Australia produced a remarkable comeback to score six tries and shock the reigning world champions and Rugby Championship holders in their Johannesburg fortress, Ellis Park.
Arendse (1'), Esterhuizen (12'), Kolisi (17')
Tries
Pietsch (28'), Wilson (42', 63'), Suaalii (57'), Jorgensen (65'), Wright (75')
Libbok (2', 18')
Conversions
O'Connor (43', 58', 64', 66')
Libbok (8')
Penalties
Australia produced a remarkable comeback to score six tries and shock the reigning world champions and Rugby Championship holders in their Johannesburg fortress, Ellis Park.
The Wallabies showed their renewed vigour and confidence from victory over the British and Irish Lions in the third test, to fight back from trailing 22-0 by the 18th minute and not allowing the Springboks any more scores before the final whistle.
Kurt-Lee Arendse started the scoring after four minutes as the Springboks came flying out of the traps. André Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi crossed before the 20 minute mark and with Mannie Libbock converting two of the scores and adding a penalty, they appeared set for a huge victory.
Australia were buoyed by Dylan Pietsch’s try just before the half hour mark, and when captain Harry Wilson scored the first of his brace soon after halftime, their confidence grew further.
Joseph Sua'ali' scored to put the hosts within touching distance, and Wilson’s second put the Wallabies ahead for the first time. Max Jorgensen stretched the lead further, and Tom Wright wrapped up the scoring with four minutes to go.
It was a memorable showing from Wilson, who led from the front. Nic White and James O’Connor rolled back the years at halfback to take control of the match, and Len Ikitau worked tirelessly in the centre.
Australia coach Joe Schmidt has turned The Rugby Championship on its head already, while one wonders how South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus will react ahead of the return match in Cape Town next Saturday.
BOKS FROM THE BLOCKS
South Africa didn’t hang around and after Wright fumbled an up and under, the ball went through multiple pairs of hands, with a notable carry from Kolisi, before Aphelele Fassi gave Arendse a simple run in.
Libbock converted and then made it double figures with a penalty. Even so Australia were secure in the early scrums and lineouts, and the match swung back and forth with O’Connor on the end of one thumping tackle.
Esterhuizen grabbed the Boks second try, and his first for his country, after Jessie Kriel’s break, and Pieter-Steph du Toit’s support played mayhem in the Australia defence.
It was early, but it was all South Africa, and even Will Skelton made little headway. They went phase after phase, and while Fraser McReight made an important steal, the Boks soon had it back and it was Kolisi who crossed after wave after wave of relentless drives.
Australia were enjoying the breakdown though and after four penalties, they kicked to the corner, put the ball through their hands and Pietsch went over in the corner.
Pietsch was soon off though as Kolisi’s shoulder caught his chin, with Andrew Kellaway joining the fray. Australia dug in and scrambled in defence before a Springbok error at a lineout ended the half.
CAPTAIN’S KNOCK
Wilson continued his side’s momentum when he took Angus Bell’s pop pass to run in. South Africa’s lineout wobbles continued with a fourth one lost, while du Toit knocked on with the line at his mercy.
White continued to boss his side, and Tom Hooper came up with another breakdown steal, and they even managed to out-maul the Boks.
The Wallabies were coming close, but despite errors letting off South Africa their belief didn’t drop, and Suaalii dragged them within a score when he made an intercept and raced clear. It was a test of nerve, a question of who would blink first.
South Africa tried to force the game, and Arendse knocked on from a Libbock crosskick. Australia just kept grafting, and after Wright held off three tacklers in his half, he raced away and found Hooper who put the Wallabies on the edge of a memorable win.
Two minutes later Australia were over a score ahead. They claimed the restart, went charging up field, where Jorgensen raced clear. With the clock running down and the Boks chasing a fourth try that would secure a bonus point, Wright swooped on a loose ball, beat two fatigued defenders to show that the Wallabies revival is firmly underway.
South Africa Starting XV (1-15) Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Marco van Staden, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi
South Africa Replacements (16-23) Bongi Mbonambi, Boan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse
Australia Starting XV (1-15) James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Nic White, James O'Connor, Dylan Pietsch, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright
Australia Replacements (16-23) Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway
