The Springboks once again demonstrated their awesome power as they completed the double over the Wallabies in a rainsoaked Perth, winning the second Test in the Rugby Championship 30-12.
That made it 16 wins in their 19 Tests this year and last, a record which includes winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris. The only teams to have beaten them in that period are Ireland twice and New Zealand.
The All Blacks are their next opponents, having avenged their defeat to Argentina in Wellington with a 42-10 victory in Auckland as they extended their 30-year unbeaten run at Eden Park to 50 tests. The stage is now set for back-to-back games between the Springboks and All Blacks in South Africa at the start of next month in a repeat of their 2023 World Cup final clash.
The first game will be at Ellis Park on 1 September, with the second game coming in Cape Town a week later.
It was only 11-9 at the break to the South Africans in Perth before three rolling maul tries drove the world champions to another bonus-point success. The Wallabies failed to score a try and are now rock bottom in the championship.
The result once again underlined the power, pace and panache of the Springboks, who will end their international season with a game against Wales at Principality Stadium in the final game in the Autumn Nations Series in November.
“We were very excited that we could build on the previous week’s result, and it was particularly pleasing with all the players getting opportunities to play,” said South African wing Cheslin Kolbe.
“It was special, but there’s a lot more to come. We certainly couldn’t have asked for a better start in the competition especially winning two games away from home, but we have to progress as the competition goes on.
“We’ll keep our feet on the ground and continue working hard in the weeks leading up to the games against New Zealand in South Africa, which are going to be massive. As a team we are looking forward to going back to South Africa and playing in packed stadiums.
“Tests between the All Blacks and Springboks are always tough matches.”
The Wallabies now have to lick their wounds before heading to Argentina for a double-header against the Pumas. Having kick-started the Joe Schmidt era with back-to-back wins over Wales and a triumph against Georgia, they have now lost 33-7 and 30-12 to the ‘Boks, scoring only one try.
They will also be playing in the Welsh capital in round two of the Autumn Nations Series, when Warren Gatland’s team will be seeking revenge for their summer losses down under.
WALES AUTUMN NATIONS SERIES – PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
Sunday 10 November
WALES V FIJI – KO 1:40pm
Sunday 17 November
WALES V AUSTRALIA – KO 4:10pmSaturday 23 November
WALES V SOUTH AFRICA – KO 4:40pm
Tickets Available HERE