The Wallabies could be forced to face their biggest South African examination next Saturday without stars Berrick Barnes, Dan Vickerman and Rocky Elsom after injury and the citing commissioner dampened Australia's gutsy 27-15 win in Durban.

Barnes left ABSA Stadium in the 20th minute and Vickerman a minute before the halftime break - both with shoulder injuries - as the gallant Australians went on to claim their first victory on South African soil in eight years.

Elsom was cited for dangerous play after he man-handled Springboks captain Victor Matfield while jumping in a lineout.

Elsom will face a judicial hearing on Monday.

"We've got a couple of shoulders that look like they will impact on next week in Berrick Barnes and Daniel Vickerman, they're unlikely to be available," coach Robbie Deans said.

Deans will contemplate sending out an SOS for a replacement from Australia, which could mean a reprieve for dropped lock Nathan Sharpe.

Another intriguing possibility is a first Test start for league convert Timana Tahu, who played the final 20 minutes in Barnes' position, inside centre, and impressed Deans in the process.

"He did superbly," the coach said.

"It wasn't an easy situation to go into but he certainly relished the opportunity, he's been waiting for it. He'll be much better for it."

An eight-year drought they may have broken, but the Wallabies are already turning their attention to Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where they haven't won since 1963.

Altitude, hostile crowds and the confronting sights of the ground's impoverished surrounding suburbs have all been blamed for Australia's lack of success in Jo'burg, but Deans said it was vital the Wallabies took another step forward.

"The key now is can we back up and there'll be many who would suggest we can't," he said.

"The history would suggest that also but we'll get a great opportunity to do that this week and that's what we'll concentrate on.

"We know that we have to better next week but we want to be better and we want to back up because it's something that we haven't done."

There would be little sense in risking Barnes or Vickerman if they are not fully fit as the Tri-Nations title will now be decided by the September 13 clash between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane regardless of the result in Johannesburg.

Australia played a composed game in the three tries to two win, withstanding a brutal early assault from the desperate Springboks as well as the threat of a late comeback.

The Wallabies scored the only try of the first half through prop Benn Robinson before Lote Tuqiri crossed in the 62nd minute and, fittingly, skipper Stirling Mortlock grabbed the clincher in the 68th.

It was Mortlock who had booted Australia to victory the last time they won in South Africa, also in Durban in 2000, but the skipper concurred with his coach when asked why there were no flamboyant celebrations at fulltime.

"I think it's a reflection on how much they guys gave to secure that victory and then also that our feet hopefully are planted on the ground," he said.

"We know that this is a two-match tour and (we're) very happy with what we achieved today, and rightly so, but another challenge awaits us in seven days."

Mortlock said his side had benefited from an influx of new blood, with eight of the team's 22 never having played a Test in South Africa.

"It's been commented on before, the fact that with so many guys that haven't got that baggage with us. I think that helps," Mortlock said.

Deans praised his side's physical presence, particularly man-of-the-match Rocky Elsom, who made an 80-minute return from a foot injury.

"It's easy sometimes when you're sitting behind the glass a long way away with a pen not to have any real sense (of the game's physicality), Deans said.

"I think sometimes looking through the TV screen and looking from a distance we don't have a sense of that. The boys got up and met that reality."

The Wallabies will remain in Durban's northern beach suburbs to prepare for next Saturday, flying to Johannesburg on Friday for a hit and run mission.

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