Rugby Championship: Round 1 Recap - Wallabies stun Springboks with incredible comeback win

The stand-out of the two matches was of course the contest at Ellis Park, as Australia pulled off the impossible in front of a packed house of green and gold. Joe Schmidt's Wallabies battle back from a 22-0 deficit, to run rampant against South Africa for an eventual 38-22 win. Meanwhile in Argentina, New Zealand ran in six tries against Los Pumas, and held off a second-half surge for a 41-24 win. The All Blacks are back at the top of the World Rugby rankings for the first time in four years, with the tone firmly set for the rest of the competition.

SOUTH AFRICA 22 - 38 AUSTRALIA / ARGENTINA 24 - 41 NEW ZEALAND

Australia pulled off a comeback for the ages, overturning a 22-0 deficit to beat South Africa 38-22 in Johannesburg for their first win at Ellis Park in 62 years. The Springboks were irresistible early, with Kurt-Lee Arendse finishing smartly before Jesse Kriel and André Esterhuizen combined to set up their captain Siya Kolisi. Manie Libbok’s boot added further scoreboard pressure, and inside 20 minutes the hosts were cruising at 22-0.

But from there, the Wallabies delivered 38 unanswered points in one of their finest modern-day performances. Dylan Pietsch opened their account before prop Angus Bell’s deft touch sent Harry Wilson over. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s 60-metre intercept brought the visitors within touching distance, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour.

Flanker Fraser McReight epitomised Australia’s resilience, disrupting the Boks at every breakdown. Tom Wright’s break then set up Wilson’s second, putting the Wallabies ahead for the first time. Moments later James O’Connor, superb on his Test return, released Max Jorgensen with a pinpoint pass for another. Wright sealed the victory himself after capitalising on a Springbok error.

It was a landmark result for Joe Schmidt’s men, breaking a decade-long drought in South Africa. Wilson and McReight were standout performers, though concerns linger with the captain limping off late and Pietsch battered in a collision with Kolisi. For the Wallabies, however, the night belonged to history – and to a comeback that will be remembered as one of their greatest.

TRIES: 6 (Pietsch, Wilson 2, Suaalii, Jorgensen, Wright)

CONVERSIONS: 4 (O'Connor)

TRIES: 3 (Arendse, Esterhuizen, Kolisi)

CONVERSIONS: 2 (Libbok)

PENALTIES: 1 (Libbok)

New Zealand began their Rugby Championship campaign with a 41-24 victory over Argentina in Cordoba, though it was far from straightforward after a scrappy third quarter. The All Blacks looked in total control at 31-10 by half-time, with Sevu Reece bagging a double and Cortez Ratima crossing after slick interplay from Will Jordan.

Ardie Savea also powered over from a maul, showcasing his usual dynamism at close range. At the set-piece, Codie Taylor and Tupou Vaa’i were central to a dominant lineout platform, while Beauden Barrett added steady points from the tee.

Argentina, however, showed fight after the break. Inspired by Pablo Matera and Marcos Kremer in the loose, and fly-half Tomás Albornoz’s sharp running game, the hosts rallied. Albornoz’s individual try cut the deficit before Joaquin Alviedo forced his way over to make it 24-31, raising hopes of a famous comeback.

The Pumas’ pressure was aided by New Zealand indiscipline, with Billy Proctor sin-binned for repeated infringements. Yet once composure returned, the All Blacks reasserted themselves. Replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho twice finished powerful mauls in the final quarter to seal the result and deny Argentina further momentum.

Despite the win, New Zealand will know improvements are needed. Their error count allowed Argentina back into the contest, while Anton Lienert-Brown’s late yellow card added to the frustration. Still, when the All Blacks clicked, their superiority at lineout and in open play proved decisive.It may not have been polished, but New Zealand’s power game ensured a strong start to their campaign.

TRIES: 3 (Isgro, Albornoz, Alviedo)

CONVERSIONS: 3 (Albornoz)

PENALTIES: 1 (Albornoz)

TRIES: 6 (Reece 2, Ratima, Savea. Taukei'aho 2)

CONVERSIONS: 4 (B. Barrett)

PENALTIES: 1 (B. Barrett)