South Africa 9 Australia 11: It’s been a brilliant journey, says de Villiers as he prepares to exit

De Villiers gave the strongest possible indication that his four-year reign is at an end after South Africa relinquished the world title they won in Paris four years ago.

The Springboks’ 2007 World Cup-winning captain John Smit, meanwhile, has bowed out of the Test arena as he prepares to join Aviva Premiership champions Saracens, with his fellow cap centurion – lock Victor Matfield – also heading into international retirement.

Australia’s victory, secured by a late penalty from James O’Connor, gave the Wallabies a third victory over South Africa this year after beating them twice on route to landing the Tri-Nations crown.

Asked if the the loss would mark the end of his career, De Villiers said: “I think so.

“It was a brilliant journey, something that none of you guys can take away from me. There is a time to come and a time to go, so I think the journey for me is over.

“I wanted to be the best that I could be. The way that I am is the way that I want to be remembered.”

Smit paid tribute to de Villiers, adding: “As much as the pain flows through the heart right now, the other thing that was said in the changing room by many a guy was that we have had a great four years together and that has been pioneered by Peter.

“He’s not the usual mould of coach that any of us have been used to, but he is one that we have thoroughly enjoyed over the four years.

“His saying from the day he started and, I suppose when he wakes up tomorrow, is that even the bad days are good.

“He has made us enjoy every moment. He has been a great man.”

Wallabies captain James Horwill scored the only try of a full-blooded, but often dour, contest, with O’Connor booting two penalties and Morne Steyn slotting two penalties and dropping a goal for South Africa.

But the Springboks were left to rue several missed opportunities, while they never got to grips with New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence’s interpretation at the breakdown, where Wallabies openside flanker David Pocock dominated.

Australia coach Robbie Deans hailed Pocock’s display.

“He was immense,” Deans said.

“David Pocock’s game was remarkable, and it was bigger than he got credit for.

“The world is blessed with some very good snafflers at the moment, and no doubt people will be looking forward to next week, to that end.

“What you saw out there was the most experienced World Cup side in the world (South Africa) really turn the screws on the youngest. So, our boys came of age in terms of the way they accepted that challenge and stood up to it.

“We saw an epic World Cup encounter. Different, but that’s what makes this game what it is.”