The Springboks have taken down a gallant Wallabies side 30-12 in torrential conditions at Optus Stadium.
The Wallabies were up for the fight in the first half, trailing 11-9 at the break as the rain left both sides struggling for handling.
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However, the Springboks’ experience off the bench coupled with a string of injuries to the Wallabies’ front-rowers presented the opportunity for a second-half surge.
Hooker Malcolm Marx scored a double at the back of the rolling maul to seal the victory and top spot on the Rugby Championship ladder in front of 58,197.
“It’s a little bit of confidence and frustration because when we got to 18-12 and it stayed like that for a little while, we had a couple of half opportunities to potentially build pressure or capitalise on an opportunity that we didn’t take,” coach Joe Schmidt said post-match.
“If you don’t take those and create a little bit of doubt in their mind that we’re close and dangerous enough, that was a little bit of frustration.
“The first half I felt we fought really hard, we ended up with a few good line breaks and opportunities…Max got his (opportunity) with a little bit of space behind him which would have been fantastic for him as a young kid and would’ve had us potentially back to 23-19 and then you’re right in the game again.”
The Wallabies opened the scoring via the boot of Noah Lolesio but were forced to show off their impressive scramble defence as the Springboks had two golden opportunities to score the opening try.
It started when Cheslin Kolbe got the ball in space but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was unable to take his pass with a clear view of the line.
A minute later, an errand cross-field kick from Australia’s 22 landed in Makazole Mapimpi’s hands, stopped by a great try-saver from Tom Wright.
However, the third time proved the charm as South Africa unleashed on the counterattack, as Aphelele Fassi won the race to Mapimpi’s grubber.
Both teams traded penalties and Kolbe’s intercept created another chance for the ‘Boks, with Wright again shutting down the attack.
A booming penalty from Lolesio reduced the South African's lead to two, unable to put the Wallabies in front with his fourth attempt at the break.
The Wallabies were decimated by injury heading into the half after Allan Alaalatoa (HIA) and Angus Bell didn't return in the second half.
It left the scrums uncontested when James Slipper failed his HIA, followed by Josh Nasser as the Wallabies were forced to attack with 14 for a minute before returning to their full allotment.
The Springboks extended their advantage right after the break as Marco van Staden powered over the one for an 18-9 lead.
With the Wallabies down their entire starting front row, the visitors continued to target them through the rolling maul as Malcolm Marx slid over the line.
The Wallabies continued to fight to get their way back into the contest as they threw everything at the world champions.
In the end, the Springboks were there to repel their attacks and a Seru Uru yellow card presented the opportunity for Marx to drive over once again for the game-sealing try.
Wallabies (15-1): Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth; Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Josh Nasser, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen
Springboks (15-1): Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg; Elrigh Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat (captain); Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaar, Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
