Eddie Jones' return as Wallabies coach has not gone to plan, beaten 43-12 by a second-string South African side, and he has let his frustrations be seen.
After replacing Dave Rennie for his second stint in charge of Australia, Jones watched his side outplayed from the first whistle at Pretoria.
With South Africa clearly having one eye fixed on the All Blacks, sending an advance party to New Zealand before next week's clash at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Jones was asked about his relief at not playing against a full-strength side.
In trademark style, he didn't hold back in his response.
"I tell you what, mate," began Jones, 63. "South Africans are good at winning.
"You don't have to be a smartarse, mate."
The chastening loss will no doubt serve as a wake-up call for Jones and his Wallabies. Few fancy Australia to contend for the Rugby World Cup title, even from the favourable side of the draw.
Now, before returning home to face Argentina - who lost as badly against the All Blacks at Mendoza - Jones concedes work must be done by his side.
"We were outplayed everywhere, beaten in every department," Jones said. "Really disappointing, but no excuses.
"We got a realistic appraisal of where we are as a team. There is a game next week and we will be better.
"It is a bad day at the office, and we have to front up and play better than that.
"The only positive we got from the game is the first 20 minutes, we tried to play with pace and we looked dangerous, but were not able to sustain that effort."
After the opening round, Jones' Wallabies sit last on the Rugby Championship ladder, behind Argentina on points differential.
