as the Boks butchered possession and territory all too often - and when they conserved the ball they racked up the points.

Someone must remind Pieter de Villiers, sport is about results. Many a coach has endeavoured to play the beautiful game, even more have spoken about it, but very few have achieved it as well as picking up the points.

South Africa's first black coach is adamant about changing the face of Springbok rugby, but only 10 months ago, with 90% of the same personnel, the passionate talented bunch lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy for the second time in the country's history.

It speaks volumes when stubborn South Africans claim moral victories, especially in Durban where they at least registered some points, but again the pretty didn't pack any punch with missed opportunities giving the Wallabies hope and time to build up ahead of steam.

Any positives or excuses for de Villiers were drowned out by a showering of boos that poured over his and Victor Matfield's post-match summary.

Matfield hit the nail on the head - "It's our jobs, it's our work, it's our passion, it's our lives" - but such dismal standards in any circle of employment surely illustrates the love for both the job and the boss is working overtime.