South Africa vs Australia live: Springboks edge out Wallabies to restore Rugby Championship hopes
South Africa 30-22 Australia: The Springboks overcame another battling performance from Australia having suffered a shock defeat last week
South Africa hit back against Australia to revive their Rugby Championship title hopes as they narrowly avoided another slip-up on home soil with a 30-22 victory.
Stunned by the Wallabies in Johannesburg a week ago, the Springboks were again short of their best for large periods in Cape Town even against an injury-hit visiting side. They came through, just about, to secure victory late on thanks to a crucial score from Eben Etzebeth, which pushed the defending champions just about out of reach as Australia impressed again.
Joe Schmidt may rue the early losses of Nic White and Tom Wright having already dealt with several injuries in the week. The Wallabies coach will be pleased at the strides his side are making, however, having gone toe-to-toe with the back-to-back world champions to continue the development shown during the recent British and Irish Lions series.
Follow all of the latest from Cape Town with our live blog below:
South Africa put on a dominant display
Full-time stats
South Africa made 96 carries compared to Australia’s 100, while the Wallabies were slightly more successful in breaking the defensive line with six line breaks to the Springboks’ three.
South Africa lost 17 turnovers and conceded nine penalties while Australia lost 15 turnovers and gave away six penalties. Defensively, the Springboks were busier making 129 tackles to Australia’s 114, but also missed 30 attempts compared to the Wallabies’ 15.
South Africa edged it with stronger defensive work and key moments of clinical execution.
Full-time! South Africa 30-22 Australia
South Africa are far into the Australian 22, but Etzebeth’s pass to Kriel is off target and the ball goes into touch.
Full-time in Cape Town and after a tense second half, South Africa emerge victorious defeating Australia 30-22.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
79 mins: Referee James Doleman initially signals just a knock-on, but the TMO correctly upgrades it to a yellow card for deliberate infringement. Australia opt for a kick at goal once again.
O’Connor misses his third crucial kick of the game.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
77 mins: The TMO intervenes and awards Australia a penalty for a high tackle by Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Edmed.
With just three minutes remaining the Wallabies opt for a kick at goal from the edge of the Springbok 22 aiming to cut the deficit to a single score.
Unfortunately, O’Connor misses the penalty.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
76 mins: Australia remain in pursuit probing on the edge of the Springbok 22, but Kolbe earns a penalty for the home side at the breakdown after the visitors are caught holding on.
Try! South Africa (Etzebeth) 30-22 Australia
73 mins: The Springbok forwards take control and earn a penalty advantage… Etzebeth grounds the ball from close range.
Pollard adds the conversion stretching the lead to two scores.
South Africa 23-22 Australia
72 mins: Kellaway makes a costly error knocking on deep inside his own 22.
The pass from O’Connor was slightly low, but it seems like a momentary lapse in focus. It hands the Springboks a prime opportunity.
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