All 18 of South Africa's points came from penalties and drop goals, while for the Wallabies, winger Reece Hodge lost his radar, missing all three attempts at goal from long range, which proved to be costly.

The Wallabies had more possession (55 per cent) and territory (60 per cent), but just couldn't penetrate a robust Springboks line when it mattered.

The score remained at 12-10 from half-time until the 76th minute when five-eighth Morne Steyn kicked his fourth penalty from five attempts before his drop goal in the last minute of regular time sunk the Wallabies and continued their winless record at Loftus Versfeld and a five-year drought on South African soil.

In terms of key moments, the pendulum swung the way of the home side when Israel Folau was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute for a late shot on Springboks winger Bryan Habana.

Folau put his hands in the air in an attempt to show the contact was not deliberate as Habana chipped and chased but immediately fell to his knees after being hit.

Ten minutes less of Folau hurt the Wallabies where it counted though – on the scoreboard.

Steyn kicked two penalties in the five minutes before half-time when the Wallabies had 14 men, putting South Africa ahead by two points at the break, much to the frustration of Australian coach Michael Cheika.

The quintessential hostility of the Loftus Versfeld crowd that was supposed to be directed at the Wallabies was instead channelled to referee Wayne Barnes.

It started when Bernard Foley appeared to knock-on a high kick and it left the locals screaming for justice.

They calmed down shortly after when Folau was sent from the field and would have been happy to see Australia's ill-discipline in the Rugby Championship continue as they conceded 10 penalties to South Africa's eight.

From the outset, both teams stated their intent in the way they wanted to play.

The Wallabies reverted to running rugby, for in recent matches they have played field position over the 'Australian' style that Cheika said during the week he wanted to see more of.

On the other hand, the Springboks caught the Wallabies off guard with a 30-metre drop goal to Steyn in the fifth minute.

It was an evening of bizarre occurrences. Prop Scott Sio barged over for his first Test try in 23 appearances to give the visitors an early 10-3 lead after 15 minutes.

Then 22-year-old Hodge attempted what could well have been the longest penalty in Test history, if he had kicked it. At approximately 64 metres out from the Springboks posts, on an angle, Hodge's kick shaved the underside of the crossbar in what was a mighty attempt.

He had another two attempts from 43 metres and 46 metres – albeit on angles - but missed both; a sign that while his boot has got heat, it isn't as accurate as it could be yet.

Aside from losing the ball on one occasion, No.8 Sean McMahon displayed all the characteristics we have seen from him this year in a big opening 40 minutes.

He ran the ball hard and was effective at the breakdown but appeared to have picked up an ankle injury judging by the attention he received late in the first half from medical staff.

Scott Fardy replaced McMahon at No.8, which will no doubt ignite debate as to who should play at the back of the scrum in London against Argentina. Lopeti Timani would be the obvious replacement.

Second-rower Rob Simmons went off with a concussion in the 45th minute. He did not return but was cleared of any serious head trauma.

Springboks skipper Adriaan Strauss was inspirational in every sense of the word. Aside from his bulldozing runs up the middle, it could be argued he had just as good a game as a back - making a number of line breaks and kicking for field position. It really was quite a sight.

Meanwhile, Sefa Naivalu officially became Wallabies player No. 900 when he came on in the 69th minute. However, he had minimal impact, making two tackles and zero carries.