McKenzie admits fans are walking

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie watches from the sidelines during Australia's disappointing defeat at the hands of the visiting Springboks at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

THE ragged Wallabies' most dire losing streak on home soil in 42 years has forced coach Ewen McKenzie to admit he is already losing the fans he was hired to woo.

Saturday night's 38-12 crash against South Africa needs to trigger a savage assessment of the mistake-a-thon that is Australian rugby right now.

McKenzie yesterday started that inquisition on the 18 costly turnovers that gifted momentum to the Springboks again and again.

Scoring just three tries in three losses of squandered chances has dimmed the glow of his appointment.

"I'm not going to sit here and pretend it's all rosy or make excuses," McKenzie said.

"Everyone is going to be a bit iffy about us at the moment.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of grabbing back the rugby public and showing we are fair dinkum."

The 2013 Wallabies are already in a hole as the first to lose three straight Tests on home soil since the Boks swept the 1971 series 3-0.

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It will take more than a compelling win over Argentinia in Perth on Saturday to turn the tide but that has to be the start, especially for a forward effort of far greater authority.

While James Slipper, James O'Connor and Israel Folau produced high quality games against the Springboks, dropped ball, pushed passes and wrong options were littered through the ranks.

McKenzie was blunt about the Wallabies having to tweak their creative, running game mantra if needed.

"Look, we have consistently made more linebreaks, broken more tackles, run for more metres and had more positive gainline speed-of-ball than our opponents in the last three Tests," McKenzie said.

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"We're also kicking less than our opponents. We have to re-look at what's winning games but our turnover rate is too high. It's as simple as that.

"I think it is errors of judgement rather than not having the skill but we are letting teams off the hook. Maybe, we have to dumb things down but we want to invest in skilful rugby."

Catching and passing at the right time is hardly rocket science and captain Will Genia agreed poor decisions were killing the side.

Typical frustration boiled at Suncorp Stadium when Quade Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Folau and Slipper produced a super-slick interchange midway through the second half which might have locked the scores at 19-all if it had turned into a try."

Instead, Lealiifano fumbled when the Boks defence hit. The big moment bungled.

Added Genia: "I hope the public keep faith. We've got to win but we also want to be entertaining. We'll keep working."

Former Wallaby Julian Huxley felt compelled to offer McKenzie support and time by tweeting: "Five years of mismanagement of the Wallabies cannot be turned around in one month."

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Rose capacity cops interference

Trainer Chris Waller, who will saddle up Zoustar, says big fields are only acceptable when it comes to handicaps, not set-weight races. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

THE likelihood of the Golden Rose featuring a whopping 18 runners for the first time has not gone down well trainers and jockeys.

The opening Group 1 of the Sydney spring will be run this Saturday - and there's sure to be plenty of "carnage" should a full field accept for the $1 million race.

Australian Turf Club boss Darren Pearce said there had always been an 18-horse limit for the Golden Rose.

Pearce said there had never been enough runners in the past to run the Golden Rose at full capacity.

Trainers and jockeys, however, believe the number is simply too big.

The Golden Rose is regarded as a "stallion-making race", and any hard-luck stories will have multi-million dollar ramifications for colts.

"We want good racing, not carnage," Zoustar's jockey Jimmy Cassidy said.

"I think it's too many. We only had 14 in the Run To The Rose the other day, and look what happened then."

Drago's jockey Peter Robl said: "We all know what the Golden Slipper is like. Good luck getting around that first corner next Saturday."

Criterion's trainer David Payne told The Daily Telegraph: "It's ridiculous. If you draw barrier 18, you might as well stay at home."

Premier trainer Chris Waller, who will saddle up Zoustar, said big fields were only acceptable when it came to handicaps, not set-weight races.

"Going from eight runners to 12 runners if fine, but going from 14 to 18, you really notice the difference," Waller said.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy. Source: DailyTelegraph

"Handicaps, sure, they're open races, but set-weight races you should be restricting it to the very best. You need a lot of luck in any race, you need luck at barrier draw, but in running you don't want people with the best horse having bad luck."

