Stephen Dunmoye
South Africa ran out winners to defeat Australia 24-3 in the Rugby Championship competition today in Sydney.
The Springboks came out all guns blazing as they took an early lead against the Wallabies through a Damian de Allende try under the posts.
The Boks continued to bully the Australians, with captain Siya Kolisi leading by example as Damian Willemse make the score 7-0. The Australians only grew into the game at the half-hour mark, when they made their first trip into the Bok 22.
Their pressure was rewarded with a penalty for a high tackle which was converted by fly-half Noah Lolesio to make the score 7-3.
The next ten minutes were played at a frenetic pace as both sides looked to grab points before the halftime whistle. The Boks would grab the next try as 19-year-old Canan Moodie scored a beautiful try as Jaden Hendrikse delivered a high box kick.
The youngster leapt high, plucked the ball out of the air, and sprinted to dive over the line. Willemse couldn’t convert the try, but South Africa took a 12-3 lead into the break
The second half saw the Boks continue where they left off in the first as they soon took a 17-3 lead.
However, the Aussie tried to hit back and had a sustained period of play in the Bok 22 as they had advantage as the South Africans gave away penalties, but could not capitalize on it.
The pressure was broken when Allan Alaalatoa produced a dangerous piece of play at the ruck to give South Africa a penalty.
It started to get a bit tense as the game wore on, as South Africa and Australia were both guilty of giving away possession. The tension reached a boiling point when Makazole Mapimpi dived over after a brilliant play.
Frans Steyn, who came on some minutes before the try, converted to send South Africa 24-3 up. Australia pushed forward and grabbed a consolation try by Pete Samu.
Despite the facts that the Boks were reduced to 13 men after Willie le Roux was shown a yellow, Australia didn’t have enough time to mount another attack as the Boks ran out winners.