Australia pulled off a stunning 38-22 victory over South Africa in the Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park, their first win at the venue since 1963.
The Wallabies looked dead and buried after conceding three tries in the opening 20 minutes, with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi putting the Springboks 22-0 up.
But Joe Schmidt’s side hit back in remarkable fashion, scoring 38 unanswered points. Captain Harry Wilson led the charge with two tries, while Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen and Joseph Suaalii also crossed. Tom Wright then sealed the result with a brilliant solo effort.
Schmidt praised his players’ resilience, saying: “At 22-0 down after the first quarter, there was real courage from the players…1963 was a long time ago, so the players are delighted.”
The victory ends a six-decade Ellis Park drought for Australia and gives Schmidt his first Rugby Championship win in charge.
English