1. South Africa’s pack are a handful
Coach Allister Coetzee has sensibly aligned his strategy on a traditional Bok strength, while his three-quarter line remains in flux. South Africa keep it tight through the middle of the park, often using a dummy runner off the scrum-half, before Steyn plays a flatter pass to two strike-running forwards. 
The key strength is the pack’s ability to keep the ball alive, which resulted in some exhilarating passages of play against the Wallabies. The Boks made 12 offloads, six of those from the back row of Warren Whiteley, Francois Louw, and Teboho Mohoje.
Hooker Adriaan Strauss carried for 54m and the Springboks won all four mauls and 97% of their rucks. South Africa’s tight eight created the platform for Steyn to kick the points: it’s simple, in-your-face rugby, but, in the hands of this pack, it can be very effective.
2. South Africa’s defence is not
South Africa missed 21 tackles against the Wallabies and, as in the reverse fixture in the series, were vulnerable to the quick flat inside pass, especially when Australia counter-attacked. The Wallabies created mismatches in attack, with the Bok line strung out and not always picking the right moments to push up.
The hosts’ kicking game was also off in Pretoria, with Pat Lambie frequently missing touch or kicking too deep. South Africa won because their set-piece functioned well, their pack drove the ball forwards and Australia elected to kick for points rather than territory.
But, for all the excitement of the Springboks attacking phase play, they are vulnerable; it’s a combination that guarantees an exciting fixture next month.
3. Francois Hougaard is a real star
When Rudy Paige left the field after a blow to the head in the 57th minute, Worcester Warriors’ Hougaard switched from the wing to take over scrum-half duties, showcasing his impressive versatility in the backline.
The 28-year-old ran for 55m against the Wallabies, more than any South African, making one clean break and beating two defenders. But it was his physicality at the breakdown that really impressed. After a series on the sevens circuit, Hougaard, who is not the biggest three-quarter, has developed a superb counter-rucking style, getting low and driving upwards to disrupt the Wallabies at the breakdown.
His team ethic, running style and unyielding defence makes him very awkward to play against. A potentially intriguing encounter against George North awaits in November.
