The Wallabies faced a new-look Springboks side on Saturday, but the result of the second Test against the world champions was the same as the first – comprehensive defeat, by 18 points.
As Joe Schmidt’s players pack their bags for the trip to Argentina – where the Wallabies will face a los Pumas side high on confidence after a rare victory over the All Blacks two weeks ago – what lessons do they need to learn from their performance in Perth?
Wrap Angus Bell in a big ball of cotton wool
The job of a loosehead prop is unglamorous but crucial – and Angus Bell reminded the Wallabies of the difference a world-class practitioner of the craft can make to the team.
After injuring his toe playing for the Waratahs in April, it was feared Bell would need to change positions due to the strain on his feet when scrummaging.
Bell had surgery to reshape his foot and, on his return to the Wallabies side, provided an immediate difference to the scrum, providing much-needed stability.
In his 40 minutes on the field, the Wallabies did not concede a single scrum penalty – indeed they won two.
Bell’s importance also goes beyond his ability in the scrum: in a team desperate to break the gain line, he uses his feet to find soft shoulders........