Australia survived a remarkable late collapse to defeat world champions South Africa 42-38 in a high-scoring Test match in Perth. The Wallabies showcased vibrant attacking rugby for much of the contest, establishing a commanding 25-point lead with just 16 minutes remaining. However, the game descended into a frantic finish as the hosts were hit by a flurry of disciplinary issues.
A manic nine-minute window saw four Australian players sent to the sin-bin, forcing the home side to finish the match with only 11 players on the field. South Africa, who had rotated their squad with 13 changes following their win over New Zealand in Baltimore, mounted a desperate comeback that ultimately fell just short as time expired.
Match Scoring Summary
- Australia: Tries from Ikitau (2), Donaldson, Wilson, Jorgensen; Conversions: Lonergan (4); Penalties: Lonergan (3)
- South Africa: Tries from Grobbelaar, van der Merwe, penalty try, van den Berg, Nche; Conversions: Pollard (2), Mngomezulu (2); Penalties: Pollard (1)
Match Progression
The visitors initially signaled their intent with a powerful opening, as hooker Johan Grobbelaar crashed over following a rolling maul. Australia stabilized quickly, with Len Ikitau scoring twice—first from close range and later following a lapse in the Springboks’ defense regarding a high ball. Ben Donaldson also crossed before halftime to put the Wallabies in a strong position. The Wallabies whipped the ball from right to left to find fly-half Ben Donaldson free to score in the corner, after 14 patient but quick phases. And coach Rassie Erasmus made all eight changes early in the second half with his side down by 10 points, the Springboks had strength in depth to call on.
Australia maintained their momentum after the break. While captain Harry Wilson initially had a score disallowed, he successfully burrowed over shortly after. Max Jorgensen extended the lead to 42-17 with a blistering length-of-the-field solo effort following a South African fumble.
Discipline and Closing Stages
The match turned in the 68th minute as discipline faltered for the hosts. With Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, and Hunter Paisami all receiving yellow cards in quick succession, South Africa capitalized. Despite a penalty try and late scores from Morne van den Berg and Ox Nche, the Springboks were unable to close the four-point gap before the final whistle.
Match Details
- Australia XV: Wright, Jorgensen, Ikitau, Paisami, Sua’ali’i, Donaldson, Lonergan; Bell, Paenga-Amosa, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Williams, Valetini, McReight, Wilson
- South Africa XV: Fassi, Van der Merwe, Moodie, Esterhuizen, Hooker, Pollard, Jantjies; Wessels, Grobbelaar, Porthen, Etzebeth, Mostert, De Villiers, Louw, Van Staden
- Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
- Yellow Cards: Wilson (68), Lonergan (71), Sua’ali’i (73), Paisami (77)
Looking ahead, Australia is set to open their 2027 World Cup campaign against Hong Kong in Perth.
Important Details
- Australia were reduced to 11 men but dug in for an extraordinary win against a much-changed South Africa side as they beat the world champions 42-38 in Perth.
- Which boasted 240 caps in the second row alone, the visitors made 13 changes after beating New Zealand in Baltimore but still fielded a strong starting XV.
- Australia responded well with a wave of pressure which was rewarded when centre Len Ikitau drove over from a metre out.
- Replacements: Pollard, Ross, Tupou, Shaw, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Potter.
