Australian broadcaster Sean Maloney was overcome with emotion during one of rugby's most extraordinary comebacks. The dramatic scenes unfolded as South Africa faced Australia in The Rugby Championship's opening fixture.

As defending champions, the Springboks entered as overwhelming favourites on home turf against a Wallabies side fresh from defeat to the British and Irish Lions.

Australia hadn't been competitive in the tournament for numerous seasons, with supporters anticipating a commanding South African victory.

Yet the visitors delivered a stunning upset, recovering from a 22-0 deficit to triumph 38-22.

Entering the final five minutes, the Springboks remained firmly in contention, trailing by just 11 points.

They mounted an attack down the left wing through centre Jesse Kriel, but his pass to former Harlequins player Andre Estherhuizen went astray, allowing Tom Wright to intercept and launch a devastating counter.

Stan Sport's Maloney couldn't control his excitement as Wright broke clear, delivering commentary that sent shivers down the spine.

His voice trembled and broke as the full-back sprinted away.

"Estherhuizen loses it!" he shouted.

"And Tom Wright's going the other way! Tom Wright... down the edge! Tom Wright back in-field!

"Oh my goodness. This is just too good! This is ecstasy for Wallabies fans!"

Following the game, Maloney wrote on X: "Tricky to call when you're fighting back tears of happiness. Never seen a game like it before, may never again."

One viewer commented: "It's that little high pitched moment in 'too good' quickly followed by the use of 'ecstasy' that really makes this call. The child-like joy is just.... An all-time call for an all-time moment."

Responding to the comment, Maloney stated: "I was finally outta gas, mate. That passage and all the near misses finally caught up. So proud of them."

The victory has been hailed as Australia's greatest comeback of the professional era by The Rugby Championship, marking their first win at Ellis Park in 62 years.

The triumph on match day one leaves Australia sitting second behind New Zealand, who defeated Argentina 41-24 in Cordoba.