James O’Connor’s ache was Handre Pollard’s achieve as Springboks avenge round-one defeat to Wallabies to get Rugby Championship defence off the bottom; watch the 2025 Rugby Championship solely dwell on Sky Sports activities or stream on NOW – no contract
Final Up to date: 23/08/25 7:08pm
South Africa saved their hopes of retaining the Rugby Championship alive with a 30-22 victory over Australia in Cape City.
A second straight defeat to the Wallabies on dwelling soil – not seen since 1963 – would have sunk the title hopes and surprisingly weak confidence of the world champion Springboks.
However fly-half Handre Pollard’s unerring accuracy off the tee and the “Bomb Squad” of replacements proved the distinction.
Pollard, one in all 9 adjustments after South Africa’s 38-22 loss at Ellis Park in spherical one, slotted all six of his kicks at purpose to information the Springboks to their first victory of the 2025 competitors.
Against this, Wallabies fly-half James O’Connor missed his final three kicks within the closing 12 minutes – a conversion to Brandon Paenga-Amosa’s strive that introduced Australia to 23-22 and two penalties.
Max Jorgensen moved the Wallabies to inside touching distance of the Springboks
Each groups scored three tries every as for the second week operating, a resilient Australia rallied from a deep gap to inside attain of victory.
South Africa, who led 22-0 at Ellis Park earlier than capitulating, held a 20-7 benefit late within the first half however the Wallabies comeback clawed themselves again to 23-22 with 12 minutes remaining.
Eben Etzebeth’s late strive sealed South Africa’s victory over Australia
However Eben Etzebeth capped his one hundred and thirty fifth Check cap with the decisive strive, touching down with six minutes to go to maneuver the Springboks into an unassailable 30-22 lead.
However there was much more late drama in retailer – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s excessive sort out, Aphelele Fassi’s yellow card and O’Connor’s missed purpose kicks making certain the suspense didn’t abate till after the clock had gone crimson.
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