Sobering lessons for Australia boss Eddie Jones

REALITY CHECK: Australia boss Eddie Jones. Pic: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

Australia were thoroughly outplayed by a rampant South Africa in their 43-12 Rugby Championship loss in Pretoria on Saturday, but coach Eddie Jones believes they will be better for the lessons learnt.

Jones cut a disconsolate figure as he assessed the manner in which his side were picked apart by a Springbok team who scored six tries despite being without several of their regulars who were sent as an advanced party to New Zealand for next weekend’s fixture against the All Blacks in Auckland.

"We were outplayed everywhere, beaten in every department," Jones said. "Really disappointing but no excuses. We got a realistic appraisal of where we are as a team."

Australia conceded two penalty tries, received two yellow cards and were forced into numerous errors with ball in hand.

"The discipline breakdown comes from pressure," Jones said. "If you look at the stats, they (South Africa) had 66% territory and 66% possession. We were forced into the errors.

"There is a game next week (against Argentina in Sydney) and we will be better. It is a bad day at the office and we have to front up and play better than that.

"The only positive we got from the game is the first 20 minutes, we tried to play with pace and we looked dangerous but were not able to sustain that effort."

Jones praised South Africa’s attack and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored a hat-trick of tries.

"They were good today. Good with their forward carry, they moved the ball skilfully. They took their opportunities. (Arendse) is a real talent to come out of the South African system."

A blistering start from New Zealand laid the platform for their comfortable 41-12 victory over hosts Argentina in Mendoza, as flyhalf Damian McKenzie made a strong case for Rugby World Cup inclusion.

The All Blacks ran in three tries in the opening 12 minutes and led 31-0 at halftime as hooker Dane Coles, number eight Ardie Savea, centres Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane, scrum-half Aaron Smith, full back Beauden Barrett and debutant wing Emoni Narawa all scored.

McKenzie, playing his first test since 2021, was wayward from the kicking tee, but his ability as a playmaker to put others into space was clear and a timely reminder of his qualities for coach Ian Foster, who selected him ahead of Richie Mo'unga.

"I'm really pleased with the way we started, the first half we were outstanding," New Zealand captain Sam Cane said. "The second half was a bit of an arm-wrestle but I am proud of that result.

"The key to the first 20 minutes was our discipline and how ruthless we were on attack. We were really clinical and able to get the ball into space."

Reuters