The Wallabies secured a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Springboks at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday. This win ensured Wallabies coach Less Kiss remained unbeaten since taking the reins. The match was a drama-filled 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 Springboks struck first when Handre Pollard slotted a 40-metre penalty goal in the second minute after Paul de Villiers won a turnover at the breakdown. Ryan Lonergan responded three minutes later with a penalty goal of his own to level matters at 3-3. The Springboks then capitalised on excellent work from Jan-Hendrik Wessels at the breakdown, unleashing 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 lineout 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.
The Wallabies had the final say before the break, with Ben Donaldson crossing out wide on the stroke of halftime. 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.
The second half began with another breakdown penalty won by De Villiers, but Australia soon regained control. Lonergan kicked penalty goals 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, with captain and No 8 Harry Wilson powering over from close range, and Lonergan's conversion made it 37-17. Max Jorgensen scored a breakaway try from midfield in the 63rd minute following another Springbok handling error, making it 42-17 with less than 20 minutes remaining.
The match turned dramatic in its final stages, with the Springboks staging a remarkable comeback. Wilson was shown a yellow card in the 69th minute for head contact with Malcolm Marx. The Springboks were awarded a penalty try, and South Africa continued to push, scoring tries through Morne van den Berg and Ox Nche. However, the comeback fell just short, with Australia earning a penalty for obstruction after the restart, allowing the Wallabies to kick the ball into touch and secure a famous victory.
Key points
- The Wallabies' victory ensured coach Less Kiss remained unbeaten since taking the reins.
- The match was a drama-filled contest that showcased attacking ambition from both sides.
- The Springboks staged a remarkable comeback in the final stages, but ultimately fell short.
