Hande Pollard wholeheartedly put his stamp on the second left of the Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and the Wallabies — and perhaps was the difference in the end. The final score of 30-22 only tells part of the story.
Just a week on from a disastrous loss to the Wallabies, in a second-half collapse in Johannesburg, the Bokke found a way to pull out the win in Cape Town.
Pollard, for his part, scored three penalty goals, made all three of his conversions and contributed a cross-field kick that led to the Springboks first try of the game. On the other side, Australia, trailing only by six points, scored a try but James O’Connor missed the conversion that would’ve drawn the game even.
He then missed three more penalties that would’ve closed the gap, allowing the Boks to secure the win. In the end, the Aussies will be happy with the initial win, but they almost certainly left meat on the bone.
Recap the game below and see try highlights or watch the full replay.
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End Of Game: Springboks Win
Final: South Africa 30, Australia 22
A week after an absolutely miserable loss, the Springboks find a way to beat the Wallabies and draw the series.
Handre Pollard was the difference, as it seemed everything good that happened today for the Bokke went through the hands (or cleats) of their brilliant fly half.
Eben Etzebeth Try
TRY | Eben Etzebeth | Min 73
Talk about impact! Eben Etzebeth has been a one man bomb squad today and scores a big try that puts the Boks two scores clear! RSA 30 – AUS 22.#RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/GScHDBkTAT
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
James O’Connor Misses Two PGs – 79′
South Africa 30, Australia 22
James O’Connor has twice in the last few minutes missed opportunities to close the gap between the Aussies and the Boks.
Time is nearly up, and the Boks are going to win this.
Eben Etzebeth Scores! – 74′
South Africa 30, Australia 22
The Springboks almost certainly put the game away, after Eben Etzebeth powers his way past the Australian line.
He came on as a power sub.
Handre Pollard isn’t missing the conversion at this point. He puts it between the uprights.
Wallabies Score, Miss Conversion! – 68′
South Africa 23, Australia 22
Australia had a chance to take the lead, but they will be a point down with nearly 10 minutes to go in the game.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa gets the try.
What a turn of events. Joy to misery in a matter of seconds. The Springboks can almost certainly drag this out, but Aussies still have a chance.
Australia Hanging Around.. – 66′
South Africa 23, Australia 17
Australia have been pushing to score for the last few minutes, maintaining control of the ball in Boks territory.
The Springboks have held so far, but with about 14 minutes left in this match and only six points separating the teams, anything can happen.
Pollard Scores Again – 56′
South Africa 23, Australia 17
Handre Pollard has been the saving grace of the Springboks today. He scores another penalty to put the Bokke up 23-17.
Wallabies will certainly be kicking themselves for allowing an elite player like Pollard to get these chances. Especially with such a close score.
Max Jorgensen Try
TRY | Max Jorgensen | Min 45
MAX JORGENSEN! The Wallabies 20-year-old sensation does it again! The Wallabies are right back into this one! RSA 20 – AUS 17.#RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/puMLsDCTl5
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Australia Scores! – 46′
South Africa 20, Australia 17
James O’Connor kicks ahead and the Wallabies get the lucky bounce.
Max Jorgensen grabs the ball and swiftly works his way to the try.
Aussies close the cap.
Second Half Underway – 40′
South Africa 20, Australia 10
The Wallabies kick off to the Springboks and the second half is underway.
Halftime In Cape Town
South Africa 20, Australia 10
Australia have impressed in a second straight game, but South Africa maintain a 10 point lead as the teams head into the locker room.
Handre Pollard has been sheer perfection, adding multiple penalties and a brilliant cross-field kick that led to the Boks first try.
Wallabies Score Penalty Before Half – 40′
South Africa 20, Australia 10
Australia keep pace as they had three points right before the whistle.
The second half should be interesting!
Kwagga Smith Try
TRY | Kwagga Smith | Min 34
The power game in full force! Recovering from sustained Wallabies pressure, the Boks strike! Ox Nche powers forward before the ball is recycled and Kwagga Smith drives over the line! RSA 20 – AUS 7.#RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/Il4Mt9Xngw
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Kwagga Smith Scores! – 34′
South Africa 20, Australia 7
Lots of back and forth from Australia and South Africa for the last 20 minutes. But the Bokke break through and go up big with minutes to go until halftime.
Kwagga Smith gets the try.
Pollard is automatic with the conversion.
Brilliant Cross-Kick From Pollard, Boks Score! – 10′
South Africa 13, Australia 7
Bokke retake the lead after an incredible cross-field kick from Handre Pollard, who is having a cracker of a game already.
Canan Moodie scoops the ball and gets the try.
Already 20 points scored just 10 minutes into this match.
TRY | Canan Moodie | Min 10
Just like that! The Boks blast the Wallabies with a huge kick chase before Handre Pollard does what he does best with a pinpoint crossfield kick for Canan Moodie to dot down. RSA 13 – AUS 7#RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/Bk6Rgboolq
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Wallabies Score! – 7′
South Africa 6, Australia 7
Corey Toole scores on his debut. The Wallabies silence the Cape Town crowd just seven minutes into the match.
