The Wallabies have toppled the Rugby World Cup defending champions, South Africa in a trench warfare thriller of a quarterfinal last night.
Robbie Deans men looked down and out as they soaked up a huge defence load and fell behind midway through the second half.
Somehow they found the character to fight back, landing a heart stopping penalty courtesy of James O’Connor and then holding on.
Is was the end of the road for the likes of Springboks captain, John Smit and lock Victor Matfield and some of the veterans of the game.
Captain, John Smit said it was hard to bow out in the quarter final, knowing how well they have played the game.
Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans believe his side have showed they have what it takes to win the World Cup.
In the second quarterfinal, the All Blacks set up a trans-tasman semifinal clash at the Rugby World Cup after defeating Argentina 33-10 at Eden Park last night.
Piri Weepu kicked seven penalties while Kieran Read and Brad Thorn scored second half tries.
It was a hard fought win for the All Blacks who trailed the Pumas after 30 minutes when Farias Cabello crossed over.
Felipe Contepomi converted the try to put Argentina up 7-6 before Weepu kicked two penalties to ensure the All Blacks had the lead at the break.
All Black first five eighth Colin Slade left the field seven minutes before halftime with what looked like a leg injury.
Aaron Cruden, who only joined the squad this week as a replacement for the injured Dan Carter, took the field in Slade’s place.
NZ captain, Richie McCaw said he knew they had to be in their best form last night against a Argentina side that was fired up.
In the semifinal next Saturday, Wales will play France while on Sunday Australia faces New Zealand.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Feature
Wallabies through to semis