The Run To The Rose - a traditional Golden Rose lead-up race - featured half a dozen hard-luck stories because of interference a fortnight ago.

Since the race was upgraded to Group 1 status in 2009, the field sizes have been 15, 15, six and 10 last year.

The fact all 18 spots are likely to be filled has sparked the debate.

One horse likely to benefit is Cluster, who is currently 18th in an unofficial order of entry. Cluster is a $9 chance with the TAB, and a colt rival trainers genuinely fear.

ATC track boss Lindsay Murphy said there would be no problems starting 18 horses from the 1400m with the rail in the true position.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy was satisfied there would be no safety concerns.

"With three-year-olds, they've all had a number of starts, and the 1400m isn't the hustle and bustle. I'm not anticipating any dramas," Murrihy said.

"I've got more trepidation about running 16 horses in the Golden Slipper than 18 in the Golden Rose. Let's hope it's a great race. With the Victorian presence (of Prince Harada, Fast 'N' Rocking and Thermal Current), it will make it interesting."

Owners of Prince Harada are expected to pay the $50,000 late-entry fee today. Prince Harada is the $3.60 favourite ahead of fellow Victorian Fast 'N' Rocking ($4.60). Zoustar is the $7 hope, with Cassidy more than happy with the colt's first-up run.

Robl elected to stick with Drago ahead of Cluster given Drago's sectionals first-up at Warwick Farm. Drago will also go into the race three weeks between runs. James McDonald becomes the new rider of Cluster.

GOLDEN ROSE
Rosehill Gardens, Saturday

Prince Harada $3.60
Fast 'N' Rocking $4.60
Zoustar $7
Cluster, Drago $9
Dissident, Sidestep, Thermal Current $13
Eurozone, War $17
Odds: TAB Sportsbet

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Poor finishing frustrating Folau

The poor finishing by the Wallabies continues to frustrate Israel Folau. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

ISRAEL Folau feels likes he's perpetually playing catch-up rugby with the under-performing Wallabies and he's right because the team has led for just 40 of their 480 Test minutes this season.

That crush of stress which magnifies every error or pushed pass in the search for a redeeming try is killing the Wallabies.

Folau's first Test at fullback for the Wallabies last Saturday night was a success against the Springboks, not because of any blinding break but simply because the team's No.1 weapon was involved so much more.

He had 12 runs, more than the 10 he made on the wing in two Tests against the All Blacks, and broke four tackles.

"I felt really comfortable in the position and did all week. It's tough right now losing three games in a row and we've got to stay tight as a team and keep building combinations to turn it around," Folau said.

Folau is feeling the frustration of the team's half-breaks and half-baked finishing as much as any Wallaby as crunch second half moments have been frittered away Test after Test.

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"It comes down to finishing off. We have to execute better," Folau said after Australia's tryless night at Suncorp Stadium.

"It's always hard chasing and we were from the start. You can't be playing footy like that.

"We've got to start games better and we have to do that this week."

The Wallabies have lost the toss and received the kick-off in each of their three Rugby Championship Tests. A charge down and not exiting the quarter with a kick have been basic blunders on two of those occasions.

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Unlucky Queensland Reds backrower Jake Schatz will take no further role in The Rugby Championship. His Test debut dream from the bench was scuttled when ruled out with right knee swelling before the Boks Test.

Scans have revealed two small tears to the meniscus that will require surgery and a six week lay-off.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said squad call-ups Dave Dennis and Sitaleki Timani would both be in the reckoning for roles against Argentina in Perth on Saturday night.

"Dave was at our original training camp so he's got an idea of our structures. Sita will have a bit more to get up to speed with but there is no point taking him to Perth if he's not in selection contention," McKenzie said.

"Where we are at we are digging deep for locks (with James Horwill, Hugh McMeniman, Hugh Pyle and Peter Kimlin injured) so it'll be interesting to see where he is at.

"The Argentinians have a very abrasive style and it won't be an easy game at all.

