Australia held on with 11 men in a dramatic finish to beat a second-string South Africa outfit 42-38 at Perth Stadium on Sunday and extend their unbeaten run to five games since new coach Les Kiss took over in late July. Skipper Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph Suaalii and Hunter Paisami were all shown yellow cards in the last 10 minutes as the world champions cut a 25-point deficit down to four at the final whistle.
Australia had looked to be cruising after centre Len Ikitau's double and tries from flyhalf Ben Donaldson, number eight Wilson and winger Max Jorgensen combined with 17 points from the boot of scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan gave them a 42-17 lead after 65 minutes. The last 10 minutes threatened to undo all their earlier good work but the Wallabies will move on to back-to-back tests against the All Blacks in October without a loss in six games, their best unbeaten run since 2017.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus had made 13 changes to his lineup from the team which completed the gruelling 3-1 series victory over New Zealand earlier this month but stacked his bench with first-choice players as an insurance policy. It almost paid off in the frantic last 10 minutes, but scores from hooker Johan Grobbelaar, winger Edwill van der Merwe, scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, prop Ox Nche as well as a penalty try were not quite enough.
The visitors scored the first try after Handre Pollard and Lonergan had exchanged early penalties with Grobbelaar rolling over the line on the back of a rolling maul. Australia responded with two tries from Ikitau in three minutes, the first from close range and the second after winger Suaalii had disrupted the restart and the ball bounced back to the lurking centre. The Springboks responded almost immediately to lock up the scores again at 17-17, flyhalf Pollard's long pass exposing a hole in the Australian backline defence and Van der Merwe showing his pace to finish the move.
A slanted crosskick from Wallabies fullback Tom Wright gave Jorgensen some space to run shortly before halftime, however, and Australia recycled patiently when the winger was held up shy of the line with Donaldson going over unopposed in the corner after 14 phases. Lonergan extended Australia's lead with his second penalty eight minutes into the second half, prompting Erasmus to bring on all eight of his replacements, and added a third three-pointer after 54 minutes to make it 30-17.
The Wallabies were now taking the Springboks on up front and tapped a penalty close to the line just before the hour mark with Wilson forcing his way over and slapping the ball down for a try. The Springboks stormed back to try and cut the 20-point deficit but when Canan Moodie spilled the ball, Jorgensen was on hand to scoop it up and sprint 60 metres for Australia's fifth try. Reuters.
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Australia v South Africa LIVE
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- 11' – A Grobbelaar try puts the Boks up after a dominant maul (AUS 3-10 RSA)
- 24' – Ikitau's try completes an impressive move for the Wallabies (AUS 10-10 RSA)
- 28' – Ikitau capitalises on Fassi's fumble for second try in four minutes (AUS 17-10 RSA)
- 30' – Chaotic half catches fire with sweeping Van der Merwe try (AUS 17-17 RSA)
- 39' – Donaldson's try caps a fine move with Wright and Jorgensen impressing (AUS 24-17 RSA)
- 60' – Wilson bundles over to give Australia big lead (AUS 37-17 RSA)
- 64' – Jorgensen's sensational solo try caps stunning Wallabies display (AUS 42-17 RSA)
- 76' – Paisami sent packing as Australia reduced to 11 men in tense finale (AUS 42-31 RSA)
Springboks coach admits they 'rolled the dice' in Australia
15:00 , Jack RathbornRassie Erasmus noted: “When you’re 25 points behind, there’s nobody else to blame but yourself. We rolled the dice a bit, and some guys haven’t played a lot together in a long time, but it’s not an excuse.
“We picked the team, and we had a game plan, and I thought we had a chance at the end, but the better team won on the night. It’s sad to lose, but it’s not because we’ve been together too long. It’s because we didn’t play well enough.”
Rassie Erasmus in honest assessment of Springboks
14:36 , Jack Rathborn“For us, we lost in a Springbok jersey against Australia, and with all the disruptions, we have nobody else to blame but ourselves for the result,” said Erasmus.
“I know the technology failed a bit, the clock kept running and didn’t stop at times for example, but that didn’t influence how we played. We controlled that. We didn’t play well enough tonight to beat a stronger team.”
Wallabies legend reacts to huge win over South Africa
13:30 , Jack RathbornMichael Hooper: “A few text messages, one was, ‘what sport are we watching?’
“They deserves to be further ahead, the yellow cards were harsh. They controlled the possession.
“The forced South Africa into discipline issues, they were up for it. So happy to hear the words from Harry Wilson, what it means to them.”
