Australia managed to edge South Africa 42-38 in a nail‑biting Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday, holding on to a slim lead even after four of their players were shown yellow cards in the closing eleven minutes. The Wallabies endured the final phase of the match with only eleven men on the field, yet they repelled the Springboks’ late surge and secured a memorable win. The officiating drama was a story in itself.
Italian referee Andrea Piardi found himself reaching for his pocket repeatedly during a chaotic eight‑minute spell, once even having to speak to his television match official via a mobile phone after the usual communication system failed at a critical juncture. While the equipment hiccuped, South Africa capitalised, scoring three tries in quick succession that erased a 25‑point deficit and reduced the gap to just four points. The first dismissal came in the 69th minute when Harry Wilson was sent to the sin‑bin for a high tackle after the television match official (TMO) reviewed the incident and confirmed the infringement. Just two minutes later, Ryan Lonergan received a yellow card for diving into the back of a ruck, a professional foul that prompted the referee to award South Africa a penalty try.
The third player to leave the field was Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii, who was ruled off‑side after a review overturned a Springboks try. Finally, Hunter Paisami was shown yellow for a high tackle in the build‑up to a Tom Wright interception try that itself was later overturned – a score that would have taken Australia to a commanding 47‑31 lead in the 76th minute. With those four expulsions, the Wallabies were reduced to eleven men while still protecting an 11‑point advantage with just four minutes remaining. Replacement prop Ox Nche entered the field in the final minute and managed to cross for a try, narrowing the margin to four points.
South Africa had one last opportunity to press forward, but time ran out before they could convert the pressure into points. "It was a crazy last 10 minutes," Wilson reflected after the match.
"But in the first 70 minutes we executed our game plan exactly as we intended. We did what we set out to do." Head coach Les Kiss, who has now won all five of his Tests in charge of the Wallabies, described the closing stages as "bizarre" but praised his side’s composure. "In those moments you have to keep your nerve and stay clear about what you want to achieve, and I think the players did that," Kiss said.
"But we must not forget the first 60 minutes. That period was a vital step‑up for us – we controlled the game, showed bravery, and attacked with purpose." South Africa had started the match brightly. Goal‑keeper Johan Grobbelaar crossed for a try, and a successful conversion by Handre Pollard, combined with a penalty, gave the Springboks a 10‑3 lead inside the opening ten minutes. The momentum shifted when Australian centre Len Ikitau broke through to score in the 23rd minute and added a second try just four minutes later, swinging the advantage to the hosts.
Although the Springboks responded with a try from Edwill van der Merwe at the half‑hour mark, Australia’s Ben Donaldson crossed before the break, putting the Wallabies ahead 24‑17 at the interval. In the second half, Wilson added a fourth try for Australia, extending the lead.
Then, on 64 minutes, Max Jorgensen seized on a Springboks error, sprinting 60 metres to the try line and pushing the score to 42‑17. South Africa, fresh from a historic series win over New Zealand in the "Greatest Rivalry" and coming off a 43‑28 victory against the All Blacks in Baltimore two weeks earlier, made 13 changes to their lineup, retaining only veteran lock Eben Etzebeth and centre Ethan Hooker. Springboks captain Andre Esterhuizen lamented his side’s discipline, saying, "They capitalised on all our errors and I think discipline let us down, especially in that first half. We gave them too many opportunities and that really hurt us." Lonergan finished the match as Australia’s top scorer, contributing 17 points from four conversions and three penalties, a reliable boot that helped the Wallabies maintain their lead despite the late pressure.
The encounter will be remembered not only for its high‑scoring drama but also for the unusual scenario of a team defending a lead with a reduced side. The Wallabies demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline, and an ability to execute under adversity, while the Springboks showed why they remain a formidable opponent, mounting a fierce comeback that fell just short.
As the tournament progresses, both sides will take lessons from this encounter – Australia regarding squad depth and composure when reduced in numbers, and South Africa about maintaining discipline throughout the full ninety minutes. The result adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two Southern Hemisphere powerhouses, promising more enthralling contests in the weeks ahead.