"I think it's the game we need, a physical challenge to get us right."

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Halves can't win it but SBW might

Sonny Bill Williams in action for the Roosters. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 26 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Broncos v Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane were a side motivated after copping a lot of criticism and Scott Prince's last match, which doubled as the night he joined the 300 club. He played well in a game which will be one to remember. He must be congratulated on what has been a great career. The Broncos made a great statement on Thursday night that when their attitude is correct they are a good football side. Their coach Anthony Griffin must have been left asking, 'Where has that been all year?' while Canterbury-Bankstown were off the pace. Losing poorly one week out from the semi-finals is something no club can afford to do. Ben Barba's return was exciting but he failed to really inject himself into the game. It has to be an extremely quick turnaround for the Bulldogs to get ready for their semi-final. They must make fewer errors and turn their form around quickly. 

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Rabbitohs v Roosters at ANZ Stadium

The result shocked me. I expected South Sydney to win the match. The scores changed throughout the first half and in the second half the Roosters' dominance came to fruition. The Rabbitohs made some errors and were unable to use their size and aggression to their advantage. It was an enormously physical battle. Sam Burgess has come under scrutiny for some questionable action while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves may be in some trouble for an elbow to the throat of Chris McQueen. It was a great battle of the halves with Adam Reynolds going against Mitchell Pearce while James Maloney bagged two tries. The star of the night was Sonny Bill Williams. He has the ability to come up with big plays and that's what he did on Friday. The Roosters halves may not win them the grand final but Williams putting a stamp on the game with some of his brilliance. 

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Dragons v Warriors at WIN Stadium

It's hard to imagine the Warriors playing as poor as they did with everything to play for. They produced a 50-point win against Canberra last week and expected the Warriors to win the game comfortably. Instead they left us all scratching our heads in a year they let slip. The Dragons were extremely poor and for a coach who is under pressure in Steve Price the team has done nothing to help him secure his job for next season. It was a gutsy effort for them to dig deep and get a win in their last home game and send Nathan Fien and Mick Weyman out of the club on a positive note. 

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Storm v Titans at AAMI Park

This was one of the best games I have seen in a long time. Melbourne struggled in the first 40 minutes. They were trying to be physical and get their defensive patterns back. The Titans chanced their arm and played some second phase football. Dave Taylor was brutal on Saturday. He left Brett Finch with a bruised sternum after trampling him. Greg Bird was another star and played a crucial role in getting the game into golden point. The pace of the game increased in the second half and the Storm's grittiness showed. John Cartwright is right, golden point has to go. There was a crucial call where a ball was touched by a hand and while many are up in arms over the decision, I am happy for it to stay the way it is as there is no way to conclusively determine whether the player is making a play for the ball or not. The Titans were brilliant and gutsy but if they had been that way all year they wouldn't have been desperately fighting for eighth place. 

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Cowboys v Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium

I couldn't believe the score at fulltime after such a tight first half. Benji Marshall said the Wests Tigers turned up to play but the second half turned into the Thurston-Bowen show and they blew the Tigers away. There would be a lot of nervous sides looking at the Cowboys. They have a big, physical forward pack, one of the best players in the world in Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen with a spring back in his step. It was great to see Bowen get the send-off he deserved. The Tigers showed they have 40 minutes of good football in them so now the challenge for Mick Potter is getting them to last 80 minutes. Marshall now leaves the game to embark on a new career in rugby with a new half to come into the club next season as they look to re-build. 

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Sea Eagles v Panthers at Brookvale Oval

Manly were cruising at 16-0 after unearthing some of their junior players who have made their way up through the ranks. The hardest part for the Sea Eagles would have been knowing they were in the finals series and they may have been guilty of putting the cue in the rack. The Sea Eagles had a number of players missing and lacked focus. Penrith had plenty to play for with a number of players leaving the club. Luke Walsh showed a lot of class in his last game in the NRL before leaving for the English Super League. Penrith deserve a huge pat on the back. They have improved from last season but to deem the club a success they will need to make the finals next year.

