Australia saved their best until last, defeating hotly-tipped South Africa 15-5 to claim their maiden World Rugby Classic title on Saturday night.The Classic Wallabies had been expected to struggle to cope with the Springboks’ beastlike defence but more than held their own in the battle of the brawn at the National Sports Centre North Field.Runners-up on four occasions, the Wallabies made a strong start with danger man Nick Reilly being denied at the line by Springbok legend Percy Montgomery with a last ditch tackle.It was Australia who dictated the early possession and territory but found themselves trailing when Norman Jordaan finished off South Africa’s first attacking move on 20 minutes, with Neil Cole missing the conversion.After the break the Wallabies, who edged past Classic Lions in the semi-final, continued to press and levelled when Damon Murphy scored the first of his two tries.Murphy then repeated his act with a burst of speed down the right to finish at the corner to make it 12-5, with rugby league legend Andrew Johns showing his class with a superb conversion from a difficult angle.Reilly, who had earlier missed a conversion, then kicked a penalty in the final minute to secure victory for the Wallabies.For Brad Fittler, another rugby league great, the Classic marked his return to competitive action after eight years, with his eye-catching performances made all the more impressive considering he had never before played union.“They keep saying that our game has been about fitness but I can’t tell you how tired I was I was blowing away,” he said.“I’ve had a ball (in Bermuda) though, an absolute scream. I think the tournament has been played in a really good spirit and it’s nice to be part of Australia’s win.“We haven’t trained too much but everything we have done we’ve done together and it’s amazing the team spirit we have built up in a short space of time.”In the Plate final, France defeated Canada 17-0 with tries from Sebastian Bozzi and Gregory Tutard, a conversion by Cedric Roslen and a penalty by Frank Comba.France’s Francis Ntamack said the convincing win felt like late birthday present having turned 40 the previous day.“It was a very nice victory for the French team because we have come to Bermuda with a new group and many have not played in this tournament before” he said.“It was my 40th birthday yesterday and (this win) is special moment for me and the group.“We’re pleased to win the Plate; it’s not the main cup but it is a cup. There’s been a good spirit all the week and after the games we have had good moments drinking beer with the other players.”The first match of the day saw the Bermuda Barbarians lose 25-5 to the Atlanta Renegades.