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Player ratings: The golden heroes from famous Ellis Park win as Cameron Shepherd runs rule over the Wallabies
Updated . First published at
The Wallabies shocked the rugby world on Sunday (AEST) as they scored 38 unanswered points to beat the mighty Springboks 38-22 at Ellis Park.
It was Australia's first win at the famed Johannesburg venue in 62 years and helped the All Blacks regain the world No.1 ranking from South Africa.
Here's how former Wallabies star Cameron Shepherd rated the Aussie players after one of their greatest ever Test wins.
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Australia's players celebrate. AP
1. James Slipper (7/10)
Sturdy as your uncle's old V8 Commodore. The 36-year-old's ability to throw down with the best in the world every week has me wondering "how?" most Sunday mornings.
2. Billy Pollard (7)
The biggest test of his young career and the Brumbies hooker handled it brilliantly. Still plenty of areas to improve but gets better and better with every outing.
3. Taniela Tupou (6)
The intensity of the first 20 minutes took its toll. But at scrum time he showed he's still world class. Lovely to see that big smile at fulltime.
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Cameron Shepherd. Stan
4. Nick Frost (7)
No easy task leading the lineout in a noisy venue that often tests the DB meter's capacity. Did a lot of the hard work not seen on the stat sheet.
5. Will Skelton (7)
The giant lock wasn't able to boss the Springboks around like he had the Lions. But Skelton's experience and leadership was crucial in kickstarting the epic comeback.
6. Tom Hooper (8)
Didn't stop chasing and fighting till the very end despite being out on his feet in the last 25 minutes. A perfect example came in the lead up to Tom Wright's 74th minute try.
George Gregan hugs Fraser McReight. Rugby Australia
7. Fraser McReight (8)
Felt the intensity of the world champions' backrow in the first 20 minutes. A crucial miss on Siya Kolisi appeared to rattle him but he showed his class to stay in the fight and win man of the match. Even got to have a beer with George Gregan in the sheds!
8. Harry Wilson (8)
The Wallabies captain proved you don't have to beat them at their own game. His two tries were vital to the comeback and silencing the crowd. Let's hope his injury isn't serious.
9. Nic White (7)
Under pressure all night but led the Wallabies with poise. Connected well with James O'Connor and drove the forwards as a group. Let's hope we get John Farnham (The Last Time) a few more times.
10. James O'Connor (8)
The fresh faced kid from 2008 is gone. Now we have the prestige of the "man" for all to enjoy. Everyone in world rugby should applaud JOC after an incredible return to the Test arena.
11. Dylan Pietsch (7)
Limited impact on the game but scored an important try and his toughness suited the occasion.
12. Len Ikitau (6)
Had a tough job specifically in defence. Some classy touches and his stinging tackles were hard to ignore.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (7)
Showed the world his freakish talents again. He's now finding a way to deliver consistently for 80 minutes.
14. Max Jorgensen (9)
The Wallabies wonder boy just keeps popping up to score timely tries. What a future this kid has in gold - and he's already delivering.
15. Tom Wright (7)
Found his mojo again on the hallowed turf of Ellis Park. He backed himself and his impact on this huge result will be remembered for a long time to come.
RESERVES
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (7)
17. Angus Bell (8)
18. Zane Nonggorr (7)
19. Jeremy Williams (7)
20. Langi Gleeson (8)
21. Tate McDermott (9)
22. Tane Edmed N/A
23. Andrew Kellaway: (7)