South Africa rebounded from its defeat in the opening game of the rugby championship last week, beating Australia 30-22 in rain-soaked Cape Town.
Handre Pollard's boots proved to be decisive as the 31-year-old scored 15 points, consisting of three free throw goals and three conversions.
Canan Moodie, Kwagga Smith and Eben Etzebeth competed in the world championships, and they took the lead 22-0 in Johannesburg last time, defeating 38-22.
“Sometimes, it's just going to go back right away,” said head coach Rassie Erasmus.
“I don’t think it’s a good show, but when we lost a game, everyone started analyzing the team and the enthusiasm.
“We had to look at each other and we balanced the better kick and running. There was always pressure at home, so it was important for me to rebound after last week.”
Australia also made three attempts with Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen and Brandon Paenga-Amosa, but couldn't replicate the amazing comeback last weekend.
They were close to the lost bonus point, but James O'Connor missed two penalty attempts in the last few minutes. This means the Kangaroos are second at the table, with five points in two games.
Australian Captain Fraser McReight said: “It was a great physical battle and I'm very proud of my boys. We fight until the end.”
“Two weeks here are tough. There was a time when we got the ball back, the results might be different. But that's the beauty of football.”
South Africa is third in four points and will next go to the New Zealand leaders who need at least one victory in two matches if they have the chance to defend their championship.