In an effort to revive rugby Down Under, the Wallabies delivered a performance for the ages — and for the first time in 62 years, silenced Ellis Park.
Australia celebrated victory in Johannesburg, rallying from a 22-0 deficit to defeat world champions South Africa 38-22 in what has already been dubbed the greatest comeback in Australian rugby history.
The Springboks raced to a four-try advantage, and many feared another bruising reminder of the Wallabies’ struggles. Instead of accepting defeat, Joe Schmidt’s side roared back, scoring 38 unanswered points through a mix of forward power and clinical finishing.
Captain Harry Wilson crossed twice in the fightback before leaving the field with a knee injury, while winger Dylan Peach suffered a suspected broken jaw, leaving Schmidt with fresh concerns despite the triumph.
“This was a special win,” Schmidt said. “But one night doesn’t fix everything — we need to keep building if we want to consistently compete at this level.”
The result ended a 61-year Ellis Park drought and marked Australia’s first win in South Africa since 2011, breathing hope into a rugby nation desperate for revival.
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Can this comeback revive the sport back home?
Years of poor results, falling attendances, and financial instability have pushed rugby to the margins in a crowded sporting landscape dominated by AFL and rugby league.
The Wallabies’ disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign, where they crashed out in the pool stage for the first time, was the lowest ebb.
Saturday’s comeback in Johannesburg offers a glimpse of what Australian rugby could be again — but it also underlines just how far the Wallabies still have to go to restore their former glory.