South Africa hit back against Australia to revive their Rugby Championship title hopes as they narrowly avoided another slip-up on home soil with a 30-22 victory.
Stunned by the Wallabies in Johannesburg a week ago, the Springboks were again short of their best for large periods in Cape Town even against an injury-hit visiting side. They came through, just about, to secure victory late on thanks to a crucial score from Eben Etzebeth, which pushed the defending champions just about out of reach as Australia impressed again.
Joe Schmidt may rue the early losses of Nic White and Tom Wright having already dealt with several injuries in the week. The Wallabies coach will be pleased at the strides his side are making, however, having gone toe-to-toe with the back-to-back world champions to continue the development shown during the recent British and Irish Lions series.
Follow all of the latest from Cape Town with our live blog below:
South Africa vs Australia live
- South Africa beat Australia in tight contest in Cape Town
- 8' - Corey Toole dashes in to give Australia lead (RSA 6-7 AUS)
- 10' - Canan Moodie hits back for Springboks (RSA 13-7 AUS)
- 35' - Kwagga Smith strikes to extend hosts lead (RSA 20-7 AUS)
- 46' - Max Jorgensen pulls Australia back within striking distance (RSA 20-17 AUS)
- 67' - Australia back within a point as Brandon Paenga-Amosa bashes over (RSA 23-22 AUS)
- FT - South Africa 30-22 Australia
South Africa put on a dominant display
18:30 , Ciara Fearn
Full-time stats
18:08 , Ciara FearnSouth Africa made 96 carries compared to Australia’s 100, while the Wallabies were slightly more successful in breaking the defensive line with six line breaks to the Springboks’ three.
South Africa lost 17 turnovers and conceded nine penalties while Australia lost 15 turnovers and gave away six penalties. Defensively, the Springboks were busier making 129 tackles to Australia’s 114, but also missed 30 attempts compared to the Wallabies’ 15.
South Africa edged it with stronger defensive work and key moments of clinical execution.
Full-time! South Africa 30-22 Australia
17:58 , Ciara FearnSouth Africa are far into the Australian 22, but Etzebeth’s pass to Kriel is off target and the ball goes into touch.
Full-time in Cape Town and after a tense second half, South Africa emerge victorious defeating Australia 30-22.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
17:56 , Ciara Fearn79 mins: Referee James Doleman initially signals just a knock-on, but the TMO correctly upgrades it to a yellow card for deliberate infringement. Australia opt for a kick at goal once again.
O’Connor misses his third crucial kick of the game.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
17:53 , Ciara Fearn77 mins: The TMO intervenes and awards Australia a penalty for a high tackle by Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Edmed.
With just three minutes remaining the Wallabies opt for a kick at goal from the edge of the Springbok 22 aiming to cut the deficit to a single score.
Unfortunately, O’Connor misses the penalty.
South Africa 30-22 Australia
17:51 , Ciara Fearn76 mins: Australia remain in pursuit probing on the edge of the Springbok 22, but Kolbe earns a penalty for the home side at the breakdown after the visitors are caught holding on.
Try! South Africa (Etzebeth) 30-22 Australia
17:50 , Ciara Fearn73 mins: The Springbok forwards take control and earn a penalty advantage… Etzebeth grounds the ball from close range.
Pollard adds the conversion stretching the lead to two scores.
South Africa 23-22 Australia
17:48 , Ciara Fearn72 mins: Kellaway makes a costly error knocking on deep inside his own 22.
The pass from O’Connor was slightly low, but it seems like a momentary lapse in focus. It hands the Springboks a prime opportunity.
Try! South Africa 23-22 Australia (Paenga-Amosa)
17:43 , Ciara Fearn67 mins: The maul is stopped just short, but Paenga-Amosa stretches to dot down. O’Connor’s conversion attempt is messy and drifts wide, leaving the Springboks ahead by a single point.
South Africa 23-17 Australia
17:42 , Ciara Fearn67 mins: Australia are controlling the ball on the edge of the Springbok 22 and earn a penalty after Etzebeth is penalised for being offside. O’Connor kicks towards the corner.
South Africa make an unexpected change as Esterhuizen not originally named in the matchday 23 replaces Mostert.
South Africa 23-17 Australia
17:39 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: Toole twists free from a tackle just outside his own 22 and charges into Springbok territory.
He puts up a chip into the 22 and almost reaches it, but Pollard gets a crucial touch first. The ball spills loose and Kellaway scoops it up only to be stopped five metres from the line by Fassi who quickly recovers to force a knock-on at the breakdown.
South Africa 23-17 Australia
17:35 , Ciara Fearn60 mins: Reinach comes on for Williams. This switch brings fresh legs and experience to the pivotal linking role giving the team a chance to inject more tempo and composure around the breakdown.
Penalty! South Africa 23-17 Australia
17:30 , Ciara Fearn56 mins: Pollard slots the kick extending the Springboks’ lead to six points. The former Leicester player’s accuracy from goal will be crucial in such a tight contest.
South Africa 20-17 Australia
17:29 , Ciara Fearn55 mins: Feinberg-Mngomezulu comes on in the Springbok backline replacing Moodie.
Australia are penalised for being offside at a lineout on their own 10-metre line with Ikitau the player at fault. From roughly 40 metres out in a central spot Pollard lines up for a shot at goal.
South Africa 20-17 Australia
17:26 , Ciara Fearn52 mins: Moodie drops the ball forward and at the same time, Australia adjust their forward line again with Nonggorr replacing Tupou.
South Africa 20-17 Australia
17:24 , Ciara Fearn51 mins: South Africa build momentum deep in Australia’s 22, but it unravels as Etzebeth knocks on - possibly distracted by the defenders rushing in as he went into contact.
South Africa 20-17 Australia
17:22 , Ciara Fearn49 mins: Australia freshen up their pack with Williams and Bell replacing Skelton and Robertson.
Concerns for the visitors as O’Connor receives treatment with all three backline changes already made, they can’t afford to lose him.
Try! South Africa 20-17 Australia (Jorgensen)
17:20 , Ciara Fearn46 mins: Jorgensen pounces on a mistake from Moodie. It’s the perfect start to the second half for Australia, though Rassie Erasmus will be furious with that lapse.
With O’Connor’s conversion the gap narrows to just three points, a scenario that brings back echoes of last week’s comeback.
South Africa 20-10 Australia
17:18 , Ciara Fearn45 mins: South Africa turn to their bench introducing serious power as Etzebeth and de Jager come on for Snyman and Nortje.
Kick-off! South Africa 20-10 Australia
17:13 , Ciara Fearn41 mins: We’re underway again in Cape Town. The question now is whether Australia can mount another dramatic second-half fightback.
They’ve made a half-time change with Edmed coming on for Suaalii meaning all three backline replacements are already used just 40 minutes in.
Half-time stats
17:11 , Ciara FearnAt the break South Africa’s lead is slimmer than it was last week - 10 points compared to 17, but they’ll still be pleased with their first-half effort.
The Springboks have kept things simple, kicking high to contest in the air and playing off that pressure. The numbers back it up too: South Africa dominated territory and possession in the opening 40, while Australia were left chasing the game with missed chances.
Half-time! South Africa 20-10 Australia
16:58 , Ciara Fearn40 mins: James O’Connor lands a 45-metre penalty and at half-time South Africa hold a 10-point lead. Can Australia quickly turn things around in the second half?
South Africa 20-10 Australia
16:56 , Ciara Fearn39 mins: Australia now have a chance to cut the Springboks’ lead before half-time after Smith goes off his feet at the breakdown giving the Wallabies a penalty at the posts.
Try! South Africa (Smith) 20-7 Australia
16:52 , Ciara Fearn35 mins: That’s three powerful drives from the Springboks to set up a try under the posts.
Following strong carries from Kriel and Nche, Smith powers over the line to score.
Pollard converts effortlessly extending South Africa’s lead to 13 points.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:51 , Ciara Fearn35 mins: Kriel drives the Springboks deep into the Australian 22 and another strong carry brings them right up to the try line.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:50 , Ciara Fearn32 mins: Tupou appears to be in pain after injuring his left-hand pinky. Despite the discomfort, he will continue playing.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:48 , Ciara Fearn29 mins: Both sides are testing each other with kicks. South Africa going for high balls, while Australia favours grubber kicks behind the defence.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:43 , Ciara Fearn25 mins: The Wallabies squander another promising attacking chance as Pollard’s lineout throw on the South African 22 is off target.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:39 , Ciara Fearn23 mins: Referee James Doleman correctly penalises Smith for trying a second time to steal the ball after his initial attempt failed, a fair decision.
From just outside the South African 22, O’Connor kicks for the corner.
The Springboks earn a vital turnover only five metres from their own line thanks to strong work at the breakdown.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been a hard-fought start in Cape Town.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:34 , Ciara Fearn18 mins: Australia are forced back but McDermott bursts forward to reach the edge of the Springbok 22.
However, Van Staden is quick to the breakdown securing a penalty for the home side.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:32 , Ciara Fearn15 mins: Australia win a penalty just outside the Springbok 22 after the home side failed to stay on their feet at the breakdown.
Van Staden is guilty of a clear infringement but escapes a yellow card despite the cynical nature of the foul. O’Connor opts to forgo the straightforward three points and instead aims for the corner.
South Africa 13-7 Australia
16:29 , Ciara Fearn13 mins: The Wallabies make another early change with McDermott coming on to replace White at scrum half.
Australia appeared to score their second try, but it is ruled out. Kellaway’s knock-on while tackling Pollard nullifies McReight’s grounding, so the effort doesn’t count.
Try! South Africa (Moodie) 13-7 Australia
16:27 , Ciara Fearn10 mins: The Wallabies lead didn’t last long! The Springboks win a turnover deep in Wallaby territory and after a few powerful carries from the forwards shift it wide.
Pollard spots the space and delivers a crossfield kick which Moodie collects on the bounce to finish. Pollard converts, and South Africa are back out to a six-point lead.
Try! South Africa 6-7 Australia (Toole)
16:24 , Ciara Fearn7 mins: Corey Toole gets it over the line during his debut for the Wallabies.
Australia show sharp thinking to catch the Springboks off guard. From a free-kick won at the scrum inside the home side’s half, White takes a quick tap and chips a grubber into the 22.
Toole’s blistering pace does the rest, racing onto the ball and grounding it in the corner. O’Connor adds the extras, and the Wallabies move in front.
Penalty! South Africa (Pollard) 6-0 Australia
16:22 , Ciara Fearn6 mins: From about 40 metres out Pollard strikes cleanly and adds three more, stretching South Africa’s lead to six.
South Africa look threatening.
South Africa 3-0 Australia
16:20 , Ciara Fearn5 mins: Following an Australian knock-on close to their own 10-metre line the Springbok pack powers through at the scrum.
They threaten to score under penalty advantage but can’t finish it off, so play comes back for the original infringement. South Africa opt for the posts again.
South Africa 3-0 Australia
16:18 , Ciara Fearn4 mins: There’s potential early worries here for Australia as Wright requires treatment on his lower leg. He eventually gets back up, but he’s clearly moving with some discomfort.
Penalty! South Africa (Pollard) 3-0 Australia
16:16 , Ciara Fearn3 mins: Handre Pollard makes no mistake with the kick giving South Africa an early advantage.
South Africa 0-0 Australia
16:15 , Ciara Fearn2 mins: The opening penalty falls to the Springboks after Wright is caught holding on just outside his own 22. Pollard has a straightforward shot at goal and the hosts immediately signal for the posts.
Kick-off!
16:13 , Ciara FearnAnd we’re underway Handre Pollard kicks things off in Cape Town. Can the Springboks strike back, or will the Wallabies make it two wins from two?
Kick-off is approaching..
16:10 , Ciara FearnThe teams step out of the tunnel in Cape Town, the Wallabies first with McReight making his debut as their 91st Test captain, followed by the Springboks under Kriel’s leadership.
Now time for the anthems.
Final prep is underway with minutes to go now
16:05 , Ciara FearnFinal prep 👏#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/AqRJj9LUNl
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 23, 2025
The hosts arriving earlier today..
15:55 , Ciara FearnBraving the elements as the sun starts coming out ⛅#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/45xtlRROHm
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 23, 2025
South Africa vs Australia match officials
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere are the men in charge this afternoon:
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Television Match Official: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Foul Play Review Officer: Tual Trainini (Fra)
Stand-in skipper Fraser McReight to lead in his own way
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleStand-in Australia captain Fraser McReight does not expect his new responsibilities to change his approach and style when he leads his country against South Africa in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
The flanker takes over from the injured Harry Wilson as skipper, with coach Joe Schmidt hailing him a “quiet leader” when appointing him the Wallabies' 91st captain on Thursday.
"I feel very privileged and honoured to be captain this week, although I'd probably say I’d rather be playing with Harry and for him to be leading us out,” McReight told a Friday press conference at their hotel.
“But I also feel very proud to be part of a special club.”
The 26-year-old, a former Australia under-20 captain, said it would be business as usual for him at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
“It probably won't change too much from what I'd be doing if Harry was playing. I'll let my game do most of the talking, try to get to the referee when I can, but other than that, just do what I normally do," he added.
“We've got such great leaders in this team. Before this weekend, we had James Slipper, who's played almost 150 tests (but is injured); Nic White, James O'Connor, Will Skelton ... blokes who have been around for so long.
"I don't really need to speak. If I do, it would be about defence, and we've got so many great defenders and defensive leaders within the team as well.”
Team news - Australia
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia have also lost their captain, with Harry Wilson being “managed” after limping off in Johannesburg. Back row chum Fraser McReight takes over as skipper with Rob Valetini a welcome returnee in the back row. James
Wing Corey Toole steps in for Dylan Pietsch, who has broken his jaw, and will make his debut in an otherwise unchanged backline once more featuring veteran fly half James O’Connor.
