O’Connor kick signals end for Boks

AUSTRALIA crept into the World Cup semi-finals after James O’Connor landed a late penalty to send champions South Africa crashing out.

The Springboks had established a 9-8 lead through the boot of Morne Steyn, having laid siege to Australia’s line for half-an-hour, only for Victor Matfield to concede a penalty in the 71st minute.

And O’Connor stepped up and nervelessly sent his kick between the uprights as the Wallabies made it six victories in seven matches against their Tri Nations rivals.