Five Springboks who flopped against Australia in Rugby Championship opener

Down 22–5 at the break and seemingly out of contention, Australia roared back to life as captain Harry Wilson led from the front with two powerhouse tries. Further scores from Joseph Sua’ali’i, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright completed a remarkable turnaround that may go down as one of the greatest Wallabies victories of the modern era.

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Entering the match as heavy underdogs, Schmidt’s men flipped the script and blew The Rugby Championship wide open with a performance full of belief, intensity, and precision.

But as the Wallabies soared, several key Springboks faltered. Here are five South African stars who flopped.

FLORUGBY 3/10: "His combative style is built on pushing breakdown limits, but against the Wallabies, he crossed the line too often.

"Penalised repeatedly, he failed to adapt as Australia grew in confidence. When his pack needed bite in the second half, van Staden’s influence faded badly. Easily one of his poorest outings in green."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Looked lively in the first 20, then forced off for a concussion check. Returned but never rediscovered his edge, conceding penalties and missing tackles."

FLORUGBY 4/10: "Sharp and dangerous when South Africa were dominant, Williams’ sniping runs forced Australian defenders into panicked reactions.

"But once momentum shifted, his game management evaporated. Kicks went astray, his pace put teammates under pressure, and he looked rattled. A classic case of a scrumhalf thriving only when conditions are perfect."

FLORUGBY 3/10: "Busy in the first half, Kriel worked tirelessly in defence and attack. But when the heat rose, mistakes crept in. His decision not to kick when space was there put Arendse in trouble, and being handed off by Tom Wright was poor. His blown opportunity late symbolised South Africa’s collapse."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Left in no-man’s land so often on defence and not all his own doing. Had some great runs and showed brilliance with ball in hand but not his best outing, particularly in the second half."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Started the game brightly, but much like many of his teammates, his bright start turned into a nightmare. His wide pass that Joseph Suaalii picked off was simply not on while his defence gifted Australia opportunities."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Excellent first half, marshalling a 15-point lead. But after the break it unravelled: one intercepted pass cost seven points and his defence fell apart."

FLORUGBY 5/10: "Etzebeth lived on the edge of the offside line all game, disrupting Australia’s rhythm and forcing hurried decisions.

"Beyond the physicality and carries, his unseen work on kick chase was immense. He linked play with offloads and clean breaks, but when momentum shifted, calls stopped going his way. A commanding but frustrated figure."