Rugby-Australia coach Schmidt hopes for better start against fired-up Springboks

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - Australia Captain's Run - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 15, 2025 Australia head coach Joe Schmidt during training REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -Australia coach Joe Schmidt is banking on his side making a faster start to the second Rugby Championship test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday, and not having to dig quite as deep as last weekend’s heroic win at Ellis Park.

The Springboks dominated the opening quarter in Johannesburg to take a 22-0 lead inside 18 minutes, before Australia roared back in the second half for a stunning 38-22 victory at a ground where they had not won in 62 years.