The Springboks beat Australia 30-22 in a rain-hit Rugby Championship clash at DHL Stadium, responding after last week’s shock defeat in Johannesburg. Both sides scored three tries, but Handré Pollard’s boot — three penalties and three conversions — proved the edge for South Africa. Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith and Eben Etzebeth crossed for the hosts, while Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen and Brandon Paenga-Amosa replied for the Wallabies.
Pollard’s Control, Etzebeth’s Clincher
South Africa tightened up their approach, turned the Test into an aerial contest and kicked their goals. Pollard called conditions “greasy” but said the Boks “played well,” praising the wings’ work in the air and the forwards’ late surge for penalties. With the game in the balance, Etzebeth stretched over to restore an eight-point cushion and close out a vital win. James O’Connor’s missed attempts in the final quarter proved costly for Australia.
Erasmus: Wallabies Tests a ‘Dry Run’ for All Blacks
Coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the response but kept perspective: “Sometimes it’s just about getting back on the horse.” He added the priority was to win and deny the Wallabies a bonus point, while noting South Africa “have to go to New Zealand and beat them there twice” to stay in the title race. Separately, Erasmus said the Wallabies provided a useful “dry run” for what the Boks can expect from the All Blacks, given similar threats in the back three.
Crowd, Context and What’s Next
A loud Cape Town crowd lifted the world champions as they steadied their Rugby Championship campaign. The Springboks beat Australia here by sticking to their strengths — contestables, territory and set-piece discipline — after being punished for a looser plan a week earlier. South Africa now head to New Zealand for two Tests that will define their defence of the title. The Springboks beat Australia, but the bigger exam starts next.
