The Rugby Championship, Round 3
Saturday 9th September, 8pm (AEST)NIB Stadium, Perth, Australia
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The opening minutes of this match was much like an explosive game of ping pong. Back and forth, both teams making breakthrough runs and almost scoring five pointers. Despite this frenzied battle, the Wallabies and Springboks, were able to get back into line and solidly defend the opposing attack but not without giving away a couple of penalty goals each in the process. The first half continued in this fashion with every point scored by the Boks returned moments later by the Wallabies. However, the boys in green were able to nudge in front with a penalty goal just seconds before the whistle at half time.
The pressure and momentum Australia take off with in the second gain them a sensational push over try by Tatafu Polota-Na after only six minutes which is easily converted for another two points. Both teams again breaking tackles and side stepping through gaps in defense but small handling errors will be the driving force of why these runs are not turned into well-needed points. The Springboks didn't want to let the scoreboard get ahead of them so decided to chip at away at it by taking a penalty instead of challenging the solid Australian defense.
It didn't take long for the Boks to then turn around and score their own converted try, continuing the nail-biting action with the score all tied 20-20 and only 20 minutes left on the clock. Curtly Beale cemented his position in the team with his last performance against New Zealand and this one was no different keeping South Australia working from their 50 and boy did they work. Almost scoring an amazing breakaway try but not able to get the ball down just half a metre out from the try line. The effort wasn't all wasted though, SA was able to grab a forced penalty goal through a massive push in the scrum, crumbling the Australian forwards.
The last ten minutes was exactly like the first 70 mins and Australia hit back with penalty goal once again equaling the score, now 23-23. As clock ticks down, neither team are able to transform their constant attacks into points and while it is unfortunate for everyone that it was a draw, both teams should walk away with theirs heads held high, knowing they poured everything into this spectacular match.
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