Charles Esther
The Springboks suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Australia in their Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa started strong, leading 22-0 within the first 18 minutes and 22-5 by half-time.
However, they could not maintain their momentum in the second half, ultimately losing 38-22.
This victory marked only Australia’s second win in 12 matches at Ellis Park and their first since 1963.
The teams are set to face each other again at the Cape Town Stadium next weekend.
Impact on World Rugby Rankings
The loss also cost the Springboks their No 1 ranking.
South Africa now sits in third place behind New Zealand, who took the top spot, and Ireland in second.
Updated World Rugby Rankings
- New Zealand – 92.062 points
- Ireland – 89.833 points
- South Africa – 89.784 points
- France – 87.825 points
- England – 87.646 points
- Australia – 85.087 points
- Argentina – 82.058 points
- Scotland – 81.579 points
- Fiji – 80.501 points
- Italy – 77.771 points
- Georgia – 74.691 points
- Wales – 74.051 points
- Samoa – 72.481 points
- Japan – 72.291 points
- Spain – 69.121 points
- USA – 68.451 points
- Uruguay – 67.521 points
- Portugal – 66.441 points
- Tonga – 65.462 points
- Chile – 63.83 points
Team Line-Ups
South Africa
Starting XV: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Boan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse
Australia
Starting XV: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, James O’Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway
What Went Wrong for the Springboks?
Many analysts point to the Springboks’ inability to maintain intensity in the second half as the key factor in their defeat.
