JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Australia toppled South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in 62 years with a sensational 38-22 comeback win from 22-0 down in the Rugby Championship opener on Saturday.
The Wallabies scored a remarkable six straight tries against the double world champion and Rugby Championship titleholder to earn the signature win of Joe Schmidt’s 18-month coaching reign.
Australia came to the highveld battle-hardened from the narrow home series loss to the British and Irish Lions, but its record in South Africa made it an obvious underdog. It hadn’t won in South Africa since 2011 or at Ellis Park since 1963.
The Springboks underlined their credentials by sprinting to 22-0 in 17 minutes with three well-made tries.
But they never scored again.
Australia didn’t panic, absorbed the blows, tightened its defense and watched a Springboks side packed with 18 World Cup winners wobble as the pressure was returned.
The Wallabies were 22-5 down at halftime, and went ahead for the first time in the 64th minute through captain Harry Wilson’s second try and last act of the match. They added two more tries to finish the stronger team at an altitude in which they have traditionally struggled for decades.
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The Associated Press
