South Africa Humiliates Australia with Crushing Victory at Rugby Championship
World champions South Africa decisively defeated hosts Australia 33-7 in the opening game of this year's Rugby Championship, scoring five tries. South Africa equalled their biggest win against the Wallabies on Australian soil since their 38-12 victory in Brisbane in 2013. Kurt-Lee Arendse contributed significantly with two tries. This is prepared by SSP.
In a dominant first half, Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit, and Arendse’s tries led to a 21-0 advantage for South Africa, with Australia playing with a man down for 10 minutes due to Andrew Kellaway's yellow card for a dangerous tackle. South Africa extended their lead in the second half, with Arendse and Kwagga Smith adding further tries.
Hunter Paisami managed the only points for Australia, scoring a try near the end after South Africa was reduced to 13 men due to Malcolm Marx and Marco van Staden's yellow cards.
"You have to credit South Africa, they showed up and put us under pressure. We did not have the ball for most of the first half," Australia Captain Allan Alaalatoa admitted, calling the defeat sobering. "It is a tough learning for our group, but we have to regroup and go again in Perth next Saturday."
Australian coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged South Africa’s dominance and territorial control in the first half, which sapped the strength out of his team. "They dominated possession and territory. It would have been great to get a little more out of it, but we've got a benchmark," he remarked.
South African Captain Siya Kolisi emphasized the significance of the win. "It was a big game for us to turn around our poor record in Australia. We prepared well and showed respect to our opponents," he said. The Springboks' first win at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium since 2013 showcased their determination and dominance, proving their readiness to defend their title.
The two teams are set to clash again in Perth on 17 August.