Australia vs South Africa LIVE: Rugby Championship result and final score as Wallabies beat Springboks
The Wallabies and Springboks met in Adelaide looking to bounce back from defeats last time out
Australia bounced back from a humiliating loss in their last outing to beat world champions South Africa 25-17 at Adelaide Oval on Saturday to move to the top of the Rugby Championship standings.
Flanker Fraser McReight scored two tries and Man of the Match Marika Koroibete also crossed, with Noah Lolesio adding 10 points from the kicking tee in an assured performance at flyhalf.
The Springboks, looking for a first win over the Wallabies in Australia since 2013, besieged the home try line for lengthy periods, but Handre Pollard’s penalty was their only reward until Kwagga Smith scored two tries in the last five minutes.
Argentina, who topped the standings after thrashing Australia 48-17 in San Juan two weeks ago, take on the All Blacks in Christchurch in the second match of the round later on Saturday.
Thoughts from the assistants
“We need to be tidier,” says Argentina assistant coach Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. “We conceded from our own lineout, we need to be tidy and sort a few details. I think our defence looks strong, with the ball in hand we have managed to be aggressive. We just need to keep working. We know it is going to be a long game, we need to keep going with intensity.”
New Zealand’s Scott McLeod also has a few work-ons for his team as he faces the Sky Sport microphone: “Discipline is a big thing for us.
“We are letting ourselves down there and bringing Argentina into the game. Defensively we are doing ok and getting some counter-attacking opportunitiess.”
The second half is imminent.
Australia beat South Africa
For those fortunate enough to have enjoyed a Saturday morning lie-in, catch up on the first Rugby Championship action of the morning, the Wallabies returning to Adelaide with a win as a more clinical Australia dealt South Africa a second defeat on the spin:
Australia beat South Africa as Fraser McReight scores two tries
Australia 25-17 South Africa: Flanker Fraser McReight scored two tries and players of the match Marika Koroibete also crossed
H/T: New Zealand 15-12 Argentina
New Zealand lead but I think Argentina will be rather happier with that first half, playing the percentages when they can and keeping themselves in touch through the big right boot of Emiliano Boffelli. The All Blacks’ discipline has been poor with Nika Amashukeli and his assistants sharp on the offside lines, and but for Caleb Clarke’s swift strike after a lineout error then New Zealand would have gone in behind.
But that is the threat of the home side. Their structured play hasn’t quite clicked yet but Clarke’s try was beautifully taken, and their pack flexed their strength with that dominant drive for Samisoni Taukei’aho’s score. If the All Blacks can sort their discipline, you’d back them to create more chances their scrum and defensive lineout on top.
PENALTY! New Zealand 15-12 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 40 minutes)
From on the 22, 15 in...and another handsome strike from the right wing to close the half.
New Zealand 15-9 Argentina, 38 minutes
Two more penalties against the All Blacks, first straight from the restart, and then for Tyrel Lomax for slamming into Pablo Matera before the Argentina number eight had collected an ugly lineout from Julian Montoya. Another chat with Sam Cane for referee Nika Amashukeli; another shot at goal for Emiliano Boffelli.
PENALTY! New Zealand 15-9 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 37 minutes)
A great thud from the laces of Emiliano Boffelli’s enormous right boot, and that one is sailing between the uprights with a fair bit to spare from right on halfway.
New Zealand 15-6 Argentina, 35 minutes
Julian Montoya is such a threat at the breakdown. He’s so sharp on any ruck carrion, waiting for Will Jordan to hit the deck and scavenging over the top to earn Argentina a chance at an immediate answer.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 15-6 Argentina (Caleb Clarke try, 33 minutes)
A lineout error and the All Blacks strike! Just like that, Caleb Clarke is in and Argentina pay for their lack of accuracy!
It was an overthrow from Julian Montoya, drifting off line, too, and hopping in a friendly manner for his opposite number Samisoni Taukei’aho. The hooker knows his job is to get it in the hands of the gas-men, swiftly transferring on.
The All Blacks play wide through the hands, Rieko Ioane arcing to the outside and drawing two and then producing a delectable short ball that Jordie Barrett gobbles up. Barrett races through and has his pick of either Ioane or Clarke to the outside, choosing the wider man. A despairing Argentina hand catches the flyer’s ankle, but he’s already at close to top speed, and able to hold his canter long enough and slide into the corner.
Over goes the conversion.
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