FT: Australia 42-38 South Africa
13:15 , Jack Rathborn
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson reacts to historic win over world champions
13:00 , Jack Rathborn“I’m so proud of the group, mate, we’re excited, up for it, that first 70 minutes, way we played, exactly what we wanted, so proud of the boys,” says Harry Wilson.
“We knew as a forward pack, we had to step up, we had to back ourselves, we have some special players, and in space, they can do special things.”
Boks captain Andre Esterhuizen reacts to gripping test match
12:55 , Jack RathbornBoks captain Andre Esterhuizen: “It was a very intense game, quite quick for a test match. It let us down, we let them in too much. It hurt us.
“We were too disjointed, discipline, the key factor that let us down.
“The last 18-19 weeks, we know each other well, the plan well, it’s about executing. Proud of the fight at the end, but we need to be better than that.”
FT: Australia 42-38 South Africa
12:50 , Jack RathbornAUSTRALIA SURVIVE, AUSTRALIA WIN!
South Africa thought they had one last chance, but obstruction and the Wallabies boot it into touch. Stunning.
TRY! Australia 42-38 South Africa (Ox Nche), 80 minutes
12:48 , Jack RathbornEtzebeth held up, his body is over the try line.
Marx bundling through the Australia backline, SOUTH AFRICA TRY!
Nche sprints back, the conversion is good, time for a restart, can you believe this?
Australia 42-31 South Africa, 78 minutes
12:46 , Jack RathbornThis is chaotic!
Esterhuizen thought he was about to score, Wright gathers the loose ball, booting upfield.
Australia are desperate, up by 11, with 11 men on the field.
The Boks overthrow the line-out, remarkable, a lifeline for the Wallabies.
Australia 42-31 South Africa, 76 minutes
12:44 , Jack RathbornAustralia down to 11!
You cannot believe it, Paisami is off, remarkable end to this game, the Boks have just under four minutes and trail by 11 points. It’s on!
Australia 42-31 South Africa, 76 minutes
12:43 , Jack RathbornReal drama here as Paisami clatters Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the build-up to what was a truly remarkable Tom Wright try.
The 12 men of Australia thought they’d fended off the Boks comeback.
But this one will be scrutinised further...
TRY! Australia 42-31 South Africa (Morné van den Berg), 74 minutes
12:39 , Jack RathbornAnd this is hotting up now, Morné van den Berg scurries over, the conversion is good.
The Boks are frantic, six minutes on the clock, 11 points the difference. Good grief, the tension in Perth is palpable.
Australia 42-24 South Africa, 72 minutes
12:36 , Jack RathbornWallabies down to 12 men, Sua'ali'i is off after a line break.
Australia unravelling, even if that second try in a minute has been chalked off for South Africa. It’s a questionable decision, that, with Sua'ali'i not the only man in the vicinity to stop a potential try.
TRY! Australia 42-24 South Africa, 70 minutes
12:34 , Jack RathbornUh oh, game on? Lonergan is handed a yellow, Wallabies down to 13 men momentarily.
And the Boks have a try back, the lead is down to 18 points.
And within seconds of the restart, Moodie is out and free, the ball is dinked over to the corner with Edwill Van der Merwe lunging for the ball, but he spills it. Wallabies have a reprieve.
Australia 42-17 South Africa, 70 minutes
12:31 , Jack RathbornIt’s an action-packed few minutes, with skipper Harry Wilson sent off by the TMO after his shoulder collided with Malcolm Marx’s head.
Then the Boks felt like they had a route back into the game, but a forensic review, with the ball coming loose as Morné van den Berg tapped down.
Australia 42-17 South Africa, 68 minutes
12:21 , Jack RathbornEben Etzebeth has left the field, we’re unsure what the issue is, much debate on the touchline.
Australia 42-17 South Africa, 68 minutes
12:20 , Jack RathbornIt is worth underlining this is not a full-strength Boks outfit, but Australia won’t care, this is a statement and spikes the momentum heading into a home World Cup year.
Could they be a threat?
TRY! Australia 42-17 South Africa (Max Jorgensen), 64 minutes
12:15 , Jack RathbornCan you believe it!?
A massive statement, Moodie drops it, then Jorgensen is ruthless, express speed, you can’t catch him with that much space.
What a try and this match is over, surely?
TRY! Australia 37-17 South Africa (Harry Wilson), 60 minutes
12:11 , Jack RathbornNo try... Australia thought they had a game-clincher, Wilson couldn’t get it down.
