The Springboks suffered a surprise 42-38 defeat to Australia in a high-scoring one-off Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday.
South Africa went into the match after a strong Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, but a heavily changed side struggled to find consistency as Australia produced an improved performance on home soil.
The Wallabies led 24-17 at half-time and maintained control for much of the match before a dramatic finish saw the Springboks fight back.
Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting XV, giving several players an opportunity to stake their claim ahead of the next phase of South Africa’s international campaign.
The defeat also marked Andre Esterhuizen’s first match as Springbok captain.
Australia strike six times
Australia crossed the try line six times, with Len Ikitau scoring twice, while Ben Donaldson, Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen also found the try line.
Ryan Lonergan contributed three penalties and four conversions as the Wallabies kept the scoreboard moving throughout the contest.
South Africa responded with tries from Johan Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg and Ox Nche, while the Boks were also awarded a penalty try.
Handre Pollard added two conversions and a penalty, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted two further tries.
Dramatic finish in Perth
The Springboks looked set for a difficult afternoon before Australia’s discipline became a major factor late in the match.
The Wallabies received four yellow cards during the final 11 minutes, leaving Australia with just 11 players on the field at one stage.
South Africa capitalised on the numerical advantage and mounted a late comeback, but Australia held on to secure a memorable 42-38 victory.
The result saw South Africa lose two World Rugby ranking points, although the Springboks retained their position at No 1. Australia gained two ranking points and moved up to sixth.
What’s next for the Springboks?
South Africa’s next scheduled Test will come against Italy in Turin on 7 November in the Nations Championship.
Australia, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the Bledisloe Cup, with back-to-back Tests against New Zealand scheduled for 10 and 17 October in Auckland and Sydney.
Springboks team
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn.
Australia team
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Harry Potter.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