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Knights v Eels at Hunter Stadium

The Newcastle old boys club carries a lot of history. Parramatta went there hoping, with Jarryd Hayne, they would have been able to cause an upset - and with reports that Ricky Stuart would no longer be the coach of the Eels - but it was all about someone who is about to become a former old boy, and that is Danny Buderus. He was absolutely brilliant and led by example. The Knights were obviously able to score an enormous amount of points, but they were also defensively very tough and that's what Wayne Bennett builds his football sides on. It's a nice time for the Knights going into the finals because not too many sides are going in, in form. The Knights are probably one of the teams not being spoken about but they've shown they've got a lot of strike. And if any coach knows how to win, it's certainly Wayne Bennett.

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Raiders v Sharks at Canberra Stadium

The Sharks had a lot of players out either rested or carrying injuries, and they were already guaranteed a home finals spot. They finish in fifth spot and with a positive for and against, which is a nice way to round out a 26-game season. The big news will be whether Andrew Fifita's calf scare during the game turns out to be a serious injury because you need all your players playing at finals time and we saw how much of an impact Fifita can have during Origin. It was a very good game of football, very physical Sunday. There was a lot of end-to-end action. It's probably the most physical the Raiders have played for a number of weeks. Tyrone Peachey was very good off the bench and - without some of their superstars - the Sharks were still able to score 38 points. For the Raiders, it finishes a disappointing year that had on- and off-field dramas, but there was good character shown. And congratulations to Shaun Berrigan, who's played the final game of an outstanding career and was very good Sunday - I thought he was their best player, so it's good to see another legend finish on a good note.

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Lyon bristles at target claims

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FIRED-UP Fremantle coach Ross Lyon angrily defended Zac Dawson as his Dockers threw the AFL premiership race wide open.

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While many had Hawthorn and Geelong pencilled in for the flag decider, the physical and well-drilled Dockers thumbed their nose at convention, inflicting just the Cats' second loss in 45 matches over six years at their home ground.

The stunning 15-point win wound Fremantle into a $4 second favourite for the flag by pitching the arch rival Hawks and Cats into the same half of the draw and giving the WA team its first home preliminary final.

But while Lyon urged his team to "stay incredibly focused", he bristled at suggestions he'd charged Dawson - and others - with the task to intimidate the Cats physically.

Dawson gave away a free-kick and was booked for a clash with Geelong forward James Podsiadly before the opening siren.

The pair jostled several times during the match and the former Saint was also involved in a clash with Geelong skipper Joel Selwood that could come under scrutiny.

But Lyon stood by his full-back, saying the Cats had contributed their fair share to the physical clash.

"(That's) out of line because what I saw was some Docker players go down off the ball," he said.

"It is silly question – we played within the rules. Just go to the behind-the-goals footage and have a look, you'll see what comes out.

"I reviewed them (as) marginal free-kicks at best (with) some body work.

"I just happen to be the coach of the team. I have behind-the-goal vision, I have broadcast vision that I replay and I saw them and they were incredibly marginal, marginal free-kicks.

"That is OK if they get paid, but to then focus on them is really disappointing in the context of the effort we have delivered."

The Dockers will also sweat on a clash, one of several, between gun forward Chris Mayne and Geelong's Steve Johnson, who was left lying on the ground after intitial contact between the pair propelled the Cat into Geelong runner Nigel Lappin.

Lyon was "really pleased for the players that they created an opportunity" after admitting to a mistake in sending chief tagger Ryan Crowley to Mathew Stokes while Johnson threatened to tear apart the game early.

"It was a powerful response in face of a great challenge by the team. We want to be `anywhere-anytime' team and this is a significant challenge and they got it done today."

Lyon walked away from the "garbage" of the debate about playing a final in Geelong for the first time since the 19th century, and also said resting half his team in Round 23 had likely been beneficial.

"It's hard to measure, but the analogy I used is I watched Hawthorn win last night and (then) everyone espouses that they have got a week off to freshen up for a preliminary final, so in theory it is the same model," he said.

