South Africa beat Wales in Cardiff

World Cup holders South Africa opened their November international season with a 20-15 victory over European champions Wales at the Millennium stadium yesterday.

Centres Adrian Jacobs and Jean de Villiers scored tries either side of half-time and Ruan Pienaar, starting at flyhalf for the first time in a test, kicked 10 points.

Wales missed their chance to claim only their second victory against South Africa after trailing 20-3 early in the second half.

Replacement flyhalf James Hook converted four penalties to bring Wales back into contention in front of British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan, who was in the Cardiff crowd, only for the Springboks to prove their qualities in defence.

Debutant Quade Cooper scored a late try to help an unimpressive Australia side to a face-saving 30-20 victory over Italy.

The twice world champions were tied 20-20 against the Italians with eight minutes to go when substitute back Cooper danced through a muddle of players to put them in charge.

Other results: England vs Pacific Islanders 39-13; Scotland vs New Zealand 6-32; Ireland vs Canada 55-0.