South Africa's Jean de Villers was all smiles as the Springboks overpowered the Wallabies © Getty Images

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Matches: Australia 12 - 38 South Africa

Picture Gallery: Australia 12-38 South Africa

Jubilant coach Heyneke Meyer praised his Springboks' mental strength and resolute defence as they inflicted their biggest win over the Wallabies in Australia on Saturday.

South Africa overpowered Australia with three tries in eight second-half minutes to run away with a 38-12 win over the Wallabies. It was the Springboks' first win over the Wallabies in Australia for four years and their first in nine attempts in Brisbane more than 42 years.

Meyer enthusiastically cheered each of South Africa's four tries, while his team restricted to Wallabies to just four penalty goals in a dominant performance.

"I'm very emotional about the win. I really, really believed in this team. I believe we're growing," Meyer told reporters after the game. "I truly believe this Wallabies side is a good side. I know how Ewen (McKenzie) feels. You're almost on a hiding to nothing. It's only your first and second game -- it takes time. They'll be back."

The victory set up South Africa for a showdown with New Zealand, the other unbeaten team in the Rugby Championship, next weekend in Auckland.

"We need to be humble next week and even in South Africa it's going to be a hell of a challenge," he said. "People believe we can't score tries. We scored 70 points (against Argentina) in South Africa, then we struggled away from home and got criticised and now we've scored four tries again. You get this game out of the way, stay humble. Next game it's a tough encounter. Obviously you build. The guys are getting mentally stronger.

"There're still three tough games to come and the championship waiting. Forget this game and start focusing on the next one. It's been a huge, huge mental thing," he said, adding that the next game is "going to be a real great challenge".

"I think our defence was awesome tonight. Our loose forwards at the breakdown were really good."