"You would not want to be doing it every week, but after 22 home-and-away rounds, it clearly helped."

Lyon said the decision to play key defender Luke McPharlin for the first time in two months after a Round 15 calf injury had been "bold and strong".

Utility Nick Suban was subbed off with an ankle injury, but was walking around without discomfort in the rooms afterwards.

Lyon said Freo had "some sore boys that had plenty of whacks ... and there was plenty of on and off ball things that will probably be looked at I would suggest".

He said big man Aaron Sandilands played his best game of an injury-cruelled season.

"I thought he was significant when he went forward ... a real threat.

"They threw some challenges at him on spread, but we're really confident we can handle that.

"A few of the things they were doing we certainly adjusted to and it was needed ... and then (he and Zac Clarke) were able to play to their strengths, rather than having their strengths taken off them and chasing around opposition ruckmen."

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Power shocker as Pies eliminated

Port Adelaide shocks Collingwood. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

PORT Adelaide's stunning resurgence has reached new heights with a gutsy 24-point elimination final win over Collingwood.

1.4 (10)	Q1	2.4 (16)
4.6 (30)	Q2	6.6 (42)
7.7 (49)	Q3	8.9 (57)
9.9 (63)	Q4	12.15 (87)

Dane Swan 3	Jay Schulz 3
Travis Cloke 2	Chad Wingard 3
Dayne Beams 1	Travis Boak 2
Lachlan Keefe 1	Oliver Wines 2
Brent Macaffer 1	Angus Monfries 1
Marley Williams 1	Justin Westhoff 1

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The AFL's feel-good story of the season will roll on to a semi-final next Friday night against Geelong after the Power upset the Magpies 12.15 (87) to 9.9 (63).peIn a pulsating match, Collingwood threatened to kick clear of Port several times, only for the Power to answer every challenge.

After the Magpies hit the lead at the start of the final term, Port absorbed the pressure again and fired back with the last five goals of the game.

The loss ends a frustrating season for the Magpies, who constantly battled injuries and were never able to gain consistent form.

Power utility Brad Ebert was awesome with 23 possessions, while young star Chad Wingard kicked three goals.

Domenic Cassisi performed a crucial tagging role on Magpies playmaker Scott Pendlebury and Tom Logan and Alipate Carlile were resolute in defence.

This is Port's first finals series since their record grand final loss in 2007.

They finished 14th last season and had become a basket case on and off the field.

But president David Koch and coach Ken Hinkley have led an amazing turnaround.

After Collingwood hit the front early in the final term, Port missed three set shots.

The Power kept pressing and a superb tap from ruckman Matthew Lobbe set up captain Travis Boak for a goal at 16 minutes.

The Power had regained the lead and this time Collingwood could not respond.

Collingwood trailled at every change and every time they surged, they were never quite able to shake off their gutsy opposition.

Trailling by 12 points at halftime, Collingwood jumped Port at the start of the third term with three goals in 10 minutes.

But the Power worked furiously to keep the game tight.

A smart kick out of a pack by Ebert sent Port forward and Wingard kicked a booming 50m goal against the run of play at 17 minutes.

Another long goal from Ollie Wines helped put the Power back in front at three-quarter time.

The first half was full of drama, as Port broke to a 24-point lead early in the second term.

There was plenty of niggle between Port forward Angus Monfries and his opponent Heath Shaw, who threw the ball into the face of the Port forward at the half-time siren.

The second term opened brilliantly for Port, with captain Travis Boak goalling on the run.

Then Shaw clashed with Monfries and gave away a silly free kick before the next centre bounce.

Collingwood ruckman Quinten Lynch (ankle) was a late withdrawal, with Jamie Elliott taking his place.

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Brissy breakdown: Boks v Wallabies

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THE Springboks have broken a 42-year Brisbane hoodoo after posting an emphatic 38-12 victory over a Wallabies side down on confidence and lacking structure.

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The Wallabies were outmuscled in the forwards and outclassed in the backs as the struggling Australians search for that elusive Rugby Championship's win. 

