Former springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
South Africa vs Australia: Last time out at Ellis Park [video]
Peter de Villiers was in charge the last time South Africa came up against Australia at Ellis Park.
Former springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
South Africa and Australia kick off the 2019 edition of the Rugby Championship with a clash at Ellis Park, their first at the venue in over a decade.
The iconic ground has long been seen as a fortress for the Springboks, who have recorded a number of their most epic victories there over the years.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a largely inexperienced side for Saturday’s clash, which comes up against a strong Wallabies side, but the class of 2019 is not to be underestimated, especially with Rugby World Cup spots up for grabs.
South Africa vs Australia last time out at Ellis Park
New Springbok coach Peter de Villiers needed to redeem himself after being greeted by somewhat of a baptism of fire in his first Tri-Nations tournament, which rendered a historic first win in Dunedin a distant memory as his charges faced the unavoidable prospect of claiming the wooden spoon.
The Wallabies, on the other hand, were still within a chance of being crowned champions, with a Bledisloe Cup clash against reigning champions New Zealand looming.
With a lot at stake, strong matchday squads were assembled by either side, and one Jongi Nokwe was turning out for only his third international, starting on the right wing in a back three consisting of Conrad Jantjies and Odwa Ndungane.
The trio were just a few of the rookies turning out for the world champions, who were up against a side that had put on a good showing leading up to the match.
Nonetheless, de Villiers’ band of newbies put on their best display yet in the tournament, which proved too much for the Aussies at high altitude as they registered a convincing 53-8 victory.
Nokwe was the star of the show, crossing over the whitewash four times and injuring himself while completing his fourth to be stretchered off to a standing ovation from the Johannesburg crowd.
Further tries came from lock Bekker, centre Adrian Jacobs, replacement flyhalf Ruan Pienaar and Ndungane.
South Africa
Backs: Conrad Jantjes; Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez.
Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Victor Matfield (capt), Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomery.
Australia
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley.
Forwards: Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, James Horwill, Hugh McMeniman, Rocky Elsom, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.
