South Africa edge out Australia 30-22 in Cape Town thriller

South Africa defeated Australia 30-22 in a hard-fought contest in Cape Town, thanks to a dominant first-half display and a composed finish in the final ten minutes.

The Springboks relied on the accuracy of Handre Pollard and a well-rounded forward effort to hold off a determined Wallaby comeback.

Pollard opened the scoring with a penalty in the 2nd minute and added another three points in the 6th to give South Africa an early 6-0 lead.

However, Australia responded quickly through Corey Toole, who sliced through the Bok defence to score in the 8th minute. James O’Connor converted to put the Wallabies ahead 7-6.

The Springboks hit back almost immediately. Canan Moodie crossed over for a try in the 10th minute, and Pollard added the conversion to restore South Africa's lead.

As the first half progressed, South Africa continued to apply pressure, culminating in a try by Kwagga Smith in the 35th minute. Pollard converted once again, taking the Springboks to 20 points. Just before halftime, O’Connor slotted a penalty in the 41st minute to keep Australia in the game at 20-10.

After the break, the Wallabies came out strong. Max Jorgensen scored a try in the 46th minute, and O’Connor converted to bring the score to 20-17. Pollard calmed nerves with a penalty in the 56th minute, pushing the Springboks ahead by six.

But Australia refused to back down. Brandon Paenga-Amosa powered over for a try in the 67th minute, bringing the visitors within one point of the hosts.

The game tilted decisively in South Africa’s favour in the 73rd minute. After a knock-on by Andrew Kellaway deep inside Australia’s 22, the Springboks capitalised through Eben Etzebeth, who grounded the ball following a dominant forward surge. Pollard converted yet again, making it 30-22.

Australia had one last opportunity when the TMO awarded them a penalty in the 77th minute following a high tackle. Aphelele Fassi was shown a yellow card in the 79th minute after a further infringement, reducing the Springboks to 14 men. But O’Connor missed the kick as the Wallabies suffered an eight point defeat.