We review all the talking points from the Rugby Championship clash between the Wallabies and Springboks.

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THE MATCH

The Wallabies were fighting an uphill battle from the opening whistle as South Africa's monster forward pack stamped their authority on the contest with waves of hard running and constant pressure at the breakdown. 

It was fitting giant prop Coenie Oosthuizen crashed over from close range after Quade Cooper gave away a lazy penalty that Morne Steyn punched well into the Wallabies quarter.

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The Wallabies continued to shoot themselves in the foot with poor discipline and numerous turnovers with sharp-shooter, Christian Lealiifano, keeping Australia in the game at the break. The Wallabies had ample opportunity to post points after Springboks flanker Willem Alberts copped a questionable sin bin decision. 

However, the home side continued to claw their way back after the break, getting within seven points of South Africa. That was as close as the Wallabies would get as the Springboks exploded in an incredible last quarter to blow the hosts off the park.

Inspirational captain Jean De Villiers opened the flood gates with a brilliant team try, before Zane Kirchner and Willie Le Roux crossed to bury the Wallabies under the Suncorp Stadium pitch.

THE DIFFERENCE

Too big, too fast, too strong. No, it's not 1995 and Jonah Lomu hasn't switched his allegiances to the Springboks.

It was a South African pack, put simply, who were too big and strong from their Wallaby counterparts.

Australia's more mobile pack didn't contain the firepower to counter the awesome Springboks' machine and was blasted off every breakdown and rolled in every maul.

The Boks backrow controlled the ruck and their tight-five caused havoc for the Wallabies at the set-piece.

Watch out New Zealand, the Springboks are coming for your title.

WHERE TO NOW?

Well, Perth. That's where the Wallabies will host Argentina next Saturday night. An Argentina side that showed plenty of guts in a 28-13 loss to the All Blacks in Hamilton earlier on Saturday night.

Los Pumas are actually above Australia on the Rugby Championship ladder, having picked up a bonus point in their narrow home loss to the same Springboks side that shone at Suncorp Stadium.

There are plenty of worrying signs for Ewen McKenzie to ponder as he seeks to somehow turn around the Wallabies' woeful form and snatch a vital first win as Test coach.

The Argentina scrum was impressive against the All Blacks and given Australia's pack woes will provide plenty of headaches in Perth.

McKenzie may have to tinker with his line-up yet again, but he's surely running out of options. Quade Cooper didn't shine in his return to the starting line-up, but he wasn't afforded much of a solid platform. Does he give Cooper another chance, or is it time to turn back to Matt Toomua?

Nick Cummins had highlights and lowlights on the wing, while lock Sitaleki Timani could come into consideration after being added to the squad following the loss of skipper James Horwill to injury.

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Boks hand woeful Wallabies record loss

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SOUTH Africa have busted their Australian east-coast hoodoo in style by hammering the outmuscled Wallabies with a record 38-12 Rugby Championship victory at Suncorp Stadium.

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The Wallabies slumped to their fourth straight Test loss - their worst streak in four years - in a bitterly disappointing display in front of 43,715 stunned fans on Saturday night.

MATCH CENTRE: Wallabies v Springboks

Never before had Australia lost to the Springboks in seven meetings at the old Lang Park but that unbeaten record was dead in the water with 20 minutes to play.

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The Boks dominated the scrum, the collisions and the breakdown throughout to lay the platform for a four-tries-to-nil drubbing that gave the visitors their biggest win against the Wallabies on Australian soil.

It more than doubled the margin of their previous best - 18-6 at the SCG in 1971 - and also gave the South Africans their first win on the east coast in 14 matches since the code went professional in 1996.

The Wallabies had aimed to run the big Boks pack into the ground but were badly beaten at the breakdown and consistently under pressure at scrum time.

Instead it was the South African backs who lit the game up with a three-try blitz in eight minutes to blow the home side away midway through the second half.

Although they were unable to go close to scoring in the first hour, Australia were still in the contest at 19-12 before Boks skipper Jean de Villiers started and finished a brilliant blind-side raid.

