Australia began their Rugby Championship campaign with a stunning 38-22 comeback victory against defending champions South Africa.

The Wallabies scored six tries without reply to overturn a 22-0 deficit against the Springboks in Johannesburg, with valuable contributions from Harry Wilson, Joseph Aukuso-Sua'ali'i and James O'Connor.

South Africa got off to the ideal start, with Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring inside the first minute before Andre Esterhuizen also got over the line 11 minutes later.

Another try from Siya Kolisi and a conversion goal from Manie Libbok saw the Springboks build a commanding lead, but a score from Dylan Pietsch sparked a brilliant comeback for Australia.

Wilson gave the Wallabies early momentum in the second half, scoring a try in the 45th minute.

Australia then went over three times in a rampant nine-minute spell, leaving South Africa stunned.

Suaalii, Wilson, and Max Jorgensen all crossed in that time before Tom Wright completed the scoring with three minutes left on the clock to wrap up an emphatic victory and fire a warning sign to their rivals.

TOM. WRIGHT. TOO. GOOD. #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/87kkeQSOoX

— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 16, 2025

Data Debrief: Springboks' run snapped in style

The Springboks were on a nine-match winning run heading into this game, but Australia managed to complete a rare win on South African soil.

Indeed, South Africa had won six of their last seven men’s Tests in Johannesburg, including two when trailing at half-time, and had won their last seven in a row there against Australia; indeed, a 9-11 loss in August 1963 was previously their only defeat to the Wallabies in Johannesburg.

Australia also snapped an eight-game winless streak in South Africa, as they claimed their first such victory since 2011.