AS IT HAPPENED: 11-man Wallabies survive thriller against Springboks

Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 11:23 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

RECAP: The Wallabies have somehow found a way home, defeating the Springboks 42-38 in Perth.

The Aussies scrambled for their life after going down to 11 men, having built a monster lead.

Watch every second of the Wallabies 2026 season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

They lead the world champions 42-17 before a string of cards against them gave South Africa life.

Three quick tries left the Wallabies out on their feet as the world number one quickly fought back.

But the Wallabies came up with the killer blow for the win, holding on in a classic.

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80': WALLABIES HOLD ON

Wallabies 42-38: THE WALLABIES HAVE DONE IT

UNBELIEVABLE DEFENCE FROM THE AUSSIES AS THEY RETURN TO 13 PLAYERS, FORCING THE OBSTRUCTION

DOWN GOES THE WORLD NUMBER ONE

DOWN GOES THE WORLD CHAMPIONS

78': Springboks reduce lead

Wallabies 42-38: Ox Nche gives South Africa life with a late try for the grandstand finish

The Wallabies can't close out the game as they drop the ball inside the 22.

Whilst they hold out South Africa initally, Nche finds the line for the grandstand finish

77': Wallabies survive for now

Wallabies 42-31: Wild scenes as the Wallabies hold on down to 11.

Unreal defence from Tom Hooper and Tom Wright holds them out, with the ball spilling out five metres out.

Tom Wright boots it clear and South Africa go for a chip and chase that goes into touch.

76': Tom Wright denied wonder try, Wallabies down to 11

Wallabies 42-31: Tom Wright has come up with the play of the year that won't count, defying a monster overlap to snatch the intercept and run 40 metres for the try.

The ball loops out to a three man overlap and Wright latches onto it, racing away for what seemed like the winner.

But the phone is back out. Hunter Paisami is ruled to have collected Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on the head as the try is ruled ot, Paisami heading for ten.

74': South Africa reduce lead

Wallabies 42-31: The Springboks comeback is more than truly on as Morne van ⁠den Berg gets his try.

This time, the scrumhalf hangs onto the ball as the Wallabies are powerless to stop the scrum.

73': Springboks denied wonder try, Wallabies down to 12.

Wallabies 42-24: The Springboks have looked to have hit back again as they slice through the depleted Wallabies defence.

The South Africans instantly find space and kick for winger Edwill ‌van der Merwe, who just can't collect the ball.

But the drama continues as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is the latest to go to the bin, caught for offside from the initial break.

71': Springboks awarded penalty try, Wallabies down to 13

Wallabies 42-24: Disaster for the Wallabies as they give away a penalty try and a yellow card to Ryan Lonergan.

It was inevitable the try, but Lonergan stops the try from an offside position, marched for ten.

70': Springboks stopped

Wallabies 42-17: Morne van ⁠den Berg thinks he has come up with the try after diving for the line from a powerful scrum

But the TMO, after another phone call, can see the knock on and it's denied.

They have advantage and will go back to the scrum.

69': Wilson off for ten

Wallabies 42-17: Huge moment as Harry Wilson is sent for ten for a high shot.

With the comms down, Andrea Piradi takes the call (literally) from the TMO, which has relayed the message that Wilson collects Malcolm Marx high.

69': Wallabies surviving for now

Wallabies 42-17: The Wallabies are hanging in the battle as they try and stop South Africa on their line.

The Aussies are pinged for a high tackle five metres out and the Springboks opt for the scrum, Lachie Shaw coming on for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

67': Springboks hunting for response

Wallabies 42-17: The Springboks need points and need points now.

They go on the attack after winning the scrum penalty, marching inside the 22. The Aussies hold on for now but it's coming back.

Carlo Tizzano on the field for Fraser McReight as South Africa debate whether they can replace Eben Etzebeth after a HIA.

Crowd is 54,678

64': Magic Max does it again

Wallabies 42-17: Max Jorgensen does it again!

Jorgensen pounces on a loose ball from the Springboks and sprints away from the covering defence to score in the corner

62': Wallabies hold tough

Wallabies 37-17: Jeremy Williams nabs another Springboks ball on the Wallabies line as the hosts hold on for now.

Another strong tackle forces the mistake from South Africa, who are camped inside their half.

Aidan Ross on for Angus Bell, who has had a belter.

60': Can't deny Wilson this time

Wallabies 37-17: Second time's the charm for Harry Wilson and boy did the Wallabies skipper love that!

