James O'Connor, now 35, was buzzing with excitement after making a triumphant return to the Wallabies' starting lineup, contributing significantly to their first win against the Springboks at Ellis Park in over six decades. "From my point of view, just super proud," O'Connor expressed post-match, reflecting on a game that marked a significant milestone.
The victory didn't come easily, with the Wallabies facing a challenging start. "It was a scratchy first 20," O'Connor admitted, acknowledging the initial struggle to capitalize on the available gaps. However, the tide began to turn as the game progressed. "I could feel the gaps were there, the space was there. I couldn’t get the ball to that space in the first 20, then I felt we eased into the game in the second 20 minutes of that first half," he explained. The team's perseverance saw them gaining momentum, setting the stage for a strategic second-half performance.
"That belief is strong in us now; we’ve been building. You can see in that Lions series, we’re building belief."
Fraser McReight, a key figure in Australia’s breakdown efforts, shared his euphoria over the historic win. "It's euphoric at the moment. We spoke about, as Australians, we haven’t won here since 1963, and we’ve got a quiet confidence about us, and we’re building," McReight conveyed, emphasizing the team's growing self-assurance and respect for their formidable opponents.
On a personal note, McReight remained humble yet satisfied with his performance, focusing on his role within the team. "Just trying to do my bit as a seven, trying to be a pest, and I’m just happy I could do that. But plenty to work on," he added, pointing out the continuous journey of improvement.
The Wallabies' triumph at Ellis Park not only marked a historic moment but also signaled a rising tide of belief within the team, suggesting that this victory could be the precursor to a new era of Australian rugby dominance on the world stage.