However, the South Africans had to work hard for their win in front of 56,350 supporters at a packed DHL Stadium, especially after last weekend’s shock loss to the Wallabies on the Highveld.

This victory, which saw South Africa retain the Mandela Challenge Plate, was built on a solid grind, with the forwards laying the foundation for a much-improved performance. The hosts made far too many unforced errors though, which disrupted their rhythm and allowed Australia to stay within striking distance at various stages of the game.

The Boks started the game in no-nonsense mood when Handré Pollard succeeded with two penalty goals to take a 6-0 lead. Their scrum was menacing, earning an impressive penalty which Pollard slotted with his second kick at the posts, while they attacked the breakdown with intent.

Australia, however, scored the first try when Corey Toole (wing) crossed in the left corner from a kick-through. With James O’Connor converting, they nudged ahead 7-6.

That narrow lead was short-lived when Canan Moodie (wing) went over after a Pollard cross-kick, and when the Bok flyhalf converted, the hosts had the momentum and a deserved 13-7 lead halfway through the opening spell.

Pollard pulled the strings at flyhalf with calmness and precision, and the two-time RWC winning playmaker caught out the Australian defence on several occasions with his pinpoint diagonal kicks to the corner.

Canan Moodie goes over for the first try of the match.

However, spot-on defence on both sides played a huge role in keeping the scoreboard from moving, with SA's dangerous strike runners.

Kwagga Smith, promoted to the starting pack as a late replacement for Jean-Luc du Preez, breached the Aussie defence six minutes before halftime after a sustained period of Bok pressure.

When Pollard added the extras, the Springboks were breathing a bit easier with a 20-7 advantage, but the Wallabies earned the last points of the half through a penalty goal by O’Connor as the teams went into the sheds with the home team leading by 20-10.

Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager were sent on four minutes into the second half, replacing Ruan Nortjé and RG Snyman as the fresh lock pairing. The two Bok giants had barely settled on the field when Australia added their second try through Max Jorgensen (wing), with the conversion making it 20-17.

But handling errors continued to frustrate the Boks as they sought a way to settle into their rhythm, allowing the Wallabies to gain important possession. Australia committed as many errors as well, and when their defence strayed offside, Pollard eased his third penalty goal over from mid-range as the Boks sought to keep the scoreboard pressure moving forward by taking a six-point lead with the score at 23-17.

Australia then hit back with their third try of the Test, from a maul, scored by replacement hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the Wallabies were now right back into the mix and just a point behind the Boks at 23-22 in the final quarter.

Kwagga Smith crashes over.

Etzebeth, the Boks’ most capped Test player, used his huge, muscular frame to barge over the whitewash four minutes from time as South Africa managed to convert pressure into points for their third converted try of the game.

This stretched the home team’s lead to 30-22 as the game entered the final stretch. Soon after, Cheslin Kolbe courageously snatched a turnover to thwart a Wallaby attack as the visitors launched an attempt to narrow the lead.

O’Connor had two more opportunities at goal – one of which after Aphelele Fassi was yellow-carded – but the pivot failed with both and they missed out on a losing bonus point.

The Springboks had a chance to score a fourth try at the end, but the game ended when Etzebeth slung his long pass out wide and into touch.

It may not have been the best performance, but the Boks would be pleased with the hard-fought win, and they will start preparing for the two Tests in New Zealand knowing there is room for improvement.

Pollard was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match award for another assured performance in the No 10 Green and Gold jersey, and the Springboks also managed to keep possession of the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate which was on offer between the two countries.

Scorers:

Springboks 30 (20) – Tries: Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith, Eben Etzebeth. Conversions: Handre Pollard (3). Penalty goals: Pollard (3).

Australia 22 (10) – Tries: Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen, Brandon Paenga-Amosa. Conversions: James O’Connor (2). Penalty goal: O’Connor.