World champions South Africa scored five tries as they crushed hosts Australia 33-7 in their opening match of this year’s Rugby Championship.
Kurt-Lee Arendt scored two tries in Brisbane as South Africa recorded their biggest win over the Wallabies on Australian soil, a 38-12 win in the same city in 2013.
Goals from Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit and Arend put South Africa 21-0 ahead at half-time, before the home side were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes after Andrew Kellaway was booked for a dangerous tackle during the first period.
The Springboks extended their lead in the second half when winger Arendse scored their second try and Quagga Smith netted South Africa’s fifth two minutes later.
The Wallabies improved after the break but made too many mistakes in attack, which eased the pressure on the visitors.
With South Africa reduced to 13 men after bookings for hooker Malcolm Marks and flanker Marco van Staden, centre Hunter Paisami fired home with three minutes remaining.
“We said as a team this was a big win for us. I’m proud of the players,” Springboks captain Kolisi said.
“When you’re on top you have to take your chances and we lost a few lineouts in key areas. That’s an area we need to improve on.”
Captain Allan Ala-Alatoa said the defeat was a painful blow for Australia, who face the British and Irish Lions at home next summer.
“You have to give credit to South Africa. They came out and put us under pressure. We didn’t have the ball for most of the first half,” Ala-Alatoa said.
“It’s been a tough learning experience for our group, but we’ll have to regroup next week and head to Perth.”
The two teams meet again in Perth on August 17.
