Mixed feelings for Deans

Australia coach Robbie Deans was left slightly frustrated after his side kicked-off their Tri-Nations campaign with a 30-13 victory against South Africa.

Drew Mitchell and Will Genia ran in tries, with Matt Giteau kicking five penalties as ill discipline once again cost the reigning champions dear.

The Wallabies defence also stood firm throughout most of the contest, conceding only three points until two late tries from the visitors.

"Got to be happy with the performance. There was a lot of stuff to be proud of, particularly the defence," Deans said after the match.

However, the Wallabies passed up the chance to secure a bonus-point victory for four tries as several attacking moves broke down within sight of the line.

Deans added: "We created some opportunities that we didn't finish and that's always frustrating.

Profit

"You don't get many chances in Tri-Nations rugby but the boys created a few and that was good, we didn't profit as much as we would have liked, but they kept at it."

South Africa were reduced to 14 men early on after a dangerous-looking tackle from Jaque Fourie and BJ Botha was also shown a yellow card later in the match after persistent infringements.

It was the third contest in succession that the Springboks have had players temporarily ordered off the field, a fact that did not please captain John Smit.

"I just couldn't believe it could happen again for the third week in a row. This can't keep happening, surely," Smit said.

The hooker also admitted that his side's overall performance needs to improve if they are to take anything away from their Tri-Nations campaign, which currently stands at three defeats from three matches.

"We are very aware of what we have to do over the next three or four weeks before we get our next chance to rectify things," Smit added.

"Our defence and breakdowns have been poor and our attack has been ordinary so we have a hell of a lot to work on and it is going to have to come from us if we are going to change things around."