DHL Stadium – The Springboks restored confidence and silenced their critics by bouncing back from last week’s disappointment, securing a hard-fought 30-22 victory over Australia at DHL Stadium in the second match of the Rugby Championship.
South Africa crossed the try line three times – twice in the opening half and once more in the second while flyhalf Handré Pollard delivered a flawless kicking display, slotting all three penalties and three conversions, as Rassie Erasmus’s men thrilled more than 56,000 passionate fans at a buzzing DHL Stadium.
The Boks took an early six-nil lead through Pollard after two quick penalties after 6 minutes, before Wallabies winger Corey Toole scored on his debut, bringing the score to 6-7 after eight minutes.
The contest quickly turned into a thrilling blow-for-blow battle, with the Boks striking back almost immediately as winger Canan Moodie powered over the line in the 11th minute, restoring the hosts’ advantage to 13-7.
As the first half drew to a close, the Springboks extended their lead with a try from Number 8 Kwagga Smith, before Wallabies flyhalf James O’Connor reduced the deficit with a successful penalty, sending the teams into the halftime break with the home side ahead 20-10.
In the second half, both teams came out determined to unsettle their opponents and turn the game in their favour. Pollard picked up where he left off in the first half, continuing his flawless kicking and keeping the Springboks firmly in control.
Joe Schmidt side crossed the line twice through winger Max Jorgensen and hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, but a try from Springboks substitute Eben Etzebeth helped secure South Africa’s advantage, as the match concluded with a 30-22 victory for the home side.
On Sunday, Erasmus is set to announce the 36-player squad that will travel to New Zealand for the two upcoming tests against the All Blacks.
Image: Phando Jikelo.
