After their humiliating defeat at home (23-35) against the All Blacks two weeks ago, the world champions lost again. Saturday, in an Adelaide stadium which had not been completely full despite the presence in this corner of Australia of a strong South African colony, the Springboks, dominating but sterile, blocked by the solid opposing defense and clumsy in the last pass, did not know how to take advantage in the first period of the half hour during which they camped in the wallaby camp.
Australia’s supersonic start
Taken by the throat at the start of the match by an overexcited Australia, Siya Kolisi’s teammates conceded a try in the 2nd minute. They had not yet touched the ball when it was flattened by Australian flanker Fraser McReight, a supersonic start concluded with a goal from opener Noah Lolesio (7th, 10-0).
The Springboks were able to take this test on their own but without managing to score, except for a goal signed Handré Pollard (24th) after two failures (15th, 22nd). Pillar Ox Nche lost the ball in the wallaby in-goal (30′), winger Makazole Papimpi was violently kicked out as he jumped on try (38′): the Boks were blocked.
The Australians responded – in numerical superiority (yellow card against Faf De Klerk, 40th) – with a new try, scored by winger Marika Koraibete (47th) after getting rid of Pollard with a double hook. Very undisciplined (11 penalties in the 53rd), the Australians did not stop attacking and, on a good combination at the level of a ruck, launched their opener which shifted McReigt for his double (57th), synonymous with an offensive bonus. Led (22-3), the world champions managed, thanks to Kwagga Smith, also author of a double (75th, 80th), to deprive their opponent of this bonus. And they will have their revenge next Saturday in Sydney.
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