Springbok skipper Bobby Skinstad grabbed the only try as South Africa opened their Tri-Nations account against the world champions in Pretoria.

With opposing kickers Braam van Straaten and Matt Burke landing five penalties each, it was Skinstad's charge on the stroke of half-time which sent the trophy holders to an unexpected defeat.

The under-fire Springboks had made four changes to the side beaten 12 3 by New Zealand in the Tri-Nations opener last week, flamboyant full-back Percy Montgomery the most high profile casualty.

Jones' arrival as replacement was the biggest change the Wallabies had to adjust to, departed coach Rod Macqueen leaving a huge hole after steering Australia to World Cup glory and, most recently, a series victory over the Lions.

But though the visitors started in encouraging fashion, they failed to take advantage, Burke missing the target with a long range penalty attempt after Andre Vos had gone over the top at a ruck.

Springbok centre Braam van Straaten showed him how it should be done when he boomed over a kick from inside his own half which Australian skipper John Eales couldn't stop even though he was lifted high above the crossbar.

Two minutes later, van Straaten added another after Breyton Paulse had broken out of defence and found Skinstad and Joost van der Westhuizen in support.

When prop Michael Foley was ruled to have pulled down a scrum by Irish referee David McHugh, the instant verbal challenge saw Australia sent 10 metres closer to their own posts and van Straaten needed no second invitation to stretch his side's lead still further.

Australia responded with their most impressive attacking spell of the half but skipper John Eales was penalised for entering a ruck from the side with the visitors barely a metre from the Springbok line, and Andrew Walker knocked-on as he attempted the vital touch to a Nathan Gray charge down.

And, with the interval looming, South Africa broke upfield and grabbed the opening try.

Recalled lock David Giffin should have been yellow carded for a forearm smash into the back of Robbie Fleck's head, but having stepped out of the defensive line to commit the assault, Skinstad spotted the gap and blasted onto van der Westhuizen's flat pass.

Burke came across to tackle, but he was no match for the burly back row, who crashed in at the corner.

Van Straaten failed with the conversion attempt but Jones had plenty to contemplate as he began his first half-time team talk.

It seemed to work as the Wallabies emerged with renewed vigour, Burke finally breaking his duck with two penalties within six minutes of the re-start.

Van Straaten immediately replied with one of his own to leave, only for Burke to land another from halfway to bring his side to within eight points with 30 minutes remaining.

Neither side managed to produce a sustained spell of fluent rugby, although Paulse looked dangerous when he cut off his wing.

But the Springboks were worthy of their lead and when van Straaten landed his fifth penalty eight minutes from time, it sent his team two scores clear and though Burke was also landed his fifth kick, the South African defence held firm.