Brisbane, 10 August 2024 (TDI): In the opening match of the Rugby Championship this year, world champions South Africa defeated hosts Australia 33–7, scored five tries.
In Brisbane, South Africa tied their greatest victory over the Wallabies on Australian territory, a 38-12 triumph in the same city in 2013, thanks to two tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse.
After Andrew Kellaway’s violent tackle during the first period saw the hosts demoted to 14 men for ten minutes, South Africa led 21-0 at the break thanks to tries from Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit, and Arendse.
After winger Arendse scored his second try and Kwagga Smith added South Africa’s fifth two minutes later, the Springboks increased their lead in the second half.
After the interval, the Wallabies got better, but their assault committed too many mistakes, which released any pressure they had grown up on the visitors.
Central After South Africa was down to 13 men due to yellow cards for hooker Malcolm Marx and flanker Marco van Staden, Hunter Paisami scored for the home team three minutes from the end.
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Springboks captain Kolisi stated, “We said as a group that this is an important clash for us to win. I am proud of the boys.”
“We dropped a couple line-outs in crucial situations, and when you are winning, you have to make sure you seize your chances. We have to get better in that area.”
Captain Allan Alaalatoa stated that Australia, who will host the British and Irish Lions the following summer, should take serious note of the loss.
“South Africa deserves praise for their presence and pressure on us. Most of the first half, we didn’t have the ball,” Alaalatoa remarked.
“Our group is learning a lot, but we must regroup and travel to Perth the next week.”
In Perth on August 17, the teams will have a rematch.
