Five things we learnt from Wallabies - Springboks

Sat, Aug 16, 2025, 5:14 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies have announced themselves to the world with a 38-22 win over the Springboks.

Down 22-0, the Australians fired back and completed a sensational comeback to down the world number one side

Get your tickets to see the Wallabies take on Argentina and New Zealand during the 2025 Flight Centre Rugby Championship!

So what did we learn?

1. Never Left

Australia, stand up and soak that win in.

The Wallabies have produced their finest comeback to stun the world champions and achieve what seemed impossible 20 minutes into the game.

The growth of this team in the last 12 months has been remarkable, thanks to the confidence instilled by Joe Schmidt.

They broke down South Africa's defence and burned them on the counter attack to silence Ellis Park.

So often, a big win like they achieved against the Lions a fortnight ago is followed by a heavy defeat.

This was a statement: watch out, World Rugby.

2. Turn back time

James O'Connor turned back the clock for a classy performance in the flyhalf jersey.

He replicated Quade Cooper's efforts on the Gold Coast three years ago, stepping up and piecing apart the world champions.

The 'Boks troubled the Crusader early with their rush defence, but his wisdom was the difference with a number of lovely long balls to set his wingers free.

O'Connor capped off the win with a nice 50-22, showing he's still got it.

3. Bell on the ball

Angus Bell’s impact on the second half was a big factor in the Wallabies’ victory.

Bell sparked the Wallabies after the break with a big carry and lovely ball for Harry Wilson to dive over untouched.

He out bombed the Bomb Squad, brushing off defenders with ease.

Bell has found himself splitting time with James Slipper but once again, showed the value of finishers in the Joe Schmidt system.

4. Top of his game

Fraser McReight delivered his finest game in the gold jersey.

He got three big breakdown steals, leading the dogged Wallabies defence that held out the Springboks when they were heavy on attack.

McReight finished the night with 20 tackles, six clear of the next best, Tom Hooper.

Nick Frost also won his fair share of South African lineouts, whilst a crucial stopped maul right at half-time ensured they had a chance heading into the second half and can't be overlooked.

5. Walking wounded

The Wallabies win was only soured by a series of injuries.

For the second match in a row, Tate McDermott found himself on the wing as Australia’s rough iron continued.

Dylan Pietsch (jaw) and Len Ikitau (knee) both came from the field with injuries inside the first 50 minutes of the game, with Ikitau eventually returning.

Harry Wilson also departed after scoring his second try, with coach Joe Schmidt optimistic he avoided any serious injury.

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