The Wallabies pushed the Springboks to the brink in Cape Town but were unable to cross the line first, slipping to a 23-22 defeat that leaves South Africa with the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate and a fast-approaching return home with some answers about their own resilience.
Across 80 minutes, Australia threw plenty of punches and landed telling blows, yet costly errors and a raft of early injuries curtailed their chances of a breakthrough win over the world champions. Fullback Tom Wright and scrum-half Nic White exited inside the opening 10 minutes, and debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii did not return after halftime, forcing Australia to reshuffle on the fly.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt praised the effort even as he lamented the setbacks. “We were competitive and, in the second half, we felt we grew into the game,” he said. “We fought back to 23-22 with a conversion to come and the players showed real grit. We patched things up and kept ourselves in it.”
Without Wright and White, Tate McDermott carried extra responsibility at hooker? No, at scrum-half, with youngster Edmed stepping in after a long layoff to steer the attack from 12 as needed. Schmidt highlighted the courage of the bench and the adaptability shown by Kellaway and Edmed in the middle of the game, saying the side remained aggressive and capable of finishing chances.
South Africa had warned of a different approach this week, and they delivered. Kwagga Smith, named a late inclusion at No. 8, was omnipresent at the breakdown and in defense, finishing with 14 tackles and crossing for a first-half try that stretched the lead. RG Snyman added steady work up front as the Springboks pressed the Wallabies into a measured kicking game, frequently targeting the edges with contestable kicks, a tactic Handre Pollard and Canan Moodie exploited to good effect, aided by Cheslin Kolbe’s work in the air and Moodie’s acceleration.
Australia were able to match in many facets. Rob Valetini produced a combative return from injury, pounding the gain line, while Fraser McReight led the defense with a high work rate and Max Jorgensen again showcased his increasing attacking threat, crossing for a score as Australia closed the gap to three.
But it was Corey Toole who lit up his first Test appearance in gold. The speedster raced onto a Nic White grubber in the eighth minute for a try and then consistently threatened the Springboks with his pace and sharp running, finishing with 55 carries’ metres and several eye-catching breaks. “He’s amazing,” Hooper said afterward, praising Toole’s composure and impact on the edge.
Australia’s other highlights included a strong display from Kellaway in defense and attack, and Edmed’s composed handling in unfamiliar territory after stepping into the No. 12 role. The visitors also matched the Springboks for run metres and line breaks, and trailed by only a single score as the game reached a nerve-jangling finish.
Yet the decisive moments fell South Africa’s way. With Australia on top late, Andrew Kellaway’s attempt to control a high ball and launch a last-ditch attack ended in a knock-on just 15 metres from their own line, a turnover that allowed Etzebeth to crash over and push the hosts clear again. James O’Connor’s night will be remembered for a missed conversion that would have given the Wallabies the lead and two late penalty attempts that drifted wide, while McReight’s choice to go to touch instead of taking points on a final attacking raid drew questions from some quarters.
In the end, the result reflected the margins of a tight, high-intensity contest. The Wallabies’ 3-tries-apiece tally and a fairly even split of possession underlined the competitiveness Australia brought to the match, even as the small mistakes and injuries told a painful tale.
If there is a silver lining, it lies in the performance’s build. The side showed depth and composure in the face of adversity, with Toole’s debut establishing a real attacking threat and Edmed’s forging of a credible first outing at 12 since Ireland last year. The Wallabies head home with pride intact and plenty of positive takeaways for the next challenge, especially around their adaptability and the way the squad answered the call when the going got tough.
Summary: The Wallabies again pushed the Springboks to the brink, producing a spirited performance that featured a breakout debut for Corey Toole and strong returns from Kellaway, Valetini, and Edmed. Despite late pressure and key errors, they demonstrated depth and belief, providing hopeful signs for the team as they regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.