Australia ended South Africa's reign as rugby World Cup champions, when they edged out 11-9 winners in their quarter-final played at Wellington today.

Coming in as favourites, the Springboks got off to a flying start, as they pushed Australia into their own territory. But a mistake near their own goal-line allowed the Aussies to make the first score, an unconverted try scored by captain James Horwill in the 11th minute. They extended the lead in the 17th minute, when James O'Connor put over a penalty, which was cancelled just before half-time by Morne Steyn.

South Africa continued to dominate in the second half, but made costly minutes at crucial plays, which should have been converted into points. Steyn scored a penalty and a drop goal to put South Africa ahead for the first time, before a 72nd minute penalty from O'Connor put Australia ahead for good.

The defending champions were the third team in as many matches to have won their pool and lost in the quarter-final.