The Springboks finally broke their Cardiff hoodoo while Scotland pipped Aussies in the first weekend of Autumn internationals. Shaun Goosen reviews the weekend action.
South Africa leave it late against Wales
The Springboks claimed their first win over Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff since 2013 when they triumphed 23-18 on Saturday. A powerful Bok driving maul in the 73rd-minute saw the world champions go ahead for the first time in the contest, and they hung on from there to record a famous win. Despite the sides scrumming just once in the first half, the visitors’ dominance in this facet really came to the fore later on and resulted in prolonged periods of territorial dominance for Jacques Nienaber’s men.
After an unfortunate concussion saw Damian Willemse subbed off early on, Frans Steyn was introduced and went on to produce a Man of the Match display. The two-time World Cup winner was a colossus all evening and kicked a typical monster of a penalty in the 54th-minute to draw the Boks to within three points of Wales at that stage. On the basis of that performance, could we see the 34-year-old sail through to yet another World Cup in 2023?
Brave Hearts hold off Wallabies
Scotland produced a clinical display to beat Australia 15-13 in a tightly fought contest at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday. While some predicted a high-scoring, free-flowing affair, this one proved to be much closer than expected. A more measured approach from both teams was the order of the day, with a Finn Russell penalty with 12-minutes to play effectively sealing the deal for the hosts, who face the Springboks this weekend.
For the Wallabies, the result ended their five-match winning run that started with back-to-back victories over the Boks in the Rugby Championship. They will need to regroup fast before gearing up for an almighty clash with England at the Home of Rugby this Saturday.
Big wins for Kiwis, Ireland and England
New Zealand swatted Italy aside at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday as they cruised to a 47-9 win. The All Blacks have never lost to the Italians and maintained their 100% record against them thanks to an impressive effort from their second-stringers. Johnny Sexton marked his 100th Test appearance for Ireland by scoring 16-points, including a try, as his side earned a comprehensive 60-5 result over Japan. Ireland and New Zealand lock horns at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
In other international results, England beat Tonga 69-3 at Twickenham and France saw off Argentina 29-20 at the Stade de France.
