Ellis Park in Johannesburg was buzzing with energy on Saturday as the Rugby Championship kicked off.
Fans were barely settled when the Springboks exploded out of the gates, looking unstoppable.
Within the first 20 minutes, South Africa had surged to a 22-0 lead, seemingly on course for a comfortable victory.
But the game would take an unexpected twist as Australia mounted one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent history, ultimately claiming a 38-22 win.
South Africa Dominates Early Exchanges
From kick-off, the Springboks played like a team on a mission.
Kurt-Lee Arendse darted down the wing to score just 96 seconds into the match, thanks to perfect passing sequences and a handling error from Aussie fullback Tom Wright.
Manie Libbok’s accurate boot added the extras and a penalty shortly after, pushing the home side to 10-0 within ten minutes.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Andre Esterhuizen crossed the line for his first Test try in his 21st appearance, after slick interplay between Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Libbok’s first conversion attempt missed, but he would make up for it later.
Siya Kolisi then added his 13th Test try, capitalizing on tired Wallaby defenders to give the Boks a commanding 22-0 lead.
Wallabies Start Chipping Away
Despite the strong start, South Africa began to show cracks.
Over-eagerness at the breakdown led to a string of penalties, giving Australia opportunities to get back into the game.
Dylan Pietsch’s try in the corner broke the scoring drought for the visitors and signaled that the Wallabies weren’t going down without a fight.
The Springboks maintained control until halftime, but they couldn’t extend their lead.
By contrast, Australia seemed to grow stronger and more confident as the first half ended.
Second Half Turnaround Stuns Johannesburg
The second half belonged to the Wallabies. Within three minutes, No 8 Harry Wilson raced onto a pass from Angus Bell to score, cutting the deficit and shaking the home crowd.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s intercept try later brought Australia within a single score at 22-19, turning what seemed like a routine home win into a nail-biting contest.
Australia didn’t stop there. Wilson scored his second, followed by Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright adding tries in a rapid-fire sequence.
The Wallabies’ relentless attacks exposed gaps in the Springboks’ defence, leaving Ellis Park stunned as Australia turned a 22-point deficit into a 16-point triumph.
Key Scorers and Stats
South Africa:
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Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi
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Conversions: Manie Libbok (2)
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Penalty: Libbok
Australia:
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Tries: Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson (2), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright
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Conversions: James O’Connor (4)
Lineups
South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Boan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse
Australia: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, James O’Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway
Where It Went Wrong for the Springboks
A fast start and early dominance couldn’t mask lapses in discipline, missed opportunities, and a Wallabies side that refused to quit.
What looked like a walk in the park quickly became a lesson in momentum and resilience.
