South Africa initially controlled the match against Australia, leading 22-0 after 18 minutes with strong performances, but Australia found a turning point with a penalty that ignited their offense. As the match progressed, Australia began to capitalize on South Africa's mistakes, scoring tries and shifting momentum in their favor. South Africa's coach acknowledged their team's inaccuracies and lack of ball security, which had been evident in past matches, highlighting concerns as Australia leveraged their dynamic players effectively after the initial setbacks.
For 18 minutes, everything was going according to script. The double world champions were running riot at Ellis Park, stomping over the gain line with every carry, shrugging off tacklers and hammering anyone unlucky enough to be wearing a gold jersey. Australia had touched the ball twice before Kurt-Lee Arendse scored the opening try; once when James O'Connor kicked off, then again when Tom Wright spilled a contestable kick.
Yet this was the spark. It was here that Australia turned around, dug their heels in and fired shots of their own. It was here that Australian rugby under Joe Schmidt ascended another level. Four consecutive penalties later and Dylan Pietsch was sliding over in the corner.
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