Four-time World Cup champions and defending champions, South Africa, were brought down to earth in their opening 2025 Rugby Championship test match.
Australia recorded their first win over the Springboks in South Africa in 14 years, beating the home side 38-22 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Springboks started like a house on fire and raced into 22-nil lead inside the first quarter. But sloppy lineouts, penalties at breakdowns, unforced errors at critical times and complacency turned the match on its head.
The Wallabies scored six unanswered tries to turn a 22-5 halftime deficit into the biggest upset imaginable as their resurgence continues.
The two teams meet again in Cape Town next Saturday, where the home of the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate for the next 12 months will also be decided.
Reaction from #Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus: “We as coaches got it terribly wrong and we have to look at ourselves before we point fingers at the players” 🗣#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 16, 2025