There was more specials skills from Ruan Pienaar and Willie Le Roux to put Zane Kirchner over four minutes later, and then Le Roux rubbed salt into Wallaby wounds by punishing a Quade Cooper turnover.

It wasn't a great night for Cooper in his long-awaited return to the No.10 jersey as he struggled to spark Australia's under-pressure attack.

He also gave away the penalty that led to the Springboks storming to an early lead with reserve prop Coenie Oosthuizen barging past him to score in the sixth minute.

Israel Folau's move to fullback failed to reap the rewards expected as the game-breaker was often ignored out wide, while the Boks impressive loose-forwards also forced a first-half penalty goal by trapping him after a kick-return.

But largely it was a painful experience for the Wallabies' greenhorn pack who sorely missed captain James Horwill (hamstring) as well as other sidelined enforcers.

Australia failed to get any attacking rhythm or momentum with the visitors' defence holding firm, and their forwards forcing a string of penalties and turnovers at the breakdown - the area the Wallabies traditionally dominate.

The Springboks also slowed down the game effectively, and were helped by extra big-screen replays that referee George Clancy regularly demanded.

Christian Lealiifano scored Australia's only points through four three-pointers as they failed to capitalise on some first-half attacking chances and the early sin-binning of flanker Willem Alberts.

Michael Hooper was also yellow-carded in the second half when he pulled off a tip tackle on Bryan Habana, but the Boks wreaked their havoc when he returned to the fray.

SOUTH AFRICA 38 (Coenie Oosthuizen, Jean de Villiers, Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux tries; Morne Steyn 3 conversions, 4 penalties) d AUSTRALIA 12 (Christian Leali'ifano 4 penalties).

We'll have all the action covered, so join in the discussion in our live blog below! Kick off is 8pm.

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Pendlebury: We can taste it

Scott Pendlebury is bullish about the Pies in September. Source: Michael Klein / HeraldSun

GO back seven weeks and you might have wondered where our season was heading.

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We lost to Gold Coast in Round 17 and, the following week, led Greater Western Sydney by two points at three-quarter time.

If we thought we would give the finals a serious crack, we weren't playing like it.

While we had a better last term, beating the Giants by 40 points, there wasn't much air in the balloon for the first three quarters. It was time for a bit of a team talk.

We sat down with Ray McLean from Leading Teams and asked what we wanted to get out of the season.

We were a decent side that had been around the finals for a while, but had we fallen in a trap, expecting that it was all going to happen for us?

I thought we were all trying, but perhaps we weren't jelling as a team as well as in the past.

Were we all pulling in the one direction?

We could have looked for excuses out of our control or we could put it on each other and say "let's improve our attitude and our effort" and address training. So we did.

Since then, we've got hungry for the contest again. Training has improved out of sight and it's no coincidence our performance on the field has lifted markedly.

After the chat, we went in as underdogs against Essendon then Sydney the following week and beat them both.

We took it up to Hawthorn and were really happy with keeping West Coast to 39 points. Suddenly, it felt like the Collingwood of old was back.

What we have produced on and off the field in the past six weeks has convinced me we can win the premiership from outside the top four.

The footy we have played in the late part of the season shows our game stacks up.

What has helped is having more consistency in our side. Earlier in the year it felt like every week we were making three or four changes.

But with Dayne Beams and Lachie Keeffe back, our list is a lot healthier and we have developed greater understanding and confidence in some of the young guys.

I think when you are playing your first dozen or so games, you are just excited to be playing AFL. It's pretty special irrespective of whether you win or lose.

The younger guys are still learning what it takes to play consistent AFL footy.

They would have two good games in a row and then it would drop.

That was reflected in the team's form throughout the first half of the year.

But now a lot of the younger guys, such as Marley Williams, Brodie Grundy and Paul Seedsman, are a lot more in tune with what it takes to win.

Josh Thomas, for example, is much improved compared with what we saw in his debut against North Melbourne in Round 1.

