Scottish Borders put in a committed display against Australian Capital Territories but were beaten 26-15 by the tourists at Mansfield Park in Hawick. Borders, who showed strength up front in the forward exchanges, were let down by a back division which had no cutting edge and which, against the quick-footed Australians, had crucial lapses in defence.
The Super 12 side, showing impressive attacking skills, made an early breakthrough when out-half Craig McMullen finished off a break by scrum-half Kai Brownlie from a scrum five metres from the Borders' line.
Wing Mark Bartholomeusz converted, but Borders hit back immediately with a fine solo try by out-half Scott Welsh, converted by full back Graeme Aitchison.
ACT, however, had the final say in the first half as Brownlie broke clear of the defence, hooker Jeremy Paul supported and centre Jeremy Austin finished off the move with a try under the posts, leaving Bartholomeusz with an easy kick.
A second-half penalty brought Borders back into the game, but slack tackling nullified this score as full-back Rod Kafer ran in the Australians' third try, converted by Bartholomeusz.
Borders recomposed themselves and from a line-out on the ACT line, lock Robbie Brown was driven over for an unconverted try. But again, ACT replied with ease, McMullen making the running for left wing Rob Todd to touch down for the final score of the match.
South Africa slumped to the second defeat of their European tour when they were beaten 21-7 by France A at the Stade Mayol last night.
The world champions have won both Test matches they have played - against Italy and France - but this was the team's second loss of the tour. South Africa lost 40-22 to the French Barbarians in Biarritz last week.
However, it was obviously a second-string Springbok side and the first-choice South African team, which will face France in the second Test in Paris on Saturday, will be considerably stronger.
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