Wallabies outlast never-say-die Boks in Perth

The Wallabies produced a remarkable performance to defeat the Springboks 42-38 (half-time 24-17) in a drama-filled Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, surviving an extraordinary late comeback from the South Africans despite being reduced to just 11 players at one stage late in the game.

The victory ensured Wallabies coach Less Kiss remained unbeaten since taking the reins and handed South Africa only their second defeat of the year. It was a contest that showcased attacking ambition from both sides, with the lead changing hands several times before Australia ultimately held their nerve in a frantic finish.

The Boks struck first when Handre Pollard slotted a 40-metre penalty in the second minute after Paul de Villiers won a turnover at the breakdown. Ryan Lonergan responded three minutes later with a penalty of his own to level matters at 3-3.

The Springboks then capitalised on excellent work from Jan-Hendrik Wessels at the breakdown. Opting for a line-out after earning a penalty 10m from the Wallaby trtline, the visitors unleashed their powerful maul, with hooker Johan Grobbelaar crashing over for his first Test try to give South Africa a 10-3 lead.

Australia hit back in the 22nd minute through outside centre Len Ikitau, who crossed under the posts following a clever line-out set-piece play. Lonergan's conversion levelled the scores at 10-10.

Ikitau struck again four minutes later after gathering a high ball and finishing superbly, with Lonergan adding the extras to push the hosts 17-10 ahead.

The Boks responded in style when Edwill van der Merwe finished a sweeping attacking move that originated inside South Africa's own half and was sparked by a brilliant break by Canan Moodie. Pollard converted to make it 17-17.

However, the Wallabies had the final say before the break. After patiently probing the Springbok defence, Ben Donaldson crossed out wide on the stroke of half-time. Lonergan's third conversion handed Australia a deserved 24-17 advantage at the interval.

South Africa, fielding a significantly revamped side from the team that defeated the All Blacks in Baltimore two weeks ago, at times struggled for cohesion and were guilty of making too many errors, while the Wallabies, who arrived on the back of a five-match unbeaten streak, played with more confidence and enterprise.

The second half began with another breakdown penalty won by De Villiers but Australia soon regained control. Lonergan kicked penalties in the 46th and 53rd minutes to stretch their lead to 30-17 as the Wallabies increasingly dominated the gain line and enjoyed quick ball.

South Africa responded by emptying their replacement bench in search of momentum but Australia continued to ask questions. A blow arrived for the hosts when Ikitau, one of their standout performers, limped off and was replaced by Harry Potter.

The Wallabies extended their lead in the 58th minute. After Ben Donaldson was tackled into touch close to the tryline while Australia were playing under advantage, the hosts took a quick tap penalty. Captain and No 8 Harry Wilson powered over from close range and Lonergan's conversion made it 37-17.

Things improved further for Australia when Max Jorgensen scored a breakaway try from midfield in the 63rd minute following another Springbok handling error. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the Wallabies appeared comfortably in control at 42-17 with less than 20 minutes remaining.

What followed was one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

Wilson was shown a yellow card in the 69th minute for head contact with Malcolm Marx, with the incident referred for bunker review. From the ensuing pressure, the Springboks were awarded a penalty try, while Lonergan was also yellow-carded for cynical play.

South Africa continued to push. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was then shown yellow for offside, reducing Australia to 12 men. The Springboks immediately capitalised, with Morne van den Berg scoring after another powerful attacking scrum. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to close the gap to 42-31 with five minutes remaining.

The drama escalated further when Australia appeared to have sealed the match with an intercept try but the score was overturned after a high tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu was identified in the build-up. Hunter Paisami was sent to the sin bin, leaving the Wallabies with only 11 players on the field.

With time almost up, the Springboks struck again. Ox Nche scored his first Test try as South Africa exploited the numerical advantage, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to bring the visitors within four points at 42-38.

The comeback, however, fell just short. Australia earned a penalty for obstruction after the restart, allowing the Wallabies to kick the ball into touch and secure a famous victory in front of their Perth supporters.

Score

Australia 42 (24) - Tries: Len Ikitau (2), Ben Donaldson, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgenson. Conversions: Ryan Lonergan (4). Penalties: Lonergan (3).

Springbok 38 (17) - Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, Penalty try, Morne van den Berg, Ox Nche. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalty: Pollard.