The Wallabies produced a stunning performance in Perth, echoing their remarkable second-half display at Ellis Park in 2025, to win 42-38 on Sunday and claim the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate. Leading 42-17 with around 10 minutes to go, the home side looked to have sealed the victory. However, the Springboks produced a strong comeback after sustained pressure brought four yellow cards for the hosts.
Australia dominated territory and possession from the outset, taking their opportunities when they came and eventually bagging a well-deserved win. Those yellow cards and the communication between the referee and TMO not working, brought drama for the entire game. The Springboks' disjointed first-half performance and lack of discipline ultimately cost them the game.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus made several changes to the side that won in Baltimore against the All Blacks two weeks ago. The new halfback combination of Herschel Jantjies and Handré Pollard, along with the young front row of Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, and Jan-Hendrick Wessels, was given an opportunity. However, the lack of familiarity between the combinations appeared to affect the Boks' ability to build any sustained rhythm.
The back three of Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, and Edwill van der Merwe was also untested at international level. There were two bright moments in an otherwise below-par first half, with Grobbelaar powering over from a rolling maul and Van der Merwe finishing off a brilliant backline move. However, those tries were largely isolated moments as Australia controlled the contest through their powerful forwards and midfield.
Outside centre Len Ikitau was particularly impressive, scoring two outstanding tries, while scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan controlled the tempo superbly and kept the scoreboard ticking with an accurate kicking display. The scrum, despite featuring a young front row, was also below the standards expected of the world champions. Several players failed to make the most of their opportunities, including fullback Fassi and loose forwards Marco van Staden and Elrigh Louw.
The Springboks' comeback was led by Morné van den Berg, who added some much-needed spark as replacement scrumhalf. However, obstruction by captain André Esterhuizen and replacement Quan Horn as they attacked for the final time from their half brought the game to an end. This error arguably summed up how the match went for most of the time for the world champions.
The win was a reminder of the danger Australia possesses when given momentum. The Wallabies played with intent, took their chances, and kept the pressure on throughout, leaving the Springboks with valuable lessons from a performance in which almost nothing clicked until the final 15 minutes.
Key points
- The Wallabies' win was a repeat of their Ellis Park heroics from 2025.
- The Springboks' disjointed first-half performance and lack of discipline ultimately cost them the game.
- The win was a reminder of the danger Australia possesses when given momentum.
