The Wallabies' quest for back-to-back wins over the Springboks has fallen short, going down 30-22 in Cape Town this morning.
The visitors overcame multiple early injuries and, following a Brandon-Paenga Amosa try late in the match, narrowed the deficit to just one point.
This included losing Nic White and Tom Wright in the first ten minutes, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also not returning after half-time as they trailed by ten.
The Springboks, determined to recover from last week’s upset loss, secured the win when Eben Etzebeth scored a try in the closing minutes.
The contest started at breakneck speed as both teams were intent on attacking early.
Handre Pollard made his mark early in the game, slotting a pair of penalties before Nic White’s boot set up the opening try.
Pollard responded in kind with a flat kick to Canan Moodie to restore the Springboks’ lead.
Joe Schmidt was forced to call on his bench early as Wright (knee) and White (concussion) departed inside the first 15 minutes.
Replacement Andrew Kellaway almost delivered instantly to set up captain Fraser McReight, with the try brought back for a knock-on in the build-up.
Both teams struggled in the wet conditions as the field deteriorated throughout the contest after a pre-match downpour.
The Springboks withheld a solid attacking period from the visitors and struck back with their own as late starter Kwagga Smith dived over five minutes before the break for a 20-10 half-time lead.
Like last week, the Wallabies refused to give up, and James O’Connor’s snap kick in behind caused the necessary chaos for Max Jorgensen to capitalise and dive over for his sixth international try.
A third Pollard penalty gave the Springboks some necessary breathing room as their aerial ascendancy started to make a difference.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will take on Argentina at 9.10am.
Source: Rugby.com.au
