Les Kiss hailed the Wallabies’ composure after surviving a dramatic late Springbok fightback to claim a 42-38 victory in Perth on Sunday.
Australia appeared to be cruising towards a convincing win when they opened up a 42-17 lead midway through the second half.
But the match descended into chaos in the closing stages as Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph Suaalii and Hunter Paisami were all shown yellow cards, leaving the Wallabies with just 11 players on the field.
The Boks took full advantage, scoring three late tries to move within four points and set up a frantic finish.
Kiss was delighted, however, by the way his players maintained their composure despite the pressure.
“It was bizarre for sure, just reflecting on it,” Kiss said of the flurry of yellow cards. “But in the end, the boys found a way.
“The pleasing thing for me was that there was a nice calmness, a bit of clarity and focus about what they had to do next. How they looked and felt in those tough moments was incredibly pleasing.”
Kiss also saw his selection gamble involving Suaalii pay off, with the 23-year-old making his first Test start on the wing after previously playing at outside centre.
The former rugby league star made an energetic contribution as the Wallabies continued to develop their backline combinations.
“I think tonight he found some good space,” Kiss said. “We’re trying to work on adapting our positions and get a bit of depth in our combinations.”
JASPER: Bok defeat maybe necessary
– AFP
Photo: Antony Dickson/Gallo Images
The post Kiss praises Wallabies’ zen in Bok thriller appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Les Kiss hailed the Wallabies’ composure after surviving a dramatic late Springbok fightback to claim a 42-38 victory in Perth on Sunday.
The post Kiss praises Wallabies’ zen in Bok thriller appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
