Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against South Africa

The Wallabies have ended their 62-year quest for a victory at Ellis Park after completing an incredible comeback victory against South Africa.

The Wallabies beat the world champions after coming back from 22-0 just 17 minutes into the first half in Johannesburg.

Here’s how the Wallabies rated.

1. James Slipper: The toughest and most honest of players, the veteran gave his all and even managed to win a turnover penalty. 7/10

2. Billy Pollard: Some shaky work with his lineout throws that could have proved costly, but balanced out with outstanding work in the loose. 6.5

3. Taniela Tupou: Faced down one of the best looseheads in the world Ox Nche and helped to hold up the Wallabies scrum under enormous pressure. Looks back to his old self at long last and is back smiling. 7.5

4. Nick Frost: Backed up from an outstanding third Test against the Lions, making two crucial lineout steals against South Africa. A brilliant athlete. 8.5

5. Will Skelton: May not have had the same physical dominance as he did against the Lions, but his huge presence settled the Wallabies scrum and he provided leadership and belief when it was desperately needed at 22-0 down. Looks delighted with his extended stay with the Wallabies. 7

6. Tom Hooper: Complements McReight nicely and made an outstanding turnover with the Wallabies camped on their line and the game in the balance. Made 14 tackles, the 2nd highest for the Wallabies. 8.5

7. Fraser McReight: Someone forgot to tell McReight he was playing at altitude. Completely tireless with 22 tackles and two turnovers. The heart of the Wallabies’ brave fight back. 9

8. Harry Wilson: The brave captain dragged his team back into the contest with two tries before hobbling off the field. Carried the ball 68 metres and kept going as always. 8.5

9. Nic White: The shortest international retirement was reversed and White had another exceptional game, using his kicking game to pull the Wallabies out of the 22 point hole. 8.5

10. James O’Connor: His first Test in three years and played 80 tough minutes in Ellis Park after excelling late off the bench this season for the Crusaders. A deft offload for Pietsch’s try. 7.5

11. Dylan Pietsch: Cruelly looks to have injured his jaw tackling South African captain Siya Kolisi. His try started the Wallabies’ comeback. Left after just 31 minutes. 7.5

12. Len Ikitau: Ikitau is rarely less than brilliant for the Wallabies but he went to another level in Ellis Park. At the centre of the Wallabies’ comeback in attack and defence. Relentless and led the Wallabies with 11 carries. 9.5

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: Was having a tough afternoon trying to marshall the huge Andre Esterhuizen, but scored a brilliant intercept try and didn’t stop working in attack. 7

14. Max Jorgensen: At 20 years old, he is fast becoming one of the best wingers in the world. His try was the perfect reward for a player who is as brave in defence as he is talented in attack. 9

15. Tom Wright: Struggled aerially at the start of the Test, but settled and was an outstanding attacking threat, opening the South African defence at will by the end of the game, beating five defenders. 8

Bench players

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa: His charging runs were badly needed when he came on at 66 minutes. 7

17. Angus Bell: Shut up any critics about his form with an outstanding cameo off the bench, showing wonderful sleight of hand to send through Wilson for a try. 8.5

18. Zane Nonggorr: Scrummaged really well under immense pressure. 7

19. Jeremy Williams: Added variety to the lineout when he came on at 56 minutes. 7

20. Langi Gleeson: Brought his customary hard carries that were desperately needed as the Wallabies staged their comeback. 7.5

21. Tate McDermott: The world’s best replacement? Had to do a job briefly on the wing again, before seeing the game out at halfback. Beat five defenders in his 32 minutes of action. 8.5

22. Tane Edmed: Didn’t come on. N/A

23. Andrew Kellaway: Immediately made an impact when he came on with some brilliant running lines. 7.5

All matches of The British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are live & on demand on Stan Sport, with Wallabies Tests in 4K. All Test matches live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now.