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last wk.

Wallabies Hold On in Chaotic 42-38 Win Over Springboks in Perth

The result underscores Les Kiss’s early progress and hands South Africa tough questions about rotation, discipline and match officiating before the Nations Championship.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: The Australian team lifts the Mandela plate after victory in the International match between Australia and South Africa at Optus Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Antony Dickson/Gallo Images)
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus on the pitch before a match REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo
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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Andre Esterhuizen of South Africa attempts to break through the Australian defence during the International match between Australia and South Africa at Optus Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Antony Dickson/Gallo Images)

Overview

  • Australia beat the world champion Springboks 42-38 in Perth after a late South African rally fell short, with the game decided in the final minutes of a wildly disrupted Test.
  • The Wallabies were reduced to 11 players late in the match after four yellow cards, but still defended an 11-point lead while South Africa scored three late tries and ran out of time.
  • South Africa had heavily rotated their team, making 13 changes to the starting XV, and coach Rassie Erasmus said the defeat was down to his side’s errors and selection gamble, not the officials.
  • Match officiating was repeatedly hampered by technical failures, including clock problems, broken communications and reports that referee Andrea Piardi used a mobile phone to manage reviews.
  • Coaches from both sides will use the game as a test run for the November Nations Championship and next year’s World Cup, with Australia’s cohesion under Kiss praised and the Boks warned to fix discipline and cohesion.