Russell (left) was the catalyst for South Africa Post-match reaction Photos from Newlands

South Africa 26-22 Australia

South Africa held off a resurgent Australia to win the opening 2003 Tri-Nations series match in Cape Town.

The home side scored two first-half tries through substitute full-back Brent Russell and lock Victor Matfield as fly-half Louis Koen added 16 points with the boot.

Australia trailed 20-10 at the interval despite a try from Wendell Sailor but they hit back with tries by flanker Phil Waugh and wing Joe Roff to narrow the score.

But indiscipline from the world champions allowed South Africa to maintain their lead as they hung on in a frantic last quarter.

Australia opened the scoring with a Burke penalty on a hot, bone-dry day at Newlands but South Africa responded almost immediately.

Match facts South Africa 26 Tries: Russell, Matfield Cons: Koen (2) Pens: Koen (3) Drops: Koen Australia 22 Tries: Sailor, Waugh, Roff Cons: Burke (2) Pens: Burke

Full-back Jaco van der Westhuyzen went off injured in the opening exchanges, and his replacement Russell made an instant impression when he scampered over in the right corner in the fifth minute.

After an explosive start, the pace of the game settled down but on 22 minutes Russell again was on hand to make a try-saving tackle on Australian loose-forward Toutai Kefu.

But the relief was shortlived as Australia declined a penalty kick at goal and from the ensuing line-out, put wing Sailor in under the posts.

I hope this victory will instil more self belief among the players South Africa captain Corne Krige

Burke converted to give Australia the lead before Koen levelled the score with a penalty, shortly after seeing a drop-goal effort drift wide.

Koen extended the lead with another penalty before Russell attempted a break-out from his own half.

The blonde-haired attacker swung right and took with him Stefan Terblanche and De Wet Barry as South Africa's counter gathered pace.

Russell was involved twice before a charging Matfield crowned a stunning move for South Africa's second score on 36 minutes.

Punished

Early in the second period Australia captain George Gregan declined another penalty in a kickable position and opted for the corner.

I'm very disappointed, especially with our first half performance Australia captain George Gregan

From the line-out, Kefu bullocked his way to within yards of the line but the ball was slowed up illegally by Barry, who was sent to the sin-bin.

Australia took a quick tap-penalty and drove Waugh over, with Burke converting to drag his side back to within three points of the Springboks.

But Australia were guilty of squandering their growing momentum with two incidents of indiscipline which Koen punished for a further six points.

If South Africa thought they were done and dusted they were sorely mistaken as Australia hit back on 57 minutes as Roff latched on to an incisive break from Burke for a clinical score.

Australia, though, were unable to make further inroads into the lead and South Africa finished the stronger side.

South Africa's next Tri-Nations match is against New Zealand in Pretoria on 19 July, while Australia meet New Zealand in Sydney on 26 July.