Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has weighed in on South Africa’s shock loss to Australia at Emirates Airline Park, describing it as a “real wake-up call” for the team ahead of this weekend’s clash in Cape Town .

Speaking to Hot 102.7FM Breakfast with Airlink, Mallett reflected on the high expectations following the Springboks’ strong start. “In the first 20 minutes, it was absolute perfection,” he said. “We dominated the contestable, carried the ball aggressively, and Siya Kolisi’s try came from classic direct play. But after that, we overplayed. We stopped kicking for territory, made mistakes, and handed Australia three tries. At this level, you can’t afford that.” 

Mallett emphasised that the Springboks’ game plan doesn’t need a complete overhaul but rather a balance between controlled territory play and the attacking flair shown in bursts. “It’s not about going back to just a straight kicking game,” he explained. “It’s about combining what worked so well early on with smarter decision-making. Test rugby is about transferring pressure when you’re not on the front foot — and we didn’t do that.”

Looking ahead to Cape Town, Mallett believes the return of experienced players like Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, and Cheslin Kolbe will provide much-needed stability.

“These are guys who’ve played eight years of Springbok rugby, won two World Cups and a Lions series. They know how to manage territory and big-match pressure. Add in Willie le Roux’s left boot alongside Pollard’s right, and you’ve got one of the most balanced kicking options in world rugby.”

Mallett also pointed to the stronger “bomb squad” effect off the bench, with Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager expected to bring added impact in the second half.

Despite the disappointment of last week, he remains cautiously optimistic. “It’s going to be gut-wrenchingly close, but I think the Boks will edge it by five to ten points. From there, the real test comes — taking on the All Blacks at Eden Park after two losses would be unimaginable.”

As the Springboks regroup in Cape Town’s wet winter conditions, Mallett’s analysis underscores the fine margins of test rugby — where a dominant 20 minutes is never enough, and where balance and discipline remain the keys to victory.

Listen to the full interview here: