The Ellis Park thriller that started the Rassie-Siya era

SPOTLIGHT: As the Springboks turn their attention from the Barbarians to England, memories of one of the most extraordinary Test matches ever played at Ellis Park inevitably come flooding back.

When England return to Johannesburg on July 4 for South Africa’s first official Test of the 2026 season, they will do so at a venue that witnessed the birth of the modern Springbok era under Rassie Erasmus eight years ago.

The 42-39 thriller on June 9, 2018, was far more than just a victory. It was Erasmus’ first Test win as Springbok coach, Siya Kolisi’s first match as South Africa’s historic first black captain, and the opening chapter of a journey that would ultimately lead to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.

At the time, however, few could have predicted what was to come.

England, coached by Eddie Jones, arrived in Johannesburg determined to make a statement. Within 20 minutes they had torn South Africa apart, racing into a stunning 24-3 lead as George Ford, Owen Farrell and company exposed defensive frailties and silenced a packed Ellis Park crowd.

The Springboks looked shell-shocked.

Clive Woodward later described the performance as a “horror show” as England ran riot in the opening exchanges.

Yet what followed remains one of the greatest comebacks in Springbok history.

Led by Kolisi, the Boks slowly wrestled back momentum through the power of Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, the relentless work-rate of Franco Mostert, the physical dominance of Duane Vermeulen and the emergence of a raw but hugely talented RG Snyman, who was still years away from becoming the bearded cult hero of world rugby.

The backline provided the spark.

Debutant S’busiso Nkosi announced himself on the international stage, while Aphiwe Dyantyi produced the sort of performance that would define his remarkable 2018 campaign. Between them, the two wings scored three tries as South Africa stormed back into contention.

Handré Pollard controlled proceedings superbly, Faf de Klerk injected tempo at scrumhalf, while Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende began laying the foundations of what would become one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in world rugby.

By halftime, the Boks had somehow turned a 21-point deficit into a 29-27 lead.

The second half delivered more drama.

England refused to go away and continued to throw punches, with Jonny May eventually scoring late to set up a frantic finish. Owen Farrell hurriedly converted, cutting the deficit and giving England one final opportunity to steal victory.

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When the visitors forced a line-out inside the Springbok half after the hooter, the tension was unbearable.

But South Africa secured possession, kicked the ball into touch and sparked scenes of jubilation around Ellis Park.

The scoreboard read 42-39.

The result proved to be a watershed moment.

Kolisi’s captaincy era had begun with a statement victory. Erasmus had secured the first win of his tenure.

Dyantyi’s breakout season would later culminate in him being named World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year. And perhaps most significantly, South African rugby had rediscovered belief after a difficult period.

Eight years later, much has changed.

Kolisi remains the captain and heartbeat of the team. Erasmus has become one of the most successful coaches in rugby history. Pollard  and De Allende remain key figures, while a new generation of Springboks is now being integrated into the squad.

Yet when England arrive at Ellis Park on July 4, they will be stepping onto a field that holds special significance in modern Springbok history.

It was there, against England, that the revival truly began. And it remains one of the greatest Ellis Park Test matches ever played.