The skipper backed in, but his ankle was just out of touch. Still, Australia pile on the pressure, Paisami is there, now just a metre.
TRY! Wilson has his moment, the Perth crowd roar! Wilson picked it up, dunking it over some bodies.
Australia 30-17 South Africa, 57 minutes
12:08 , Jack RathbornAustralia outgaining South Africa with 255m to 196m.
An Australia scrum now, which could be vital, it’s out neatly and Paisami clatters into the Boks wall.
Potter fed on the wing, Hooper is there, Australia can sense the hammer blow. Wilson within a few metres.
Another scrum, this is gripping, the Boks surviving, immense defence.
Australia 30-17 South Africa, 55 minutes
12:04 , Jack RathbornIkitau is off, that right ankle is in a bad way. Potter comes in.
Australia with the ball again, but happy to go long and Jorgensen claims, beating Horn, just remarkable, the Boks concede more territory.
Potter out wide on the left now, South Africa scrambling. The Boks rip the ball out.
Australia 30-17 South Africa, 52 minutes
12:02 , Jack RathbornA scrum in midfield and Australia remain lively in this one.
But Ikitau with a blow and hobbling on a dodgy ankle, Harry Potter ready to enter the game.
Lonergan can kick another for the Wallabies... Another three, the Boks now down 13 points. Well, well, well...
Australia 27-17 South Africa, 47 minutes
11:56 , Jack RathbornThat could be vital... Lonergan splits the posts, Wallabies up by 10.
Now then, the bomb squad are ready, can they flip this game?
Australia 24-17 South Africa, 42 minutes
11:50 , Jack RathbornWe’re back underway in Perth, the Boks go high early.
But Sua'ali'i was brave, up early and tapped the ball back. But the Boks have the penalty, Pollard dumps the ball deep into the Aussie half...
A line-out, but Australia counter the maul and win the ball back. Huge result from the Wallabies pack.
HT Australia 24-17 South Africa
11:37 , Jack RathbornAnd breathe, a cracker here and South Africa are down, Australia up 24-17.
Ambitious rugby from the Wallabies, Ikitau with a brace, flashes of brilliance from the Boks, but Wright’s magic touch unlocked the world champions on the stroke of half-time.
A gripping second half to come...
TRY Australia 24-17 South Africa (Ben Donaldson), 39 minutes
11:31 , Jack RathbornGoodness me, wizardry from Wright and Jorgensen has the feet of a ballerina to stay in touch and sniff the try line. The Boks are under immense pressure as half-time approaches.
A breathtaking end to the half here, phase after phase... a flurry of short passes and the Donaldson, a local lad from Perth, is there, TRY!
Lonergan with the kick to add the extras, some half of rugby this.
Australia 17-17 South Africa, 37 minutes
11:29 , Jack RathbornEesh, this is a heavy challenge from Hooker on Donaldson.
It’s shoulder to shoulder initially, but the TMO has a look, Hooker’s head comes after and collides with the Wallabies player.
Wilson called over, he’s explained how it was body first, then head, a penalty for Australia, it was unfortunate for Hooker, no intent, but Australia with a great spot to seize the lead before half-time.
Australia 17-17 South Africa, 36 minutes
11:26 , Jack RathbornIkitau is free! My goodness, another burst from the Wallabies star and he’s cantering into the open field but the Boks recover.
It’s end to end and Fassi suddenly bursts down the left and chips the ball back over the Wallabies with Jorgensen bringing some serenity to an otherwise bonkers first half here in Perth.
Replays show how Pollard missed the tackle and then Ikitau’s shoulder drop sent Fassi sprawling. But Moodie and others quickly held him up, impressive recovery from the world champions.
TRY! Australia 17-17 South Africa (Edwill Van der Merwe), 30 minutes
11:19 , Jack RathbornThe sign of champions? Van der Merwe punches in for an immediate response, it’s a sweeping move, and the Wallabies are undone in a flash.
Pollard to Moodie and then the speedsters out wide, Fassi with a tidy pass for his teammate and Van der Merwe won’t be stopped with that much space.
TRY! Australia 17-10 South Africa (Len Ikitau), 28 minutes
11:16 , Jack RathbornTRY! Oh my days... Lenny again!
Fassi up for the high ball and Sua'ali'i competes, it puts the South African off for a moment and the ball clatters his face.
Disaster for the Boks as Ikitau is ready to snaffle the loose ball and run in for the score, he’s on for a hat-trick!
