MANCHESTER, Aug 3: Holders Australia defeated South Africa 3-1 in the second semifinals Friday to set up a trans-Tasman final with New Zealand Sunday.

Unlike Pakistan who were routed by New Zealand, Australia , having beaten South Africa in the group round once again proved their superiority and were never in danger of losing.

The World Cup silver medallists should go into Sunday’s final with confidence having beaten New Zealand 6-1 in the first men’s match of the Games.

Australia coach Barry Dancer said New Zealand would make the game very difficult for his side.

“They showed how well they can play in the first 40 minutes of the first game with us and again today. We should learn after today’s game with South Africa to value the ball more,” Dancer said.

Australia had South Africa under a lot of pressure from the start and Matt Smith put them ahead from a 12th minute penalty corner.

Against the run of play, Justin King equalised in the 31st minute. Then defender Bevan George joined an attack and just managed to get a touch on a long ball into the circle to give Australia a 45th minute lead before Michael McCann settled the result with their third goal after a mis-hit South African free hit.

Meanwhile, India won the women’s hockey gold medal in the with a 3-2 win over England in the final Saturday.

Australia had some consolation for losing their title with a convincing 4-3 victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the bronze medal match.

In a strangely lifeless encounter Australia did not employ their usual pacey game but generally played sound controlled hockey.

Carmel Bakurski gave Australia the lead on seven minutes after a good break by Julie Towers. Within two minutes, Amanda Christie equalised following up a shot by Jaimee Provan.

Australia lost their lead twice in the first half, but sealed the match with two goals in just over a minute early in the second half.

The victory by the holders of the Olympic and World Cup titles was their 11th in succession against New Zealand whom they will meet again shortly in the Champions Trophy in Macau. —Reuters/AFP