South Africa bounce back to beat Australia

Monday, 25 August 2025 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

South Africa bounced back from defeat to Australia in last week’s Rugby Championship opener with a battling 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in rain-soaked Cape Town.

The boot of Handre Pollard proved decisive as the 31-year-old kicked 15 points, made up of three penalty goals and three conversions.

Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith, and Eben Etzebeth went over for the world champions, who blew a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22 in Johannesburg last time out.

Australia also scored three tries through Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen, and Brandon Paenga-Amosa, but were unable to replicate last weekend’s stunning comeback.

They came close to a losing bonus point, but James O’Connor missed two penalty attempts in the final few minutes. It means the Wallabies sit second in the table with five points from two matches.

South Africa sit third on four points and will head to leaders New Zealand next, needing at least one win in two matches against the All Blacks if they are to have a chance of defending their title.