Springboks stunned as Australia beat the world champions 42-38 in a thrilling Perth Test that saw the Wallabies survive a chaotic finish.
A year before the World Cup, Australia have sent a major warning to the competition.
The Wallabies stunned the four-time world champions, beating the Springboks 42-38 in an extraordinary Test in Perth.
It was a chaotic contest from start to finish. Australia eventually held on despite finishing with only 11 players.
The victory also continued new coach Les Kiss’s unbeaten start in charge. More importantly, it gave Australian rugby fans fresh hope.
Australia make a flying start
The Wallabies produced a performance that combined the aerial skills of Australian Rules with rugby league’s physical intensity.
They also showed remarkable creativity throughout the match.
After guiding the Springboks to a 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks, Rassie Erasmus made 14 changes for this Test.
Ten World Cup winners returned to the South African side.
Australia also made several changes. Ben Donaldson moved to fly-half after Carter Gordon broke his leg against Argentina.
Meanwhile, Josh Canham suffered a hamstring injury on the eve of the match.
However, the biggest tactical change involved Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Kiss moved Suaalii to the wing to give Australia a dangerous aerial option. The decision immediately looked inspired.
Suaalii took a spectacular diving mark from the opening kick-off.
However, he was soon penalised after going to ground. Italian referee Andrea Piardi quickly made his presence felt.
Springboks punish early mistakes
The early penalty unsettled Australia.
The Springboks then increased the pressure by attacking gaps in the Wallabies defence.
Donaldson struggled to settle and made several mistakes.
Handré Pollard opened the scoring with a penalty. Then, in the 10th minute, South Africa’s powerful maul rolled towards the Australian line.
Zachary Porthen eventually crashed over to give the Springboks a 10-3 lead.
Australia needed a response, and it came quickly.
Max Jorgensen found space down the right before captain Harry Wilson joined the attack.
Rather than take three points, Wilson backed his team to score a try.
He won the resulting lineout and passed to Len Ikitau, who came within inches of the line.
The Wallabies kept attacking before Lukhan Salakaia-Loto found Hunter Paisami.
Paisami crossed under the posts to level the score at 10-10.
Wallabies seize control
Australia then scored twice in two minutes.
Angus Bell made valuable ground before Ryan Lonergan launched a high kick from around 20 metres out.
Once again, Suaalii rose to the occasion.
He leapt high and deflected the ball back towards Ikitau, who raced away to score.
The Wallabies suddenly led 17-10.
However, their advantage lasted just one minute.
The Springboks immediately struck back after winning possession. Edwill van der Merwe finished the counterattack in the corner.
Australia refused to panic.
A head-butt on Donaldson gave the Wallabies a penalty on halfway. They used the opportunity to launch another attack.
Wright nearly created a try with a clever kick towards Jorgensen.
Then the forwards took control.
Australia hammered the South African defence through 14 phases before Lonergan finally released the ball.
Suaalii produced a brilliant no-look pass, finding Donaldson in open space.
The fly-half finished the move to give Australia a 24-17 lead at half-time.
Springboks fight back
The Test was far from over.
Erasmus responded by introducing several key replacements with around 30 minutes remaining.
It was a bold move, but South Africa needed fresh energy.
Australia handled the pressure well.
Lonergan then added two penalties to extend the Wallabies’ advantage.
Wilson scored another try after a frantic period of pick-and-go rugby.
Suddenly, Australia had a 20-point lead with only 20 minutes remaining.
The Springboks appeared rattled.
Then Jorgensen collected another South African fumble and sprinted 60 metres to score.
At that stage, the Wallabies looked destined for a famous victory.
But the match was about to take an extraordinary turn.
A chaotic finish
Wilson was sent to the sin bin, followed by Lonergan and Suaalii.
A few minutes later, Paisami also received a yellow card for a high tackle.
Australia were suddenly down to 11 players.
The Springboks had 15 men on the field and a huge numerical advantage.
South Africa immediately exploited it.
They scored three tries as the Wallabies struggled to contain the relentless pressure.
However, Australia refused to collapse.
The Wallabies forced errors, made desperate tackles and fought for every possession.
Despite the chaos, they found a way to survive.
Wallabies claim a memorable victory
The final whistle confirmed one of Australia’s most remarkable victories in recent years.
The Wallabies had beaten the world champions 42-38 in a Test that seemed to change direction every few minutes.
They also finally claimed the Mandela Challenge Plate.
It was Australia’s second trophy in two months.
More importantly, the victory has given Australian rugby renewed belief ahead of the World Cup.
The Springboks remain one of the world’s leading teams. Yet Australia have now shown they can match them when the pressure reaches its highest point.
With a year still remaining before the World Cup, the Wallabies have given the competition something new to think about.
