The Springboks overcame wet and muddy conditions to win their Rugby Championship clash against Australia 30-12 in Perth on Saturday.
The weather ensured that the game would be nothing like last weekend’s free-flowing encounter in Brisbane, where the Springboks turned on the magic to secure 33-7 win.
There were a number of dropped balls and opportunities not taken. And after the Wallabies suffered an injury to a front-ranker, a large part of the second half featured non-contestable scrums. On top of that, the Springboks saw lock Salmaan Moerat, captain on the day, leave the field in the first half with a concussion and was replaced by Eben Etzebeth.
But, despite the game not being one for the ages, head coach Rassie Erasmus was happy that the Springboks left Australia with a maximum of 10 points from their two games. Coach Rassie Erasmus also got a chance to see all 33 players who were on tour in action.
“It’s great that, although things in the game was disrupted with rain and injuries to their front row, we had to adapt.
“I’m very pleased with the way Eben, and a guy like Pieter-Steph [du Toit], and a lot of other guys, took ownership and helped each other, and luckily we got the result.
“Overall, I would say it (the win) was satisfying. It wasn’t beaufitul in this weather, it’s tough to play beautiful rugby, but it was a satisfying victory.”
After starting their 2024 Rugby Championship with two bonus point wins, the Springboks’ next assignment is an Ellis Park clash against the mighty All Blacks, who claimed a morale boosting 42-10 win against Argentina earlier on Saturday.
That game will take place on August 31.
IOL Sport