AS IT HAPPENED: Springboks hold tough to take down brave Wallabies

Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 4:41 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Springboks have rebounded to take down a brave Wallabies 30-22 in Cape Town.

Joe Schmidt's team pushed the world champions all the way as they hunted for back-to-back wins.

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But it was the hosts that won the big moments as Handre Pollard's boot proved the difference.

Debutant Corey Toole was excellent as he scored his maiden try but it wasn't enough to lift the Wallabies.

The Australians return home for two Tests against Argentina feeling the confidence even in defeat.

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78': Fassi off for ten

Springboks 30-22: Aphelele Fassi goes for an intercept but knocks it down deliberately, earning a yellow card.

James O'Connor goes for the long ranger but it falls short.

77': O'Connor can't put Wallabies in striking distance

Springboks 30-22: The Wallabies try and reduce the margin but James O'Connor misses the kick.

In a similar situation to the last kick, O'Connor's kick fades away and the Springboks all but claim the win.

76': Springboks stop Wallabies

Springboks 30-22: A desperate last chance for the Wallabies comes up short.

Cheslin Kolbe is the man that comes up with the ball to claim the turnover on the 22, but the Wallabies get the penalty for a high shot in the build-up.

74': Eben the man for Springboks

Springboks 30-22: The veteran Eben Etzebeth comes up with the goods as the Springboks get a crucial try.

The lock dives over from close and just gets to the line

70': Springboks can't capitalise

Springboks 23-22: The Springboks push the ball wide but the pass hits the deck and goes out.

The Wallabies get the lineout on their 22, however, the play doesn't matter after the TMO finds a clear foot in touch from three phases earlier.

The visitors try and launch an attack but the ball dips on Kellaway and it hits the deck.

68': BPA on the board

Springboks 23-22: Brandon Paenga-Amosa makes an instant impact as the hooker finds the line.

The Wallabies rolling maul comes down just short with the hooker reaching out and putting it down.

James O'Connor has a shot to put the Wallabies in front but it fades left.

66': Wallabies on the charge

Springboks 23-17: The Wallabies are feeling the confidence as they kick for the line ten metres out.

Angus Bell has again been excellent off the bench as him and Rob Valetini make some big carries.

63': Toole almost creates something special

Springboks 23-17: Corey Toole almost pulled off a try of the year contender.

The winger produces a trademark break before chipping ahead for himself, just sitting up for the defence to cover, and whilst he wins it back, the defence rallies for the turnover.

60': Springboks looking for killer blow

23-17 Springboks: The hosts keep winning the aerial battle as they push back inside the Wallabies 22.

Another mistake allows the Wallabies to hang on as they push for a response.

56': Pollard extends lead

23-17 Springboks: Handre Pollard adds the first points of the half after the Wallabies are pinged for offside.

The kick from 40 metres was on target throughout as Pollard remains perfect from the tee.

54': Wallabies holding tough

20-17 Springboks: The hosts are starting to push the Wallabies as they rally in defence.

Handre Pollard opts for a cross-field kick after the Wallabies were on the ropes, allowing them to clear their line.

49': Backline drama continues

20-17 Springboks: The Wallabies are playing wounded as James O'Connor fights through an ankle injury.

O'Connor landed nasty in a tackle but with no replacements left, he fights on.

The Springboks have possession inside the Wallabies 22 as the visitors force the error.

46': Jorgensen capitalises on madness

20-17 Springboks: Max Jorgensen has been gifted a try after a Springboks mistake.

James O'Connor finds space with his kick in-behind, forcing the error from Moodie that Jorgensen capitalises on for the try

43': Wallabies chance goes to deck

20-10 Springboks: The makeshift Wallabies backline looks solid to start with as Corey Toole breaks the line.

However, a loose ball on South Africa's 22 gifts them possession.

40': Edmed on

20-10 Springboks: Tane Edmed is one of several changes as the Wallabies empty their backs replacements, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii off the field for a HIA.

His first involvement sees the kick-off go out on the full, leading to the midfield scrum.

HALF TIME: SPRINGBOKS 20 - 10 WALLABIES
40': O'Connor nails crucial penalty

20-10 Springboks: James O'Connor's long range penalty just has the legs as the Wallabies go into the break down 10.