The Wallabies go for the quick tap and Wilson somehow finds the space behind the Springboks ruck to slam it down for the try.

58': Wilson denied try, put into touch

Wallabies 30-17: Harry Wilson almost finds the line as the number eight is bundled into touch.

Working under penalty advantage, the ball finds the Wallabies skipper in the corner, bundled over the sidelines.

55': Jorgensen on fire

Wallabies 30-17: Max Jorgensen comes up with a beauty in the air to retrieve the ball inside South Africa.

The Aussies quickly spread wide and find space, retaining the ball after South Africa's attempt at a ruck turnover ends in a knock on.

Eben Etzebeth looks to have hurt his finger but with no subs, he'll play on.

53': Lonergan stays perfect but Ikitau injured

Wallabies 30-17: Ryan Lonergan nails another long range effort after the Springboks are pinged at the ruck.

Concern for Len Ikitau as he goes down with an ankle knock; he limped off the ground.

Harry Potter on, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moving into the centres.

51': Wallabies respond with changes

Wallabies 27-17: The Wallabies have answered South Africa's changes with Tom Hooper and Billy Pollard on for Rob Valetini and Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

South Africa are starting to gain ascendancy after a smart kick from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu dribbles into touch five metres out.

49': Lonergan furthers lead, Springboks empty bench

Wallabies 27-17: Ryan Lonergan pushes Australia out to a ten point lead.

The Springboks are pinged for kicking the ball out of the ruck 30 metres out from the line and Lonergan slots the kick from close to in front

The visitors respond by unleashing the entire bench, all eight subs at once.

44': Huge territory win for Wallabies

Wallabies 24-17: The Wallabies win the territory battle after a wild scramble.

South Africa sprint away with the ball, intercepted by the Aussies which allows Ben Donaldson to boot in 60 metres down the field, ending in a Wallabies penalty for holding on.

Unfortunately for the Aussies, the lineout is overthrown and lands in Springboks hands.

41': Changes for Wallabies

Wallabies 24-17: Taniela Tupou has been injected straight into the game, replacing Allan Alaalatoa.

The Wallabies receive the kickoff, with South Africa winning the early field position after the ruck penalty.

The Springboks try to launch a rolling maul on Australia's 22, but Jeremy Williams swims through fo the turnover.

HALF TIME: WALLABIES 24 - 17 SPRINGBOKS
39': Donaldson try sparks Wallabies

Wallabies 24-17: Huge result for the Wallabies as Ben Donaldson dives over right before half-time.

An unreal kick from Tom Wright for Max Jorgensen puts the winger into the gap, just brought down close to the line.

After 12 phases, smart hands from the backline finds the flyhalf on the wing, diving over for the crucial try.

36': Ikitau sparks Wallabies, South Africa counter

17-all: Len Ikitau sparks the Wallabies with a 60 metres burst out of nowhere

The hosts try to spread it wide but a knock-on ends the promising attack for the Aussies.

South Africa instantly counter through Aphelele Fassi, but Max Jorgensen is there for the mark.

33': South Africa building pressure

17-all: The South Africans are hunting for a late first half try as they start to win the aerial battle.

They get the scrum 30 metres out after Angus Bell's attempt at the pilfer is not rewarded.

Smart defence from the hosts forces the error as the chance goes begging.

29': Springboks instant response

17-all: The Springboks have hit straight back as Edwill ‌van der Merwe dives over the line.

The long from Handre Pollard catches the defence out to create the numbers, with the speed of the Springboks backline delivering for the winger

27': Ikitau on the double

Wallabies 17-10: Len Ikitau nabs his second in three minutes, and the Wallabies are rolling in Perth.

It's a masterclass from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the air, getting up high to knock it back perfectly for Ikitau, who sprints clear untouched.

24': Ikitau on the spot for response

10-all: Len Ikitau delivers back in the number 13 jersey as the centre dives over under the posts.

Hunter Paisami is somehow stopped right on the line but the Wallabies stay patient and draw another penalty advantage, with Ikitau crashing over from close range.

22': South Africa under pressure

Springboks 10-3: The Springboks are being asked to defend their line as the Wallabies pile on the pressure.

The Australians find some space via Max Jorgensen to create a half break, causing the penalty from South Africa.

18': Sloppy hands hurting Wallabies

Springboks 10-3: The Wallabies are finding space but the handling is costing them big time.

Back-to-back errors give the South Africans a chance to counter, with desperate defence from Rob Valetini stopping a streaking Ethan Hooker.

