Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt provided a starkly candid evaluation after his team's surprising 38-22 victory against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship's first game. Despite turning around a 22-0 deficit into a win at Ellis Park — their first in Johannesburg since 1963 — Schmidt was quick to temper the celebration, hinting at fortune playing a hand and acknowledging the looming challenge in the rematch.
“We probably got a little bit lucky,” Schmidt admitted post-match. The Wallabies' resilience was tested early on, but pivotal plays, including Joseph Suaalii’s intercept try and Tom Wright's 70-meter dash to the try-line, were critical in flipping the script against the hosts. “That game was probably closer than the score dictates. We scored a couple of tries when they looked very dangerous and we got them on the break,” explained Schmidt.
“I’ve coached against the Boks with a few other international teams and come out second, so I know whether they’re favourites or not, they’re a heck of a team.”
On the opposing side, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus didn't mince words about his team's performance, describing it as embarrassing. "I’m embarrassed, we were dogsh-t," Erasmus expressed, clearly frustrated by the unexpected capitulation after a strong start.
Schmidt speculated that the Springboks’ early dominance might have led to a dip in their concentration, which the Wallabies exploited. “It can sometimes cause a bit of a lapse in effort and concentration. I think they just gave us a little bit of belief,” he noted, adding that the second quarter's slight edge helped build their momentum.
Praise was also reserved for the Australian bench, which Schmidt felt played a crucial role in their comeback. “I thought our bench did really well. Young Zane Nonggorr, he’s just a kid, Angus Bell was very physical, Jeremy Williams did well again, and he’d done a super job coming on in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions,” he recounted. The coach applauded Tate McDermott and Andrew Kellaway for their adaptability and rugby intelligence, which kept the Wallabies competitive throughout the match.
As the teams prepare for their next encounter, Schmidt clearly anticipates a fierce response from the Springboks, confirming, “Yeah, absolutely,” when asked about expecting a backlash. This sets the stage for an electrifying follow-up match where the Wallabies must prove their mettle once more against a wounded but dangerous opponent.