World champions Australia fought back for a tenacious 14-14 draw with South Africa in a crucial Tri-Nations rugby union clash at Subiaco Oval today.
Trailing 3-8 at half-time, the home team rallied to share the spoils with the side that conquered them 20-15 in Pretoria three weeks earlier.
It was a bruising, open encounter in which each side went over for a try - South Africa in the first half and Australia after the break.
Australia remain on top of the Tri-Nations ladder, but the title is still open with two games to be played.
In a fiery start, Australia had the first chance to score, but full-back Matthew Burke missed a penalty attempt after eight minutes from 24 metres out and wide on the right.
The kick had plenty of distance, but struck the right-hand post and bounced out.
A minute later, Burke made amends, making no mistake with another kick from a similar position.
Both teams tried to get the ball moving along the backs in fine, ideal conditions, but the defences were dominating, preventing a final run to the line.
South Africa fought back and centre Braam van Straaten put them on level terms when he succeeded with one of two penalty kicks within two minutes.
The first, from 24 metres wide on the right, missed narrowly, but the second, from in front of the posts, sailed sweetly through.
In the 38th minute, van Straaten had a chance to put South Africa in front, but muffed his kick from a difficult angle.
Not to be denied, the Springboks snatched the lead right on half-time with a superb try wide on the right.
Lock Mark Andrews touched down, capping off a scintillating move involving half a dozen players.
Van Straaten failed with his difficult conversion attempt.
Australia applied intense pressure early in the second half, but Burke was again off target with a penalty almost in front in the 45th minute.
The Wallabies constantly threatened the Springbok line, but heroic defence saved the day for South Africa.
As tempers flared, South Africa's fly-half Butch James was sin-binned by referee Steve Walsh of New Zealand for what he ruled to be an unfair tackle.
Springbok captain Bob Skinstad was also sent to the sin bin a few minutes later.
In a ferocious spell in the final quarter, Nathan Grey went over for an Australian try, while Burke was on target with two more penalties.
Van Straaten saved the day for South Africa with two more penalties, the second just a minute from the siren.
New Zealand play South Africa in Auckland on August 25th while Australia take on the All Blacks in Sydney on September 1st.
AFP