( CNN ) -- Defending champions South Africa have begun this year 's tournament with a victory , but they were far from convincing as they scraped a narrow 17-16 Pool D win over Wales in Wellington . Frans Steyn and Francois Hougaard both scored tries for the Springboks , while Morne Steyn kicked two conversions and a penalty in a tight affair . Toby Faletau went over for Wales ' sole try , with James Hook contributing 11 points with his kicking . Rugby World Cup special section . The result was tough on a gallant Wales side , who led 16-10 with 15 minutes to play before Hougaard 's try between the posts gave South Africa the upper hand . Even then , the match was not over , with Rhys Priestland and Hook missing a drop goal chance and a tough penalty respectively . South Africa started with 11 of the 15 players who won them the trophy four years ago , but they will need to improve on this display if they are to retain their title . CNN 's all-time Rugby World Cup XV . There were two other pool matches played on Sunday , the third day of the tournament . Australia , who like South Africa are attempting to win their third world title , scored 26 unanswered second half points to defeat Italy 32-6 in their Pool C opener at North Harbour . And , also in Pool C , Ireland saw off United States 22-10 in their opening match in New Plymouth .
South Africa begin their Rugby World Cup defense with a 17 - 12 win over Namibia . The Sprinboks scrape Pool B victory despite fielding none of their 2007 winning players . There are also narrow victories for both Australia and Ireland in Pool C .