Fraser McReight then gets over the ball to allow Australia to clear their half, with another ruck penalty won to Brandon Paenga-Amosa putting the Wallabies on South Africa's 22.

14': Wallabies looking to play field position

Springboks 10-3: A smart kick in-behind from Tom Wright gives the Wallabies prime position inside the Springboks 22 as the visitors clear.

Poor handling lets down a following attack from the Aussies, giving South Africa the scrum from their 10 metre line.

10': Springboks maul over for first try

Springboks 10-3: The Springboks strike for the first try through hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

The world champions turn down three and whilst the set-up is solid early from the Wallabies, the Springboks sheer to the side and power over.

The visitors are getting major pay at the breakdown, winning another penalty inside the Wallabies 22, allowing Handre Pollard to put the kick into the corner for the try.

6': Early space for Wallabies

3-all: Ryan Lonergan answers straight back for the Wallabies to level the scores

Promising signs for the Wallabies as they beat the blitz defence through Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight.

The Wallabies backline find the backrow combo under penalty advantage and Wilson sprints away, with the Springboks covering the ball back inside to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

3': Springboks nail opening points

Springboks 3-0: Handre Pollard slots the first points of the afternoon with a long range penalty.

The South Africans are hounding at the breakdown and whilst they're penalised first, a second effort wins the chance for Pollard to nail the kick from 45 metres out.

KICK OFF

Referee Andrea Piradi calls time on and Ben Donaldson launches the kickoff into the Perth skies, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii rising high to win it back.

He's caught at ruck time holding the ball, but geez, what a first touch. South Africa fail to find touch with the kick, but that's negated by an Australian mistake.

WALLABIES 42

Tries: Ikitau 2, Donaldson, Wilson, Jorgensen

Cons: Lonergan 4/5

Pens: Lonergan 3/3

SPRINGBOKS 38

Tries: Grobbelaar, van der Merwe, Penalty Try, van ⁠den Berg, Nche

Cons: Pollard 2/2, Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2/2

Pens: Pollard 1/1


PRE GAME
T-2 min to go: Anthems in the books

The anthems are done and we're almost ready to go.

A typically high-energy anthem from the Australians, led by skipper Harry Wilson, after the South Afrcians come out strong.

T-15 min to go: Up the sheds

The team have departed Optus Stadium, with the Wallabies getting a strong cheer as they depart.

Monster cheer for Eben Etzebeth from the strong South African crowd, with the Force boys getting a lot of love from the home paterons.

The pitch looks in great condition with two weeks of no AFL action on it.

T-30 min to go: World Cup in the house

A special guest in the building as the William Webb Ellis Cup is sideline for the clash.

It's almost one year to go before Optus Stadium is filled for the World Cup opener between the Wallabies and Hong Kong China.

T-40 min to go: Big crowd building

Optus Stadium is slowly filling as the players go through their paces on the ground.

Expectations of 50,000+ for tonight's game, with the split between the two teams starting to even out.

T-60 min to go: Preparations underway

The Springboks are the first team out on the field as the Wallabies start to trickle out onto the field.

The South Africans are unchanged from their team naming earlier in the week, with Josh Canham's previously announced withdrawal the only change for Australia.

The Wallabies have won the toss and will kick from right to left.

T-90 min to go: Welcome

Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the Wallabies' clash with the Springboks at Optus Stadium.

Perth has looked like Pretoria in the build-up, with a wave of Springbok jerseys filling the bars and pubs.

There's a lot of gold in the precinct but it seems like the green just has them outnumbered.

Conditions will be dry as patchy clouds fill the sky with little chance of rain.

WALLABIES v SPRINGBOKS TEAMS

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii; Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Harry Potter

Springboks (15-1): Aphelele Fassi, Edwill ‌van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen (captain), Ethan Hooker, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Villiers, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper ​Wiese, Morne van ⁠den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn.

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Assistant Referees: Ben O'Keeffe & James Doleman (NZR)

TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

HOW TO WATCH WALLABIES v SPRINGBOKS TODAY IN AUSTRALIA

The Wallabies' clash with South Africa will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.

Coverage will be live on Stan Sport, scheduled to start at 6:30 pm AEST/4:30 pm AWST, with kickoff set for 7:45 pm AEST/5:45 pm AWST

The game will also be shown on free-to-air on the Nine Network, with coverage set for 7:00 pm AEST/5:00 pm AWST

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