Australia got their Rugby Championship campaign back on track with a scrappy 26-19 victory over South Africa on Saturday, coming back from a first half deficit to register a fifth successive win over the Springboks.

Back-to-back losses to the All Blacks in their first two matches of the inaugural competition had made this a must win test for the Wallabies and their coach Robbie Deans.

After a poor first half where they fell behind to Springbok winger Bryan Habana’s 42nd test try, scores from forwards Scott Higginbotham and Ben Alexander and a perfect kicking display from Berrick Barnes just about got them across the line.

South Africa, who drew 16-16 with Argentina in their last outing, had the edge at the setpiece and put in plenty of powerful running but lacked a spark in the backline to take advantage of the pressure they created.

Scorers:

Australia — Tries: Scott Higginbotham, Ben Alexander. Conversions: Berrick Barnes (2), Penalties: Barnes (4). 

South Africa — Try: Bryan Habana; Conversions: Morne Steyn, Penalties: Morne Steyn (2), Francois Steyn (2).