In finals, the pressure and intensity go up, but the young guys need to know it's the little things that will make the difference for us. Doing what the team expects from each of our roles.

We are not looking for any individual heroics. It is not up to Dane Swan to get 40 touches or Travis Cloke to kick 10 goals. We have to spread the load, regardless of age.

It is a great achievement for the coaching development program that so many young players deserve their spots.

We are so excited about the talent in the team and how bright things are looking for the next few years.

It is not always easy, managing 44 players on a list, but "Bucks" has created an environment of equal opportunity for everyone.

Footy is a ruthless business. The boys love having Dids (Alan Didak) out there and Darren Jolly has been working hard at training and playing well in the VFL.

But it is every player's responsibility to execute the plan the coaches put in place.

In the past month, we've had 22 players putting into what we want to do and it has helped us produce our best footy of the year.

It's not for us to worry about who is there or who isn't in the team.

Back in 2010, if you told me at the start of the year Tarkyn Lockyer, Shane O'Bree or Paul Medhurst wouldn't have played in our premiership team, I wouldn't have believed you. But we brought new talent into the team throughout the season.

Like that year, there is a bit more of an unpredictable edge to the Magpies.

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Jones earns Demons' gong

Nathan Jones won Melbourne's best and fairest award. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

MELBOURNE vice-captain Nathan Jones edged out backman Colin Garland to win his second consecutive club best and fairest award.

Jones polled 365 votes to claim the Keith "Bluey'' Truscott memorial trophy, five ahead of the equally consistent Garland. 

Defender Dean Terlich (306) and midfielder Matt Jones (303) capped creditable debut seasons, finishing third and fourth in a dismal Demons' year, on and off the field.

No mention was made of Melbourne's hunt for a new senior coach, in particular Paul Roos, as president Glen Bartlett told the 800 faithful that it was a night for "reflection''.

Bartlett and chief executive Peter Jackson both emphasised that one of the Demons' priorities was to regain respect in the AFL.

Reflecting on the mistakes of this season, Jackson said: "We can become the victim or we can understand the reality of where we are and meet it head on.'' 

The durable Jones was the standout performer, winning 500-plus possessions for the third consecutive season.

The 25-year-old was a beacon of hope in the barren season, regularly winning his share of the ball despite close attention from taggers.

Remarkably, Jones is the only current senior list player to have won the club's best and fairest award. He was runner-up in just his second season in 2007.

He's the eighth Demon to win consecutive best and fairest awards, the first since James McDonald in 2006-07.

Jones' big night also included being the recipient of the inaugural best team man award named in McDonald's honour and presented by the former skipper.

Teenage midfielder Jack Viney won the best young player award (Harold Ball memorial trophy) and emerging forward Jesse Hogan picked up the Troy Broadbridge memorial trophy for the best Melbourne-listed player at VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions. 

Viney received the award after a promising first AFL season, despite missing eight matches, seven with a toe injury.

His debut in the opening round against Port Adelaide at the MCG was the highlight on an otherwise bleak Sunday for the Demons.

Viney also was a NAB Rising Star nomination following his strong performance against Fremantle in round 21.

Garland won the leadership award (Ron Barassi jnr trophy) midfielder Colin Sylvia won the club ambassador award (Ian Ridley memorial trophy) and ruckman Jake Spencer received the coaches' award (Norm Smith memorial trophy).

Retirees Aaron Davey, Joel Macdonald and David Rodan were also acknowledged for their contribution. 

Past winners at the function were Noel McMahen, Geoff McGivern, Brian Dixon, Ron Barassi, Hassa Mann, Ray Groom, Rob Flower, Garry Baker, Steven Smith, Greg Healy, Steven O'Dwyer, Todd Viney and Davey.

Melbourne's top 10

1. Nathan Jones (365)

2. Colin Garland (360)

3. Dean Terlich (306)

4. Matt Jones (303)

5. Colin Sylvia (288)

6. Lynden Dunn (270)

7. James Frawley (268)

8. Jack Trengove (257)

9. Jeremy Howe (256)

10. Tom McDonald (249)

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