Overview

• Both sides scored three tries, but Handre Pollard was flawless from the tee as James O’Connor missed a conversion and two late penalties that proved decisive.
• South Africa leaned on a barrage of contestable kicks and forward pressure, with Joe Schmidt noting roughly 35 kicks in play that repeatedly tested Australia’s backfield.
• Kwagga Smith delivered a standout shift with a first‑half try and relentless work rate, and Eben Etzebeth powered over late to seal the result.
• Australia’s cohesion was hit by early injuries to Tom Wright and Nic White and further blows to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Taniela Tupou, yet the Wallabies closed to within one point in the final quarter.
• Rassie Erasmus said the win puts South Africa back in contention, though Australia remain ahead on log points, and he stressed the Springboks must beat New Zealand twice away to retain the title.