TRY! Australia 10-10 South Africa (Len Ikitau), 24 minutes
11:11 , Jack RathbornThis Boks defence, remarkable, but they bend for so long before finally breaking, Ikitau, TRY!
Tenacious from Ikitau, who scurried over between the posts and the conversion is easy enough, we have a game here.
Porthen held up the Wallabies just about, but Ikitau was waiting to pounce after the offload. Tremendous reaction from Australia, who have held their own after 25 mins.
Australia 3-10 South Africa, 21 minutes
11:09 , Jack RathbornA little stagnant in midfield, Alaalatoa trying to penetrate the Boks line.
Australia have relief, a penalty after the Boks hold onto the ball too long, and Donaldson kicks into touch.
Pollard up for the test in the air so far.
The Wallabies reach the Boks’ 22 and the champions are almost broken down by the quick feet of Jorgensen. A desperate pass back infield keeps the move alive, serious pressure on the Boks here.
Australia 3-10 South Africa, 16 minutes
11:06 , Jack RathbornThe Wallabies respond well, Bell running with purpose.
And now Donaldson tossing the ball with an element of risk. The Boks on the back foot but they survive and bounce back, sending it the other way with Hooker fumbling just as the pitch opened up for him.
TRY! Australia 3-10 South Africa (Johan Grobbelaar), 11 minutes
10:58 , Jack RathbornLine-out for the Boks, sniffing the try line, Etzebeth snaffles the ball and they’re up and running.
The Wallabies can’t stop the maul and Grobbelaar, clutching the ball close to his belly, is shoved over for the score, brilliantly dominant from the Boks. TRY!
Pollard with a smart kick too, this time drawn in from outside the posts... 3-10.
Australia 3-3 South Africa, 7 minutes
10:53 , Jack RathbornWilson rampaging down the left and a tidy hand-off to Sua'ali'i sees the Boks scramble, but Jantjies scoops up the loose ball before the hosts earn a penalty.
Interesting call from Wilson, it’s a kick to bring parity and Lonergan’s strike, 45m or so from the posts, it’s faded in and splits the posts. Tidy kick and 3-3.
Australia 0-3 South Africa, 3 minutes
10:49 , Jack RathbornPlenty of touches for Jorgensen early on, scurrying across the pitch in an aggressive start from the Wallabies.
But the Moodie with a punchy tackle for the Boks, who have a penalty early on...
Pollard’s boot to be tested and it’s knocked over for an early lead, the world champions are 3-0 up.
Australia vs South Africa
10:46 , Jack RathbornOver 50,000 in Perth, late on Sunday night in Australia, this should be a cracker, we’re underway!
Gorgeous conditions here and a fiery atmosphere, the countdown to the World Cup is underway, can the Wallabies land a telling blow and a marker ahead of hosting next year’s showpiece event?
Australia vs South Africa
10:44 , Jack RathbornThe South African national anthem is belted out by Jesse Clegg.
Plenty of Boks fans at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Now time for Advance Australia Fair...
Match officials
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
South Africa's new-look pack
10:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels like Rassie Erasmus has a break glass in case of emergency bench on hand today should those he’s trusted to start not quite deliver. Still, I like the look of this Springboks pack – Paul de Villiers and Marco van Staden provide plenty of jackal threat, while Zachary Porthen is tracking really nicely as a young tighthead and should have a good battle with Angus Bell at scrum time. Erasmus has mentioned the possibility of some more hybridisation in the ranks, too – having previously floated De Villiers as a possible candidate to feature at centre, he mentioned the idea of Malcolm Marx playing on the flank this week. Intriguing.
Fans soak up atmosphere at Australia vs South Africa in Perth
10:23 , Jack Rathborn
Continuing questions at No 10
10:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels less than ideal for the Wallabies to be 12 months out from a home World Cup and not totally clear on who will be steering their ship. Les Kiss has given a chance to Declan Meredith early in his tenure and now a bit more of a run for Ben Donaldson, which comes with Carter Gordon again sidelined by injury.
Noah Lolesio and James O’Connor lurk as options, too, while veterans Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley are knocking around again, too. Kiss could do with someone seizing the shirt.
Bedding in
10:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis week in Perth will have proved useful for Rassie Erasmus, with the Springboks likely to play twice in the city during the course of next year’s World Cup. Their final pool game against Romania will be held here, along with their round of 16 clash provided they top a group that also contains Italy and Georgia.
