White suffers defeat on Wallabies return

By Mark Stevens
20/7/19

Nic White returned to the international stage for the first time in almost four years, but his return ended in disappointment as Australia suffered defeat in their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg.

The Exeter Chiefs scrum-half featured for 66 minutes, but was unable to help the Wallabies from crashing 35-17 at Ellis Park

South Africa's Herschel Jantjies scored two tries on his debut, while Lood De Jager, S'busiso Nkosi and Cobus Reinach also scored tries as South Africa earned a bonus-point win despite resting a number of regulars.

Elton Jantjies made all five conversions.

In reply, full-back Dane Haylett-Petty and back Kurtley Beale scored Australia's two tries.

Australia are next in action this Saturday in Brisbane when they play host to Argentina, who narrowly lost 20-16 to New Zealand in their opening fixture in Buenos Aires.