Wallabies blown apart by Springboks 'Bomb Squad' as world champions retain Nelson Mandela Plate in wet and wild Test
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The famed Springboks 'Bomb Squad' proved predictably decisive as the world champions handed the Wallabies a second straight loss in Perth on Saturday.
South Africa only led 11-9 at halftime but two Malcolm Marx rolling maul tries sealed a comfortable 30-12 victory at a sodden Optus Stadium.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 starting changes from the team that outclassed the Wallabies 33-7 the week before in Sydney.
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But he loaded up with menace and experience on his bench and Joe Schmidt's side could only fend off their might for so long.
"It was tough going. We almost got our nose in front at halftime which would have been a lift for the players," Schmidt told Stan Sport.
"They were a little bit beaten up coming in at halftime, very physical as it always is against the Springboks. We've got a few guys who are walking wounded.
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Lukhanyo Am of the Springboks gets hit by Nic White of the Wallabies while leaping for the ball. Getty
"We kind of just scrambled our way through the second half. Found it very hard to contain their maul with some of our bigger men out. They capitalised on that."
The Wallabies lost both run on captain Allan Alaalatoa and replacement skipper James Slipper to HIAs to dent their chances of competing.
Fellow prop Angus Bell was split open with a cut under his eye while hooker Josh Nasser (calf) and centre Hunter Paisami (leg) were also forced off.
"I can't fault the effort. Even trying to combat a Springboks maul with a fully fit pack is tough enough," Schmidt said.
"With kind of a little bit of half a pack, it became very difficult, then we ended up with 14 when Seru Uru got sinbinned, you know, that's a really big ask."
The front row injuries led to confusion among the officials in dealing with replacements and the game finished with uncontested scrums.
"It's probably one of the most bizarre games I've ever been involved in, in over 100 Test matches," Schmidt said.
"I've never had a situation like that before where it happens so early in the game as well when Slips got a head knock, right after halftime."
South Africa's dual wins in Australia means they retain the Nelson Mandela Plate.
The Springboks now head home to host the All Blacks after a week off while the Wallabies are off to Argentina.
Angus Bell of the Wallabies heads to the locker room at the halftime break. Getty
The Springboks went ahead 18-9 in the 43rd minute and after a Wallabies penalty increased their lead to 23-12 when hooker Marx rolled over from a driving maul in the 64th minute.
They scored their final try with six minutes remaining when Marx again scored from a maul with the Wallabies playing a man short before more than 58,000 fans in Perth.
"It's been an amazing two weeks coming down, getting two victories," South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth said.
Max Jorgensen of the Wallabies runs the ball. Getty
"It doesn't happen a lot. The Wallabies are a quality outfit... we knew they would come out hard tonight and that's exactly what they did. Good result in the end."
On Erasmus making 10 changes to the starting side, Etzebeth said: "I think he's a genius. They were great. Obviously the guys off the bench, they came on to finish. It was a good squad this whole tour."
Centre Jesse Kriel also credited Erasmus with the team's strong play.
"I think with Rassie, it is more about his mindset and encouraging us as players to go out there, express ourselves, not to be scared to make mistakes," Kriel said.
"It is exciting to be part of this team at the moment and play the brand of rugby we're trying to play."
Australia No.8 Harry Wilson said the Springboks "won the big moments."
Aphelele Fassi of the Springboks scores. Getty
"They turned up, they played some good footy. I felt we weren't far off."
South Africa split a two match series at home with Ireland and beat Portugal before heading to Australia.
The Wallabies had two wins over Wales and a victory over Georgia to start Schmidt's reign as coach. - with AP
