Handre Pollard produced a masterclass at flyhalf as South Africa battled past Australia 30–22 in a rain-soaked Rugby Championship clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, reigniting their title defence after last week’s setback.
The Springboks had been stunned 38–22 in Johannesburg seven days earlier when an expansive game plan backfired against a clinical Wallabies side. This time, they shifted gears, opting for a pragmatic aerial contest marshalled brilliantly by Pollard. The veteran playmaker kicked 15 points to add to tries from Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith, and Eben Etzebeth.
Australia refused to go quietly, however. Debutant Corey Toole, fellow wing Max Jorgensen, and hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa all crossed the whitewash as Joe Schmidt’s men once again showcased their attacking flair and resilience. Yet, against the Springboks’ grinding forward play and aerial dominance, it was always going to be an uphill battle.
“It was greasy out there but we played well,” Pollard reflected after the match. “Our defence was good at times, though we also gave away some silly penalties. There is a lot to work on, but we’ll take this result. Our wings are unbelievable in the air, and the forwards really stepped up in those last 10 minutes.”
The Wallabies had their chances and might rue the bounce of the ball that didn’t always fall their way. A missed conversion from James O’Connor with 12 minutes to play denied them a chance to hit the front, and Etzebeth’s late surge near the line sealed the Springbok win.
Captain Fraser McReight praised his team’s effort despite the defeat. “It was a great physical battle and I’m super proud of my boys. We fought right to the end. There were a few moments where if the ball bounced differently, it could have gone our way. But that’s the beauty of rugby.”
Australia’s depth was tested early, losing fullback Tom Wright and scrumhalf Nic White in the opening quarter before Joseph Suaalii exited at halftime. Still, their replacements injected energy to keep the contest alive.
A try from Toole had briefly given the visitors the lead, but South Africa held a 20–10 advantage at the break and managed the closing stages with characteristic steel. For Rassie Erasmus’s men, it was a much-needed response after the Ellis Park shock.
With both sides showing flashes of quality, the stage is now set for the next chapter in what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive Rugby Championship.
English