"Goodbye" - Springboks fans brutally slam player for 'shambolic' performance vs Australia

It was the Wallabies’ first win at Ellis Park since 1963 — and they made sure it was one to remember.

Joe Schmidt's side looked dead and buried after just 20 minutes as the Springboks ran riot early. Tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen and skipper Siya Kolisi gave South Africa a seemingly unassailable lead.

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But then came the fightback.

Led by captain Harry Wilson — who was immense at the breakdown and bagged a brace himself — Australia flipped the script in emphatic fashion. Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen and Joseph Suaalii all dotted down, before Tom Wright iced the cake with a scorching solo try to complete a legendary Wallaby win.

And while the Wallabies basked in glory, it was meltdown mode online for many South African fans — with one player taking the brunt of the blame.

Manie Libbok was the target of widespread social media backlash.

One fan didn’t hold back: 

Another vented: "At this point I must assume Manie Libbok has compromising photos of Rassie Erasmus."

One particularly savage comment read: "I know Manie Libbok criticism is illegal, but it is fascinating that the timeline is silent when he has just: 1. Throw an intercept pass for 7 points. 2. Run around himself for the Wilson try. 3. Sidestepped 1v1 for 7 points."

Another piled on: "If, after that game, you think Manie Libbok should be playing Rugby at all, you need to see someone. Probably the worst, most uncontrolled game I've seen by a nr 10."

And one simply said: "Stop gaslighting people in regards to Manie Libbok! The guy ain't it!!!!"

Still, not everyone was pointing the finger.

One fan offered perspective: "Blaming Manie Libbok for the loss is crazy. Always getting the blame, never the praise."

Rugby journalist Paul Williams added: "Can't blame Manie Libbok for that defeat. But some will. So weird."

Entering the match as heavy underdogs, Schmidt’s men flipped the script and blew The Rugby Championship wide open with a performance full of belief, intensity, and precision.

But as the Wallabies soared, several key Springboks faltered. Here are five South African stars who flopped.

FLORUGBY 3/10: "His combative style is built on pushing breakdown limits, but against the Wallabies, he crossed the line too often.

"Penalised repeatedly, he failed to adapt as Australia grew in confidence. When his pack needed bite in the second half, van Staden’s influence faded badly. Easily one of his poorest outings in green."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Looked lively in the first 20, then forced off for a concussion check. Returned but never rediscovered his edge, conceding penalties and missing tackles."

The South African 5/10: "Another one who was solid in the Springboks’ dominant first half, but faded into obscurity in the second, much like most of his teammates."

FLORUGBY 4/10: "Sharp and dangerous when South Africa were dominant, Williams’ sniping runs forced Australian defenders into panicked reactions.

"But once momentum shifted, his game management evaporated. Kicks went astray, his pace put teammates under pressure, and he looked rattled. A classic case of a scrumhalf thriving only when conditions are perfect."

FLORUGBY 3/10: "Busy in the first half, Kriel worked tirelessly in defence and attack. But when the heat rose, mistakes crept in. His decision not to kick when space was there put Arendse in trouble, and being handed off by Tom Wright was poor. His blown opportunity late symbolised South Africa’s collapse."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Left in no-man’s land so often on defence and not all his own doing. Had some great runs and showed brilliance with ball in hand but not his best outing, particularly in the second half."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Started the game brightly, but much like many of his teammates, his bright start turned into a nightmare. His wide pass that Joseph Suaalii picked off was simply not on while his defence gifted Australia opportunities."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Excellent first half, marshalling a 15-point lead. But after the break it unravelled: one intercepted pass cost seven points and his defence fell apart."

FLORUGBY 5/10: "Etzebeth lived on the edge of the offside line all game, disrupting Australia’s rhythm and forcing hurried decisions.

"Beyond the physicality and carries, his unseen work on kick chase was immense. He linked play with offloads and clean breaks, but when momentum shifted, calls stopped going his way. A commanding but frustrated figure."

South African 6/10: "Again, prominent in the first half, poor in the second. The Springbok enforcer lacked the physical dominance that he so often displays."