Bok coach frustrated after Wallabies loss: 'We created but didn't convert opportunities into points'

Frustrated South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber rued missed opportunities and handling errors for costing them their Rugby Championship match against Australia, but said lessons had been learned for the second Test next weekend. 

After conceding a try in the opening minute, the world champion Springboks dominated possession in the first half at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, but despite intense pressure, failed to make it count and trailed 10-3 at the break. 

They finished strongly with two late Kwagga Smith tries to deny the tiring Wallabies a bonus point, but their lack of finishing in the first 40 minutes proved decisive and they crashed 25-17. 

Nienaber noted a similar scenario in their recent Test against Wales and a fortnight ago against New Zealand, when they created plenty of chances but didn't capitalise. 

"It was frustrating how many opportunities we created but didn't convert into points," he said. "It is something that has happened in our last few games, so we will work hard to correct that. 

"We were in Australia's 22 about 13 times, if not more, and we didn't come away with points a lot of the time, and when they were in our 22, they used their chances well and got the rewards for it." 

Defeat left the World Cup winners propping up the Rugby Championship table with just one win from three, trailing surprise leaders Argentina, who sit on top after their stunning 25-18 upset of the All Blacks in New Zealand. 

"We will have a good review of the game, take the lessons learned, and ensure that we are up for next week's clash in Sydney," added Nienaber. 

"The nice thing is that we will have another chance against Australia in seven days and hopefully we will be able to turn things around." 

Captain Siya Kolisi also pointed to