Wallabies livewire Tate McDermott has brought his teammates down to earth after last week's historic win at altitude as they prepare for a brutal Springbok backlash.
McDermott, 26, watched from the Australian bench as South Africa piled on 22 early points before helping spark a historic 38-point comeback in Johannesburg as both winger and halfback.
Speaking with media on Monday night, McDermott pressed his squad to find another level against the reigning world champions this weekend and continue "earning the respect" of Australian fans.
"Obviously it's been 60 odd years since we got a result at Ellis Park, so yeah, huge occasion and we've been talking a lot about how we're trending in the right direction and that was another step, but it doesn't mean much if we don't back it up this weekend," McDermott told reporters in Cape Town.
"The Springboks are world-class, we saw what they did in the first 20 minutes, they tore us to shreds. We know that they're coming and they're coming hard, so we're going to back it up.
"I wasn't out there but on the bench we were obviously in a bit of shock - they went bang, bang, bang pretty quick and the way that they scored their tries through width, through skill and through power, exactly what they're famous for.
"The way that we stuck in the fight was something I was really proud of from the bench, it looked like we always had that belief even though you're standing there after 18 minutes and it's 22-0.
"The fight that we showed to stay in there and the result we showed and the way we fought our way back into that second quarter in particular was something we could be really proud of.
"For us, we're on a journey. Respect's earned daily for us, we've got to continue to earn that respect and also give our supporters, not only in Australia but across the globe, something to cheer about."
The 46-Test halfback made note of Australia's efforts up front to help turn the tide but warned South Africa's forwards would be "raring" to go after last week's shock loss.
"Whenever you're going up against the Boks, your forward pack has got to be brilliant and [we] were good on the weekend but the challenge for [us] is repeating that," McDermott warned.
"Knowing guys like Etzebeth, these kind of guys are going to be absolutely raring to go so it's going to be a great challenge for our guys and they're going to need to step up again." Whether McDermott can step up once more is a moot point after his game-turning cameo at Ellis Park.
The Queenslander proved his wing performance during the Second British & Irish Lions Test was no fluke with five tackle busts and two line-breaks in his 31-minute stint across the edge and ruck base.
McDermott now looms a genuine ace up Joe Schmidt's sleeve as both a halfback and wing finisher - and it’s a role he's beginning to relish with Nic White and Jake Gordon preferred to start in 2025.
"That's something I really enjoy - I just like playing rugby and when you don't have to be in there passing every time or box kicking, [running] is something I love to do so we'll see how we go," McDermott said.
"My job is to try and come on and change the game.
"Obviously when I'm coming on there's quite a bit of fatigue in the big boys' legs out there so I'm just looking to play my game which is taking on people around the fringes and creating space for other people.
"It's been great to work with Jakey at the start and then Whitey … Whitey's been playing fantastic over the past two weeks.
"Joe's attention to detail has been phenomenal for this group, the way he's moulded a group that hasn't had a lot of success in the past together and some of the results over the past nine, 12 months that he's been able to achieve has been pretty special," McDermott added.
"It's been a pleasure to be a part of it. So we're very fortunate to have him here and all the boys work hard and listen to everything he says because he's got golden nuggets for us every single day.
"That's what's been so good to be a part of the journey because you're genuinely in this environment getting better."
The Wallabies will name their team to face the Springboks this Thursday ahead of their TRC clash at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday August 24.
