Australia withstand four late yellow cards and a furious South African comeback to claim a 42–38 victory and reclaim the Mandela Challenge Plate.
By the sports desk
The Wallabies have pulled off a remarkable 42–38 victory over world champions South Africa in Perth, surviving a chaotic finish that left them with just 11 players on the field.
Australia appeared firmly in control at 42–17 before four late yellow cards transformed the contest. In front of 54,678 spectators at Optus Stadium, the Springboks scored 21 unanswered points and threatened to overturn a commanding Australian lead.
The Wallabies ultimately escaped when South Africa were penalised for obstruction after the full-time siren, allowing the hosts to kick into touch. Captain Harry Wilson had returned from the sin-bin by then, meaning Australia finished with 12 players after enduring a crucial stretch with only 11.
It was a dramatic conclusion to a performance built on attacking intent and physical commitment.
Len Ikitau scored twice in the first half after returning to his preferred outside-centre position, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii impressed on the wing. Australia led 24–17 at the break before second-half tries from Wilson and Max Jorgensen helped establish a substantial advantage.
Ryan Lonergan added important points with the boot as the hosts moved within reach of a convincing win.
Then the match changed.
Wilson was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on Malcolm Marx. Lonergan followed as South Africa were awarded a penalty try, before Suaalii received a yellow card for an offside infringement.
Morné van den Berg crossed for a converted try to bring the visitors back to 42–31.
Australia briefly thought they had settled the contest when Tom Wright intercepted a pass from South African captain André Esterhuizen and raced over. But a review identified earlier head contact by Hunter Paisami on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Wright’s try was disallowed and Paisami became the fourth Australian sent to the sin-bin.
With South Africa enjoying a four-player advantage, Ox Nché scored another converted try to reduce the deficit to four points. The Wallabies nevertheless found enough defensive resolve to protect their lead.
The extraordinary finish also included a communications failure that forced referee Andrea Piardi to consult his fellow officials using a mobile phone.
Wilson praised Australia’s execution before the late disciplinary collapse.
“We stepped up in the physical battle and I’m so proud of the boys,” he told Nine.
Coach Les Kiss credited his staff and players for remaining composed, while stressing that the closing drama should not overshadow the rugby Australia had produced earlier.
South Africa had made 13 changes to the starting side that beat New Zealand in Baltimore, but the result still represents a significant achievement for Kiss’s team.
Australia reclaimed the Mandela Challenge Plate for the first time since 2022 and secured their first home victory over the Springboks since that year.
The focus now turns to the Bledisloe Cup, with the Wallabies facing the All Blacks in Auckland on October 10, before the return Test in Sydney on October 17.
