South Africa and Australia battled to a 23 all draw in Perth. The Springboks came from 20-10 down to equalize and even had chances towards the end of the match to take the points but wasted them.Jesse Kriel (25) and Malcolm Marx (59) scored their two tries as Elton Jantjies converted twice (28, 59) and three penalties.
Both sides missed opportunities and made mistakes in the beginning minutes of the game.
South Africa broke away first to score their first try of the day as scrum-half Ross Cronje flipped the ball out to Jesse Kriel, who chased his own kick ahead and touched down.
Australia replied within two minutes through Beale who picked up a poor pass and sliced through the springboks defence.
Bernard Foley slotted his second penalty on the stroke of halftime to give the hosts a 13-10 advantage and the converted pushover try from Polota-Nau seven minutes into the second half extended the lead to 10 points.
The Springboks struck back when Elton Jantjies kicked his second penalty to reduce the deficit before they sent Marx over to level up the scores with 20 minutes to play.
Jantjies was then given the simplest of chances to put South Africa up 23-20 only for Foley to respond immediately with a long-range effort.
South Africa had the best chance of grabbing the win Jantjies mistimed his drop goal attempt when the ball finally came back to him.
The Springboks will be taking on the world champions New Zealand in Auckland next.
Featured Photo: Jesse Kriel scores for the Springboks [sky sports]