Australia XV: 1 Tom Robertson, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight (capt.), 8 Rob Valetini; 9 Nic White, 10 James O’Connor; 11 Corey Toole, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
Your 23 Wallabies to take on South Africa 🦘https://t.co/JgxIFJ0Ved
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 21, 2025
NEXT MATCH
🆚 Springboks
🗓️ Sunday August 24 | 1:10am AEST
🏟️ DHL Stadium, Cape Town
📺 @stansportau#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/hqTBEKuHgr
Team news - South Africa
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa lost skipper Siya Kolisi and fellow flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit to injury in a significant double blow last week, while wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe have been ruled out, too. Centre Jesse Kriel captains a much-changed side in an experienced backline steered by a returning Handre Pollard at fly half.
Franco Mostert is stationed on the blindside and Jean-Luc du Preez makes his first Springboks start in seven years at No 8. There are six forwards on a bulky bench.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 RG Snyman, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Franco Mostert, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel (capt.), 14 Canan Moodie; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Kwagga Smith; 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
South Africa vs Australia
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is little more than an hour away - let’s take a closer look at the two sides this evening, with new skippers in both camps...
Springboks and Japan to play first rugby union match at Wembley in nine years
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Springboks have added an extra game to their autumn itinerary, the 10-year anniversary of Japan’s remarkable upset win in the 2015 World Cup marked by a fixture between the pair at Wembley - the first rugby union fixture at the ground since 2016.
Springboks and Japan to play first rugby match at Wembley in nine years
Eddie Jones reveals Springboks theory over historic Wallabies victory
14:50 , Ciara FearnAustralia’s comeback win in Johannesburg was remarkable, but Eddie Jones insists it tells us little about South Africa’s true level, arguing Rassie Erasmus had already set his sights on the Cape Town Test.
The Wallabies’ 38-22 victory at Ellis Park last weekend was by any measure extraordinary. Trailing 22-0 and seemingly buried, Joe Schmidt’s side surged back with six unanswered tries to claim their first win at the famous venue in 62 years. For South Africa it was a shock to the system after an eight-match winning run.
The Japan boss suggested the result needs context. Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones pointed out Erasmus had locked in the second-Test team in advance, calling it a common tactic with a large squad.
Eddie Jones reveals Springboks theory over historic Wallabies victory
Will Skelton braced for Springboks backlash
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Wallabies are bracing for a violent backlash from the Springboks in the second Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town today after their stunning upset of the Springboks at Ellis Park.
Australia's recovery from an early 22-0 deficit to post a first win since 1963 at the crucible of South African rugby on Sunday left many back home just as incredulous as the fans of the back-to-back world champions.
Wallabies lock Will Skelton, however, said the 38-22 victory would mean only one thing when the teams clashed again at Newlands in the second round of the Rugby Championship.
"They're going to try and punch you in the face this week," he told reporters from South Africa. "So we're going to have to be ready, have a good week of preparation again and really fight until the end."
Springboks dealt huge injury blow as Siya Kolisi ruled out of second Australia clash
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Springboks then received some significant injury news - Siya Kolisi is set for three-to-four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Johannesburg.
Springboks dealt huge injury blow as Siya Kolisi ruled out of second Australia clash
Furious Rassie Erasmus slams Springboks performance after Australia defeat: ‘We were really awful’
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe collapse from 22-0 up last week infuriated and perhaps confused Rassie Erasmus, the sort of showing we are not used to seeing from the world champion Springboks.
Furious Rassie Erasmus slams Springboks performance: ‘We were really awful’
Australia stun South Africa with incredible comeback in Rugby Championship opener
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAt 22-0 in a ground at which they had not won since 1963, Australia might have been fearing the worst. But 38 unanswered points sealed a sensational comeback victory to prove the progress the Wallabies are making:
Australia stun South Africa with incredible comeback in Rugby Championship opener
Jean-Luc du Preez ruled out!
09:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was hard not to be very pleased for Jean-Luc du Preez, named in a starting Springboks shirt for the first time in a long while. The back row was excellent for Sale during his seven seasons with the Sharks but has really had to earn his return to the South Africa side with such competition for places in the back five of their pack.
“Your mind is a powerful thing – there were times that I thought I should give up hope, but I would never be able to do that,” said Du Preez this week ahead of his first start in seven years.
“Yes, it took some time to start again, but then again, I can never take it for granted. When you get a shot, you must take it.
“I did a lot of prep and worked hard, and so much has changed. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to get a run on Saturday and to represent my country again.”
Ah, scratch that - a late blow for the Springboks with Jean-Luc du Preez ruled out and Kwagga Smith taking his place. Andre Esterhuizen comes on to the bench
South Africa vs Australia live
07:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe second round of the Rugby Championship is upon us, the Springboks bidding to hit back having been stunned by the Wallabies in Johannesburg seven days ago as they squandered a 22-0 lead to leave Rassie Erasmus ticking. Can Australia repeat the trick, or will there be a ‘Boks backlash?
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
