Australia coach Joe Schmidt says he won't "bury the squad" after their record 67-27 loss to Argentina in the Rugby Championship, but will demand an immediate response from his young players.
The Wallabies conceded the most points in their Test history, leaking four of nine tries conceded in the final 10 minutes as Schmidt said his team "fell off a cliff" in hot conditions in Santa Fe.
A repeat of last week's 20-19 win in La Plata seemed on the cards as Australia opened up an early 20-3 lead, but that was reduced to 20-17 at the interval.
"I'm not going to bury the squad on the basis that one half is well below what our expectations are," Schmidt said.
"For me, it's really how the team respond now."
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus praised the competition within his squad after they took a giant step towards the title with a hard-fought 18-12 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town.
The world champions have now beaten the All Blacks four times in a row for the first time in 75 years.
The Springboks have several players well into their 30s but also an exciting group of youngsters, not least fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
AGENCIES
Argentina's Joaquin Oviedo is tackled by Allan Alaalatoa. AP
Siya Kolisi scores a try for the Springboks. AFP
