Australia has toppled South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in 62 years with a sensational 38-22 comeback win from 22-0 down in the Rugby Championship opener.

Australia’s historic Ellis Park win not only broke a 62-year drought, but it also strengthened their World Cup seeding hopes, even as injuries and a daunting Cape Town Test await.

Ellis Park was meant to roar on Saturday night. Instead, the 62,000-seater sounded more like a half-empty shopping mall food court as the Springboks went down 38-22 to the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship opener. Tickets had been pricey from the get-go — ranging between R1,050 and R4,000 — and fans made their displeasure known.