The Wallabies got a brutal reality check at the hands of the world champion Springboks who arrived into Brisbane with a stadium filled with green jerseys and made themselves very much at home, dominating all aspects of a 33-7 win on Saturday.
Joe Schmidt will have a huge job on his hands to turn around a bruised and battered Wallabies side ahead of next week’s fixture against the Springboks in Perth.
Here’s how Australia’s players fared.
1. Isaac Kailea – 4.5
Starting at loosehead prop against the Springboks having only made his Test debut against Wales in July was a huge task for Kailea. He impressed in July, but this was a massive step up as he was shunted all over the scrum by the experienced Frans Malherbe. He will be better for this experience.
2. Matt Faessler – 5
The Reds hooker goes about his business with a lack of fuss and a lot of commitment. There were issues with his throwing at the lineout.
Nick Frost wins a lineout.Credit: Getty Images
3. Allan Alaalatoa – 4.5
A tough afternoon for the Wallabies captain, who found himself under huge pressure in the scrum and was also quiet in comparison to Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi, who had the referee’s ear all afternoon. Costly missed tackle for Kurt-Lee Arendse’s first try.
4. Nick Frost – 6
Frost will be in doubt for next week’s rematch in Perth. His face told the story of the game for the Wallabies pack, swollen and bruised. Fronted up in difficult circumstances.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 6
With the Wallabies at sea against a ruthless Springbok pack, the Reds second-rower relished the physical challenge. The Wallabies’ biggest carrier in the forwards with 30 metres, but also missed seven tackles, the most of any Wallaby.
6. Rob Valetini – 6
One of the Wallabies’ few genuine world-class operators, who did not stop all afternoon in Brisbane. Carried for 29 metres.
Wallabies debutant Carlo Tizzano.Credit: Getty Images
7. Carlo Tizzano – 4.5
Tizzano’s effort could not be faulted against an incredibly powerful and ruthless Springbok pack on his Test debut, being the Wallabies’ leading tackler on 19, but he was undersized and outmatched at the breakdown. Penalised for going off his feet at the end of first half during a rare attacking opportunity.
8. Harry Wilson – 6
After a long absence from the Wallabies setup, he is trying to make up for lost time. Missed his friend Fraser McReight hugely at the breakdown.
9. Jake Gordon – 5
The Waratahs captain had enjoyed a brilliant July series, but this was a different world against the Springboks. His normally pinpoint accurate box kicks failed to find their target. Made a crucial steal at the breakdown in first half.
10. Noah Lolesio – 4.5.
The Wallabies had very limited shape in attack and the Brumbies playmaker could not find any sort of rhythm for his backline. A difficult afternoon was highlighted by a woeful early up-and-under kick and running directly into his fullback Tom Wright when trying to field a ball.
11. Filipo Daugunu – 6
Cruelly only on the field for 25 minutes before being forced to leave with an injury. Desperate to impose himself physically on the dominant Springboks and his courage cannot be questioned after an outstanding hit on Pieter-Steph du Toit, bringing the giant second row into touch.
12. Hunter Paisami – 6
Got the Wallabies’ consolation try right at the end and threw himself into the physical contest.
13. Len Ikitau – 5
Went about his work quietly, but like the rest of the backline was starved of the ball. Beat the most defenders of any Wallaby with four.
14. Andrew Kellaway – 5.5
Try-saving tackle on 18 minutes on Willie Le Roux, somehow hanging on, but also received a costly yellow card for lifting Cobus Reinach in tackle with his team on the ropes.
Wallabies fullback Tom Wright.Credit: Getty Images
15. Tom Wright – 5
Didn’t look particularly comfortable at fullback, with his attacking brilliance against Wales not given the same platform against the Springboks. Looked panicked in possession, on 18 minutes had Kellaway open and instead chose to dummy and a very rare attacking opportunity was lost.
16. Josh Nasser – 4.5
Some shaky stuff at the lineout and will want to get his throwing sorted ahead of next week in Perth.
17: James Slipper – 5.5
Called into action in the second half and provided some much-needed experience and leadership to the pack.
18. Zane Nonggorr – 5
Came on to provide some needed relief for the front-row at 58 minutes.
19. Jeremy Williams – N/A
20. Luke Reimer – 5
Worked hard to impose himself on the dominant Springbok pack.
21. Tate McDermott – 6.5
Positively changed the Wallabies’ attack when he came on, adding some pace at rucks.
22. Tom Lynagh – 6
Didn’t do anything wrong when he came on the field and added a spark to the backline. Expect him to feature next week in Perth.
23. Dylan Pietsch – 6
Was desperate for work and got heavily involved, but a costly knock-on at the end of the game.
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