August 12 down the years
Wallabies thwarted on ground-breaking tour
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South Africa skipper Bennie Osler during training at Weston Super Mare, England, September 22, 1931
Bennie Osler helped South Africa to victory over Australia on this day in 1933 © Getty Images
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1933
Australia, on their first tour of South Africa, lost the third Test at Ellis Park to fall 2-1 behind in the five-match series.

The Springboks won 12-3 through a dropped goal by Bennie Osler and tries from Freddie Turner and "Boy" Louw, one converted by Gerry Brand. Dave Cowper supplied the Wallabies' sole points with a second-half try.

1983
Sir Wavell Wakefield, famous England rugby player of the 1920s, distinguished administrator and former president of the RFU died at the age of 85.

Wakefield won 31 caps for England and was widely credited with helping modernize back-row play. He led England to back-to-back Grand Slams in 1923 and 1924, and was the first English inductee in to the IRB Hall of Fame in 1999.

1899
The Lions ended their Test series with Australia in a blaze of glory at the SCG. After a scoreless first half, the Lions played confidently to win the fourth match of the series 13-0 and take the rubber 3-1.

Halfback Charlie Adamson and winger Alfred Bucher scored tries, while Adamson was also on target with the conversions and a penalty.

1986
England centre Shane Geraghty was born in Coventry. A precocious talent, also able to play at fly-half, he burst on to the international scene with a searing break in a 26-18 win for England over France at Twickenham.

Following his debut injuries curtailed his international involvement, although he continued to play enterprisingly for London Irish. In 2009 he agreed a move to the Exiles' Guinness Premiership rivals Northampton.

1961
Springbok wing Hennie van Zyl scored his fourth Test try against Australia in the space of seven days as South Africa coasted to a 23-11 win in the second Test at Port Elizabeth.

1896
The Johannesburg Country Clubs gave the Lions a tough match before losing 7-0 to the tourists.

1978
Manawatu proved their worth as Ranfurly Shield holders, defeating the touring Wallabies 20-10 in Palmerston North.

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