South Africa bounced back from defeat to Australia in last week’s Rugby Championship opener with a battling 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in rain-soaked Cape Town.

The boot of Handre Pollard proved decisive as the 31-year-old kicked 15 points, made up of three penalty goals and three conversions.

Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith and Eben Etzebeth went over for the world champions, who blew a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22 in Johannesburg last time out.

“It was greasy out there, but we played well,” said Pollard.

“Our defence was good at times, though we also gave away some silly penalties. There is a lot to work on, but we take this result.

“We have wings who are unbelievable in the air and it is something the boys put a lot of effort into. We know there is a bigger plan with our squad and we trust the process.”

Australia also scored three tries through Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen and Brandon Paenga-Amosa but were unable to replicate last weekend’s stunning comeback.

They came close to a losing bonus point, but James O’Connor missed two penalty attempts in the final few minutes. It means the Wallabies sit second in the table with five points from two matches.

“It was a great physical battle out there and I am super proud of my boys. We fought right to the end,” said Australia captain Fraser McReight.

“It has been a tough two weeks over here. There were a few moments where if we got the ball back our way, the result could have been different. But that is the beauty of rugby.”

South Africa sit third on four points and will head to leaders New Zealand next, needing at least one win in two matches against the All Blacks if they are to have a chance of defending their title.