Durban déjà vu for Mortlock
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:52
Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock watched history repeat itself eight years later as Australia outplayed the Springboks to earn a 27-15 Tri-Nations win in Durban, the same venue where they last tasted success in South Africa.
That previous win came in 2000 in Durban, when Mortlock himself kicked a late penalty to help the Aussie team to a 19-18 success over the Boks.
On Saturday, the veteran centre could once again reflect on a satisfying victory after eight years without success in the Republic.
"I'm extremely happy with the way the guys stuck in today," said the skipper.
"We have found it really difficult to win here [in South Africa], I think the last time we won here was in 2000. That's along time in between wins.
"It always posed for an interesting battle today, with both teams coming off significant defeats, so we were well and truly ready for a tough match, and that's what we got."
Aussie loose forward Rocky Elsom also had a storming match, and dominated the contact areas around the breakdowns to help his team steal 16 turnovers against South Africa.
"It was a great battle," said a bruised Elsom. "The Springboks brought everything today, and we were lucky to hold them on a few occasions.
"I think next week we can expect more of the same from the Boks. Maybe they could execute a bit more on a few plays, and they'll be in business," he said.
Australia have bounced back well in the Tri-Nations after suffering a heavy 10-39 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland in their last outing.
They will now finish their South African tour with a Test in Johannesburg next week against the Springboks, before going toe-to-toe with the All Blacks for the Tri-Nations title in a winner-takes-all match in Brisbane on September 13.