TRY | Cory Toole | Min 7
Quick thinking from Nic White puts debutant Cory Toole in for an incredible try to put the Wallabies in front! RSA 6 – AUS 7.#RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/oEMRVedszG
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Pollard Strikes Again – 5′
South Africa 6, Australia 0
Handre Pollard is showing his worth early in this game as he knocks down another penalty.
Pollard Scores Penalty Goal – 2′
South Africa 3, Australia 0
Springboks go up quickly, only two minutes into the game.
PENALTY | Handre Pollard | min 1
This is why you recall a double World Cup winning flyhalf! Handre Pollard nails his first penalty to put the Boks in front early in Cape Town.#RSAvAUS #TheRugbyChampionship #Springboks pic.twitter.com/GbJnEThi0q
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Game Begins – 0′
South Africa 0, Australia 0
The second leg of the SA vs. AUS tie is underway at the The Rugby Championship 2025.
The Cape Town crowd is in peak form today.
Handre Pollard and the Boks kick off to the Aussies.
Momentum matters ⚡
Australia have won 5 of their last 9 Tests, including their last 2. The Wallabies could start a Rugby Championship with back-to-back wins for just the 3rd time ever (2008, 2015). #RSAvAUS #RugbyChampionship
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Teams Take The Field
We’re almost underway in Cape Town.
National Anthems being sung now.
The Impi Warriors have arrived!
Can the Boks rebound from their shocking round one loss to the Wallabies? Find out live now on FloRugby 🇺🇸#RSAvAUS #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/uC22yQJ5OC
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
Bokke Unstoppable In Cape Town
Cape Town fortress 🏟️
South Africa have won their last 7 Tests vs Australia at Cape Town – all while scoring fewer than 30 points. The Wallabies will need something special to break the streak. #RSAvAUS #RugbyChampionship
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) August 23, 2025
World Rugby Rankings 2025 – Aug. 23
- New Zealand – 92.51
- Ireland – 89.83
- South Africa – 89.78
- France – 87.82
- England – 87.63
- Australia – 85.08
- Argentina – 81.61
- Scotland – 81.57
- Fiji – 80.50
- Italy – 77.77
Wallabies Eye Historic Sweep
“Should Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies manage to sweep the Springboks this weekend, it will be a monumental achievement. It will be just the second time since the Rugby Championship expanded in 2012 that Australia has managed to pull off such a feat against the reigning World Champions. This is a huge opportunity for the Wallabies, especially after their gritty win at Ellis Park.” – Philip Bendon
Joe Schmidt Vs. Rassie Erasmus
“The Springboks, for all their might, were outworked and outthought in round one. There’s no doubt that Joe Schmidt’s tactical brilliance was on full display as his team came from behind in spectacular fashion. Schmidt’s halftime adjustments were key, and his team emerged with a focused, no-nonsense approach that exposed the weaknesses in South Africa’s game. In contrast, Erasmus’s side seemed to fall back on gimmicks rather than substance, and Schmidt’s Wallabies made them pay for it.” – Philip Bendon
Are The Springboks Vulnerable?
“If teams can stay in the fight, the Springboks have shown themselves to be far more vulnerable than in previous years. Once a team that could close out matches with ruthless precision, the Boks now appear to be running out of steam when faced with sustained pressure. Their previously impenetrable defence and high-pressure game now have weaknesses, and teams are beginning to exploit them.” – Philip Bendon
The #Springboks are in the house 🏟️#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/SKZaBVyU3d
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 23, 2025
Wallabies Eye Historic Sweep After Shock Win
“Should Schmidt’s men sweep the Boks, it will be just the second time since the competition expanded in 2012 that they have accomplished the feat.” – Philip Bendon
Springboks Vs. Australia Rugby Kickoff Time
The match between South Africa Springboks and Australia kicks off at 11:00 a.m. ET on August 23..
What Channel Is Springboks Vs. Australia?
South Africa Springboks vs. Australia will be broadcast for free on FloRugby’s YouTube channel.
Springboks Squad
- Ox Nche
- Malcolm Marx
- Thomas du Toit
- RG Snyman
- Ruan Nortje
- Marco van Staden
- Franco Mostert
- Jean-Luc du Preez
- Grant Williams
- Handré Pollard
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Canan Moodie
- Willie le Roux
Substitutes: 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
Australia Rugby Squad
- Tom Robertson
- Billy Pollard
- Taniela Tupou
- Nick Frost
- Will Skelton
- Tom Hooper
- Fraser McReight
- Rob Valetini
- Nic White
- James O’Connor
- Corey Toole
- Len Ikitau
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
- Max Jorgensen
- Tom Wright
Substitutes: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Nicholas Champion de Crespigny, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Andrew Kellaway
The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Sept. 27
Oct. 4
How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025
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How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
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