Australia Holds Off South Africa in Dramatic 42-38 Rugby Thriller

Perth, Australia — September 28, 2026

Australia survived a remarkable late comeback from South Africa to defeat the reigning Rugby World Cup champions 42-38 in Perth on Sunday.

The Wallabies appeared to be in complete control for much of the match, building a 42-17 lead before a dramatic final 10 minutes saw Australia reduced to just 11 players.

Australia Builds a Huge Lead

Centre Len Ikitau was one of Australia’s standout players, scoring two tries as the Wallabies took control of the match.

Ben Donaldson, captain Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen also crossed the try line, while scrum-half Ryan Lonergan contributed points from the kicking tee.

Australia led 24-17 at halftime and extended its advantage after the break. Jorgensen added one of the match’s most spectacular moments when he sprinted roughly 60 metres to score after South Africa lost possession.

South Africa Launches a Late Comeback

The match changed dramatically in the final stages when Wilson received a yellow card for a high tackle.

South Africa immediately took advantage, earning a penalty try from a five-metre scrum. Further yellow cards to Lonergan, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i and Hunter Paisami eventually left Australia with only 11 players on the field.

The Springboks continued attacking and reduced the deficit to just four points. With the clock running down, Australia faced intense pressure inside its own territory.

Wallabies Survive With 11 Players

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Australia’s defense held firm during the final minutes.

South Africa scored through Ox Nché with around 20 seconds remaining in regulation time, but the Springboks could not find another score before the final whistle.

Australia’s players celebrated after securing a 42-38 victory in front of 54,678 spectators at Perth Stadium.

A Six-Test Unbeaten Run

The victory extended Australia’s unbeaten run to six consecutive tests, its longest such streak since 2017.

The Wallabies will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches against New Zealand in October as preparations continue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host.

South Africa, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a match in which it came close to completing one of the most dramatic comebacks of the international rugby season.

Sources

• Associated Press — 11-man Australia hangs on to upset South Africa 42-38 in extraordinary rugby test — September 27, 2026.
• RTÉ Sport — 11-man Australia hold on to defeat South Africa — September 27, 2026.
• The42 — Ikitau on the double as Australia claim huge scalp against South Africa — September 27, 2026.