Stuttering Australia lacking confidence

LOCK Eben Etzebeth scored a try that epitomised the revival of South Africa following their disastrous 2016 as the Springboks made a clean-sweep of their three-match home series with France with a 35-12 victory at Ellis Park.

Etzebeth, captaining the side after the late withdrawal of number eight Warren Whiteley, completed an excellent set-piece move to go with scores from centre Jesse Kriel, hooker Malcolm Marx and scrumhalf Rudy Paige. AN unconvincing Australia suffered a huge scare against Italy before scoring two late tries to secure a shaky 40-27.

The Wallabies led 28-13 early in the second half IN Brisbane, but Italy roared back with 14 uninterrupted points to trail by a point with three minutes remaining.

Flyhalf Bernard Foley thwarted the comeback with a jinking run and try in the 77th minute before replacement back Reece Hodge made the result certain with a brilliant dash down the left touchline to cross at the final hooter.

Australia’s laboured win will do little for confidence ahead of bigger tests against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

FIJI held off a late Scotland fightback to secure a 27-22 victory in a June international test at Suva, bringing the tourists down to earth after their upset of Australia last week.

It was a second victory over European opposition in a week for the Fijians after they edged out Italy last Saturday.

The win came courtesy of tries from Peceli Yato and Henry Seniloli as well as five penalties and a conversion from flyhalf Ben Volavola.