South Africa’s route to Rugby World Cup 2027 final after draw
South Africa team news
09:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndre Esterhuizen skippers the Springboks for the first time from the centres as Rassie Erasmus rings the changes after the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert provide plenty of experience in the second row, while a few of those on the fringes get a chance to impress.
Among the replacements, Jasper Wiese is primed to win his 50th cap as one of five forwards, while Quan Horn is given an opportunity as backline cover.
South Africa XV: 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Zachary Porthen; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Marco van Staden; 9 Herschel Jantjies, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt.), 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese; 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.
Australia team news
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to the wing for the Wallabies, with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau paired in midfield outside of Ben Donaldson at fly half. Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to the starting front row in between Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa.
There are six forwards on the bench, but no fly-half cover with Donaldson likely to go 80 minutes barring injury.
Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Josh Canham, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Ben Donaldson; 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Len Ikitau, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Carlo Tizzano; 22 Tate McDemott, 23 Harry Potter.
Andre Esterhuizen explains how hybrid role has changed his perspective
09:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa centre Andre Esterhuizen has a greater appreciation for the workof the forwards as he embraces a hybrid role that has made him an invaluable asset for coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.
Esterhuizen becomes the 68th Springboks captain today and is one of several players in the squad who can play multiple positions, something Erasmus is trying to nurture ahead of their global title defence.
He will start at centre but could well move to the side of the scrum in the second half. "I think I see the game differently now," Esterhuizen said on Saturday. "I understand when the forwards might be getting tired, which is something you don't always appreciate as a back until you've done that work yourself.
"It helps me know what to look for. After a long passage of play or a big scrum, you understand exactly how the forwards are feeling and what the next call should be."
Why is today's game on a Sunday?
09:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou may be wondering why this encounter is not scheduled for a Saturday, but the AFL Grand Final rather takes sporting precedence this weekend in Australia. A few in Perth today, including Wallabies back rower Carlo Tizzano, will be digesting the disappointment of Fremantle’s defeat as the Dockers fell just short against the Brisbane Lions in a thrilling encounter yesterday.
‘I’m at peace with my MND diagnosis’: Lewis Moody on finding hope amid the darkness
09:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll be back to the build-up to today’s Test in a moment, but I think you’ll forgive the interruption to point you in the direction of my colleague Luke Baker’s piece with Lewis Moody, who is taking on his battle with MND with typical bravery. I’d highly recommend seeking out TNT’s new documentary with the former England captain.
‘I’m at peace with my MND diagnosis’: Lewis Moody on finding hope amid the darkness
Australia vs South Africa
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia remain unbeaten in four matches under Les Kiss, though the intensity of the challenge will surely ratchet up today after games against Japan and Argentina. There have been encouraging signs for the new head coach in those outings as he looks to build on the foundations laid by Joe Schmidt, but today may feel more instructive about where his squad are at.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry full results as South Africa beat New Zealand in landmark series
09:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleYes, it’s all change (nearly!) for the Springboks as Rassie Erasmus refreshes his side following a gruelling Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. He can do so from a place of strength, though, after a 3-1 success against New Zealand.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry results as South Africa beat New Zealand in landmark series
Springboks announce new captain as team to face Australia revealed
08:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndre Esterhuizen will captain South Africa for the first time in a heavily-changed Springboks team for the one-off Test against Australia in Perth.
The versatile Esterhuizen, who can also play in the back row, skippers the side from the centres as Rassie Erasmus makes 13 alterations to the starting XV that beat New Zealand in the fourth Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash in Baltimore.
Handre Pollard returns to wear the No 10 shirt having missed out on an appearance in the All Blacks series due to injury, while Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert form an experienced second row partnership.
Springboks announce new captain as team to face Australia revealed
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii handed new role in Australia team to take on South Africa
08:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the first time for Australia with Ben Donaldson backed at fly half for their meeting with South Africa in Perth.
Suaalii has played at outside centre and full-back since crossing codes from rugby league in 2024 but switches role as new Wallabies boss Les Kiss seeks to get the best out of the 23-year-old’s athletic talent.
His switch to the left wing sees Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau paired in midfield, with Donaldson partnered by Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii handed new role in Australia team to take on South Africa
Australia v South Africa LIVE
Saturday 26 September 2026 08:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother sizeable helping of Test rugby is here as Australia host South Africa in Perth. It’ll be exactly a year until the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday and the Wallabies are looking to build momentum for their home tournament – can they upset the world champions to kick start their charge?
Kick off is at 10.45am BST.
