South Africa bounced again from defeat to Australia in final week’s Rugby Championship opener with a battling 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in rain-soaked Cape City.
The boot of Handre Pollard proved decisive because the 31-year-old kicked 15 factors, made up of three penalty objectives and three conversions.
Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith and Eben Etzebeth went over for the world champions, who blew a 22-0 result in lose 38-22 in Johannesburg final day trip.
“It was greasy on the market, however we performed effectively,” mentioned Pollard.
“Our defence was good at instances, although we additionally gave away some foolish penalties. There’s a lot to work on, however we take this end result.
“We now have wings who’re unbelievable within the air and it’s one thing the boys put loads of effort into. We all know there’s a greater plan with our squad and we belief the method.”
Australia additionally scored three tries by way of Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen and Brandon Paenga-Amosa however have been unable to copy final weekend’s beautiful comeback.
They got here near a shedding bonus level, however James O’Connor missed two penalty makes an attempt within the ultimate jiffy. It means the Wallabies sit second within the desk with 5 factors from two matches.
“It was an ideal bodily battle on the market and I’m tremendous pleased with my boys. We fought proper to the top,” mentioned Australia captain Fraser McReight.
“It has been a tricky two weeks over right here. There have been a number of moments the place if we received the ball again our means, the end result may have been totally different. However that’s the great thing about rugby.”
South Africa sit third on 4 factors and can head to leaders New Zealand subsequent, needing at the least one win in two matches in opposition to the All Blacks if they’re to have an opportunity of defending their title.
