South Africa 22-38 Australia: A Stunning Comeback in Rugby Championship Opener
In an unexpected turn of events, Australia makes a remarkable comeback against world champions, South Africa, in the opening match of the Rugby Championship. The Wallabies, who were 22-0 down, managed to beat South Africa 38-22 in Johannesburg, shattering the reigning champion’s aura of invincibility. This astounding victory not only marks their first win at Ellis Park since 1963 but also raises a pertinent question: Is Australian rugby back?
For the first quarter of the game, the Springboks dominated the field. Within the initial 20 minutes, they established a commanding lead with tries scored by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen, and their captain, Siya Kolisi. However, the tide began to turn as the Wallabies took control at the breakdown point. Harry Wilson, the Australian captain, played a crucial role in this dramatic shift and scored two tries, demonstrating an exceptional display of skill and strategy.
Adding to this remarkable comeback were Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, and Joseph Suaalii, who also crossed for the visitors before Tom Wright’s superb solo try rounded off what will be remembered as one of Australia’s greatest Test wins. This victory is particularly significant considering it was their first match since their 2-1 series defeat by the British and Irish Lions.
The Springboks’ coach, Rassie Erasmus, was understandably disappointed with the outcome. He minced no words in expressing his frustration over the shock loss, stating, “We were dogshit”. The defeat has indeed left many wondering about the team’s performance in the upcoming matches of the Championship.
On the other hand, Joe Schmidt, Australia’s coach, praised his team’s courage and resilience. “At 22-0 down after the first quarter, there was real courage again from the players,” Schmidt told South African TV channel SuperSport. He acknowledged that they took risks and benefitted from a few lucky bounces, yet he was also realistic about the challenges ahead. “But at the same time, I am incredibly proud of the group. I am realistic about getting a little bit of luck, but delighted we came back. 1963 was a long time ago, so the players are delighted,” he added.
While the Australians have every reason to celebrate, they also remain cognizant of the fact that there is a long way to go in the Championship. This victory, however impressive, is only the beginning. The Rugby Championship continues, with Argentina hosting New Zealand later on Saturday in Cordoba. As for the Wallabies, this triumph at Ellis Park is a major boost, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season of rugby.
As the Rugby Championship progresses, both the Springboks and the Wallabies will look to build on their respective experiences from the opening match. The South Africans will, undoubtedly, aim to recover from this setback, while the Australians will seek to maintain their winning momentum. With the Rugby Championship just beginning, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and stunning performances from their favourite teams. After all, in the world of sports, anything can happen!