Wallabies Shock Springboks After Wild Finish Leaves Perth Test on a Knife Edge

• The Wallabies appeared to have the Perth Test under control before a dramatic late twist gave the Springboks fresh hope
• A huge Australian lead suddenly looked vulnerable as the Springboks found another gear in the closing stages of the Test
• The final minutes produced yellow cards, late tries and mounting pressure as Australia fought to protect a narrow advantage

Australia shocked the Springboks 42-38 in Perth on Sunday, 27 September 2026, surviving one of the wildest finishes of the year after South Africa threatened to overturn a 25-point deficit. The Wallabies appeared to be cruising at 42-17 with 16 minutes remaining, only for the match to swing dramatically as Australia lost four players to yellow cards.

Wallabies race clear as Springboks struggle for rhythm

The Wallabies established control after South Africa initially led 10-3. Len Ikitau became a major threat, scoring twice, while Ben Donaldson, captain Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen also crossed.

Read also

Wallabies Hit by Late Blow as Key Forward Ruled Out Against Springboks

Ryan Lonergan added four conversions and three penalties as Australia went into half-time 24-17 ahead.

The Springboks, meanwhile, had made 13 changes from the side that defeated New Zealand in Baltimore two weeks earlier. The reshuffled team included Handré Pollard at flyhalf and André Esterhuizen as captain.

Four yellow cards turn Perth Test upside down

Australia extended the advantage after the break, with Wilson and Jorgensen helping the hosts move 42-17 ahead. Then came the extraordinary turnaround.

Harry Wilson was yellow-carded before Ryan Lonergan and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also left the field. Hunter Paisami later received another yellow card, leaving Australia with only 11 players for the closing stages.

The Springboks responded with three late tries, including scores from Morné van den Berg and Ox Nché.

According to AAP News, Wilson later summed up the chaos, saying:

“Gee whiz that was a crazy last 10 minutes, but that first 70 minutes, we stepped up to the physical battle and I'm so proud of the boys.”

Read also

Springboks vs Wallabies in Perth: head-to-head stats show balanced record ahead of 27 September test

Springboks come within four points

The late surge brought South Africa to within four points, but Australia held firm.

The Wallabies' victory also secured the Mandela Challenge Plate and extended their unbeaten run under coach Les Kiss. Australia remain seventh in the current World Rugby rankings, while South Africa retain top spot.

For the Springboks, the 42-38 defeat ends a dramatic Perth Test that looked settled before becoming a frantic fight to the finish.

Springboks shut down André Esterhuizen questions

Briefly News previously reported that André Esterhuizen's appointment as Springboks captain had brought renewed attention to a disciplinary matter dating back to his schoolboy rugby career.

However, the Springboks made it clear ahead of Sunday's Wallabies Test that they did not want the resurfaced issue to dominate their preparations.

Esterhuizen instead spoke about the responsibility of captaining South Africa for the first time, describing the opportunity as an honour while emphasising the importance of the team working together.

Source: Briefly News