Substitute winger Breyton Paulse scored the winning try in the 73rd minute for South Africa to beat Australia 24-16 in the final Tri-Nations test Saturday.

Paulse replaced Akona Ndungane at halftime and made several important tackles, stole possession and then finished off a sweeping attack for the Springboks to win their second straight match.

``Things were tight when I came on and we had to defend really well,'' Paulse said. ``Even attacking was tough as we got the ball under pressure, but we communicated well and it all came together.''

New Zealand had already won the tournament, while Australia finished second. South Africa came third despite also beating the All Blacks 21-20 last weekend.

South Africa led 6-3 just after halftime following Andre Pretorius' second penalty. Australia centre Stirling Mortlock has kicked one earlier.

Wallabies fly-half Stephen Larkham scored a try minutes later, juggling the ball before touching down after lock Nathan Sharpe had pierced South Africa's scrambling defence.

A penalty and a drop goal by Pretorius took the Springboks back into the lead at 12-10.

Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Preez took a quick tap penalty after the Wallabies had collapsed a driving maul and wormed his way over for a converted try.

Mortlock kicked two more penalties to keep the Wallabies in touch _ until Paulse scored his try.

``The win was important for us, and when we scored 21 second-half points, it showed how talented these guys are,'' Springbok coach Jake White said.

Australia captain George Gregan said: ``We created enough opportunities, but we suffered from our mistakes.''