South Africa opened their 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship account on in style when they outclassed Australia to win 43-12 at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday night.
The Springboks were captained by Duane Vermeulen as Siya Kolisi nurses a knee injury while former Ireland international lock Jean Kleyn made his debut for his native country.
In what was another classic match, the home side started on a back foot, when the Wallabies landed the first blow with eight minutes on the clock when speedy winger Marika Koroibete scored a spectacular try, capitalising on a debutant Jean Kleyn error.
Coach Jacques Nienaber’s troops found their mojo back into the game when Mannie Libbok converted a penalty and Kurt-Lee Arense scored a try in quick succession to lead 10-5.
The intensity and tempo of the game was at its highest Infront of a vibrant and boisterous atmosphere. The home side extended their lead when Arense scored his second try of the match to steer the Boks with a 17-5 lead going into half-time.
It was all systems go for the Boks when they picked up from where they left off, as exciting and speedy winger Arense got his hattrick try in the 54th minute.
Pieter-Steph du Toit also went over the line and got the sixth try of the match when he eased past the Australian defence.
The Wallabies managed to get themselves a late try but it was not enough as the Springboks maintain their unbeaten run against Australia in Gauteng in front of an intimidating Loftus crowed.
Boks will now shift their focus on their next match when they travel to New Zealand for their second game next week Saturday.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
