Rookie Herschel Jantjies the difference as Springboks get the jump on the Wallabies

Herschel Jantjies scored a brace on a memorable debut as South Africa secured a 35-17 win over Australia in their opening Rugby Championship clash at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park.

Jantjies put the hosts ahead after just seven minutes before Lood de Jager extended the Springboks’ advantage.

Dane Haylett-Petty gave Australia hope with his side’s opening try of the evening to leave them trailing 14-10 at the interval.

But South Africa dominated after the break. Sibusiso Nkosi got his name on the scoresheet with 55 minutes gone.

Jantjies then went over for a second time before substitute Cobus Reinach sealed a convincing bonus-point victory in the closing seconds.

Cobus Reinach!! A third scrumhalf try for the Boks as they finish off in style at a pumping Emirates Airline Park. Elton Jantjies adds the extras and it's 35-17 for the Boks, what a way to get their season underway! Well done boys! #StrongerTogether #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/VuPySH6Q5W

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 20, 2019

SOUTH AFRICA: Warrick Gelant; Sibusiso Nkosi, Jesse Kriel, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Lodewyk de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira. Reps: Schalk Brits, Lizo Gqoboka, Vincent Koch, Marvin Orie, Marcel Coetzee, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn, Dillyn Leyds.
Scorers – Tries: H.Jantjies 2, De Jager, Nkosi, Reinach; Cons: E Jantjies 5.
Yellow card – Esterhuizen (20 – high tackle).

AUSTRALIA: Tom Banks; Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge; Bernard Foley, Nic White; Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Sekope Kepu, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper. Reps: Jordan Uelese, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Will Genia, Matt To’omua, Kurtley Beale.
Scorers – Tries: Haylett-Petty, Foley; Con: Foley 2, Pen: Foley.
Yellow card – Taniela Tupou (53 – dangerous cleanout).

Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand).

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