RUGBY: Australia's hopes of retaining the Tri-Nations title and Bledisloe Cup were boosted yesterday when their fiery lock Justin Harrison escaped suspension by the competition's governing body, SANZAR. Harrison, one of three players sin-binned during a volatile Test against South Africa at the Gabba on Saturday night, was cited for striking an opponent during a brawl in the 32nd minute. Greg Growden reports from Brisbane
The SANZAR judiciary committee ruled Harrison was properly dealt with on the field by the English referee Steve Lander during the brawl, which involved up to 20 players. Springbok prop Faan Rautenbach, who was also cited, was let off - even though his record will now include a retrospective yellow card for his part in the fight.
Coach Eddie Jones has warned the lock about his future behaviour but insisted Harrison had not instigated the fight. "What Harrison tried to do was to separate another player from the melee," said Jones. "It was felt Justin's actions on the field were punished by the referee, but you have got to be careful in those situations when they boil over."
Australia went into a 24-3 lead, but lost their rhythm and composure after the brawl, when South Africa took advantage of them being down to 13 men, as Harrison was accompanied by the Wallaby hooker Jeremy Paul on the sideline.
The fight was started by Springbok full back Werner Greeff taking out his opposite number, Chris Latham, when the Wallaby full back was mid-air taking a high ball. Greeff's blatant charge of Latham prompted the teams to exchange punches.
In the second half, the Springboks suddenly seized control, repeatedly finding holes in Australia's outer defence to score four tries and cut the deficit to six points.
Finally a George Gregan gamble guaranteed Australia, who play New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday in the return Bledisloe Cup match, a crucial bonus point. With just a few seconds to go, and ahead 33-27, Australia were awarded a penalty in front of the South African goalposts.
A successful kick would have chopped off one of South Africa's bonus points, by extending Australia's lead beyond seven points.
Instead Gregan decided on chasing a last-second fourth try, setting a scrum, and then pushing play wide towards the sideline, where Latham squeezed between several Springbok defenders to score.
AUSTRALIA: Latham; Tune, Burke (Rogers, 69), Herbert, Mortlock; Larkham (Flatley, 79), Gregan; Young, Paul, Noriega (Darwin, 71), Harrison, Sharpe (Cockbain, 71), Finegan (Lyons, 62), Smith, Kefu.
Scorers: Tries: Tune, Mortlock, Latham 2. Cons: Burke 3. Pens: Burke 3, Mortlock.
SOUTH AFRICA: Greeff (Jacobs, 75); Terblanche (Russell, 72), Joubert, Barry, Paulse; Pretorius, Conradie; Sephaka (Le Roux, 61), Dalton (Du Preez, 72), Rautenbach, Labuschagne, Matfield, Krige (Scholtz, 33), Van Niekerk, Skinstad.
Scorers: Tries: Joubert 2, Skinstad, Russell. Cons: Pretorious 2. Pens: Pretorious.
Referee: Steve Lander (England)
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