O'Connor's effort from 45 metres is a bullet as it finds its way over the cross-bar

35': Smith on the money

20-7 Springboks: Kwagga Smith nabs a crucial try for the hosts as they extend the lead.

The number eight was a late inclusion and makes good use of the rare start, beating two defenders to dive over.

33': Wallabies scramble in defence

13-7 Springboks: The Springboks are finding further success in the aerial game as they hunt for another try.

It takes a clutch turnover from Corey Toole to save the Wallabies, who are dealing with Taniela Tupou on the ground with a finger injury.

28': Stalement for both sides

13-7 Springboks: Both sides find themselves in a midfield battle as the Wallabies push for a response.

The hosts are intent on sticking with the kicking battle and getting mixed results.

20': Wallabies building pressure

13-7 Springboks: The Wallabies are keeping the pressure on as they go toe-to-toe with the hosts.

James O'Connor once again kicks for touch as he finds the line close to the try-line as the South Africans turn them over.

16': First big call for McReight

13-7 Springboks: Fraser McReight has made his first big call as captain as he opts for the line despite the kickable penalty.

It gives the Wallabies the chance to launch just outside the 22, only for the hosts to produce the pilfer penalty.

13': McReight denied try

13-7 Springboks: Fraser McReight looked to have scored but the TMO brings it back for a tight knock-on.

An excellent tackle from Andrew Kellaway forces the mistake but it just clips his hand as it comes out, denying McReight the try after an excellent pick-up from the captain.

11': In a Mood(ie)

13-7 Springboks: Canan Moodie dives over as the hosts answer back.

A sharp, flat kick from Handre Pollard beats Corey Toole and the winger dives over.

During the break, Nic White has come off for Tate McDermott.

8': Call the hotline

7-6 Wallabies: What a debut for Corey Toole as the winger has the opener.

Some smarts from Nic White off the free kick as the scrumhalf grubbers for his pacey winger, who collects and touches down.

5': Another three for Pollard

6-0 Springboks: Handre Pollard makes it two from two as the hosts build scoreboard pressure.

Pollard nails it from 40 metres out despite the greasy conditions.

4': Concern for Wright

3-0 Springboks: Wallabies fullback Tom Wright is getting treatment on his knee and has come from the field.

Wright is downfallen as he comes from the field, with Andrew Kellaway replacing him.

A mistake from the Wallabies gives the Springboks another chance to strike just inside Australia's half, winning the scrum penalty.

2': First points Springboks

3-0 Springboks: Handre Pollard adds first points as he nails an easy three points.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is pinged for sealing off the ruck and Pollard makes no mistake.

KICKOFF: Second Test underway

The anthems have been sung and the game is underway in Cape Town.

A solid crowd in the house at DHL Stadium, with the rain holding off for now by the looks of it.

The South African anthem is belted out by the crowd, who feel the importance of this game.

Springboks 30

Tries: Moodie, Smith, Etzebeth

Cons: Pollard 3/3

Pens: Pollard 3/3

Wallabies 22

Tries: Toole, Jorgensen, Paenga-Amosa

Cons: O'Connor 2/3

Pens: O'Connor 1/3


KO T-MIN 30: Another change for South Africa

The Springboks have been forced into a late change due to illness, losing Jean-Luc du Preez.

Kwagga Smith takes his place in the starting side, with centre/flanker Andre Esterhuizen onto the bench.

KO T-MIN 60: Welcome

Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the Wallabies taking on the Springboks in Cape Town.

Australian Rugby has already started the day strong with a Wallaroos thumping win over Samoa, with the Wallabies out to follow in their lead.

The Springboks have made a late switch during the week, with Aphelele Fassi in at fullback

WALLABIES v SPRINGBOKS TEAMS

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole; James O'Connor, Nic White; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight (captain), Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson.

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway.

SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Aphelele Fassi; Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman; Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche

Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu,

Referee: James Doleman (NZR)

Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU) & Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

FPRO: Tual Trainini (FFR)

HOW TO WATCH WALLABIES v SPRINGBOKS

The Wallabies' clash with the Springboks in Cape Town will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport

Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 12:30 am AEST with kickoff expected at 1:10 am AEST.

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