Wallabies player ratings: Incredible veteran half-backs lead resurgent Australia to historic victory

The Wallabies turned over the Springboks 38-22 at Ellis Park on Saturday in one of the most historic underdog victories in rugby history. 

Wallabies player ratings v Springboks

15 Tom Wright: It wasn’t the glitzy start he was hoping for, missing his first couple of high balls under immense Springboks pressure, but his day turned around in the second half. First off, he brilliantly halted Edwill van der Merwe’s catch and collect with an expert read down the touchline. Shortly afterwards, he made a tremendous breakaway to set up Harry Wilson’s second try before later being rewarded with his own to seal the victory for the Wallabies. 8

14 Max Jorgensen: Like his teammates, it was a quiet first half for the speedster. The second, he truly opened up, scoring a simply insane try in the corner that left Manie Libbok in the dust to stretch the Wallabies’ lead. 7

13 Joseph Suaalii: The former rugby league star was a big part of the phases that led to the first try, showing his innate ability to keep the ball alive at vital times. His athleticism was on full display later when he intercepted to stretch away from the flailing Springbok defence. He is certainly making that centre position his own. 8

12 Len Ikitau: A brilliant one-two to set up the first try, he was involved in almost everything in both attack and defence. Despite being incredibly busy, his impact wasn’t the biggest. 6

11 Dylan Pietsch: One of the stars of the Lions series, he was exactly where he was needed to score the first try, collecting Ikitau’s pass to finish expertly in the corner. Defensively, however, he proved to be a liability, missing multiple tackles during the match. Removed after just 30 minutes following a head knock. 5

10 James O’Connor: His first international Test since 2022. Looked unprepared early on, putting his team in danger with a hospital pass, which created a penalty to the Springboks. From then on, he barely put a foot wrong. Was one of the few players actively looking to break the line with the ball in hand, throwing some pinpoint long passes and attacking the gain line at every possible opportunity. The only other blemish on his evening was when he punted the ball 60 metres over the dead-ball line late into the second half. Overall, he had a fantastic game, concluding with a brilliant 50:22 at the death. 9

9 Nic White: Following the shortest retirement of all time, White was back to control his side in the biggest of games. Like the last match for the Wallabies, he created havoc amongst the opposition forwards and ensured that his own side were given clean possession. It certainly feels that this lad still has plenty to give. 8

Eddie Jones: I inherited Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok laptop, I couldn’t believe my eyes

Forwards

8 Harry Wilson: Poorly gave away a penalty in the first half when the Springboks were under pressure, but, like his teammates, his struggles didn’t last for long. His work in the lineout was second to none, giving the Wallabies the platform they needed to turn the defence into attack. Scored a terrific try early into the second half to get his side right back into the match before stretching away 20 minutes later to give his side the lead with his second try. 8

7 Fraser McReight: Was one of the few players keeping his side in the match in the first half. He was brilliant at the breakdown, making some vital turnovers as a specialist jackler, and made the big hits when needed. Even when his side struggles, he always stands out. 9

6 Tom Hooper: A huge work rate in the second half after being strangely quiet in the first. He threw himself into contact, making sure that he was the one taking the hits while his teammates took the glory. 6

5 Will Skelton: Struggled to make quite the same impact against the Springboks as he did against the Lions. His opposite number, Eben Etzebeth, utterly dominated as the two giants finally clashed. Skelton didn’t seem to be able to keep up with the speed of the match. 6

4 Nick Frost: Did brilliantly in the lineout, as always, and survived the full 80, putting immense pressure on the crumbling bomb squad. 7

3 Taniela Tupou: Held his own in the scrum and emptied the tank in defence before being removed at the half. 6

2 Billy Pollard: Was guilty of overthrowing an early lineout, but was defensively crucial in making sure the early Springboks lead didn’t extend any further. Threw an awful lineout on the Boks’ five-metre line just as the Wallabies were set to get back in the match. To make it worse, he did the same just moments later. The third time, White just about latched onto the ball over the top. Pollard needs to be more consistent in these vital areas. 5

1 James Slipper: Held his own against the mighty Springboks pack, but will have been pleased to leave the field early in the second half as his ageing body was starting to show. 6

Replacements: Andrew Kellaway had a tremendous impact when he came on, leading the counter-attacking efforts and making an incredible try-saving tackle on Aphelele Fassi late into the first half. Angus Bell had a major impact on arrival, bashing the Springboks defence back with every charge. It was McDermott who once again had the biggest impact, however, as he electrified the Wallabies backline, making jinking yards with every carry. 9

READ MORE: Siya Kolisi: Springboks’ mindset has changed, we want to win everything and be the best all the time