South Africa’s new-look side emphatically overpowered Australia in all facets of the game during the second Rugby Championship test in Perth on Saturday.

Despite extensive changes to the team, the Springboks delivered a dominant performance, securing a 30-12 victory at Optus Stadium. While they controlled the match, they managed only one try in the first half.

This win marked the Springboks’ third consecutive victory over Australia in Australia, a feat unmatched since their four-match winning streak between 1971 and 1993.

Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth, who replaced injured captain Salmat Moerat in the first half, reached a significant milestone with his 124th Test cap, equaling Bryan Habana’s record and moving within three caps of Victor Matfield’s all-time Springbok record of 127 Tests.

The Springboks started brightly as Cheslin Kolbe broke through the Australian defense, but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu dropped the offload. Winger Makazole Mapimpi also came close to scoring but was tackled just short of the line.

However, Aphelele Fassi crossed the try line in the 17th minute to give the Springboks a narrow 9-11 halftime lead.

The second half witnessed a surge in Springbok dominance, with three tries extending their advantage. Marco van Staden opened the scoring early in the half, followed by Malcolm Marx’s two tries from well-executed driving mauls.

Pieter-Steph du Toit thought he was through for the fifth try but was stopped shot, but the Boks did no need that as they sealed the victory with a bonus point and securing South Africa’s position at the top of the Rugby Championship standings.

The Springboks now face two crucial Rugby Championship clashes against New Zealand, first at Ellis Park Stadium later this month and then at DHL Stadium in early September.

The All Blacks maintained their unbeaten record at Eden Park Stadium, stretching to 50 matches, after a convincing 42-10 victory over Argentina on Saturday.