Australia beat the Springboks, the two-time reigning world champions who had held the No. 1 world ranking for 52 of the previous 53 weeks. The hosts controlled much of the match and went into half-time ahead 24–17.
Len Ikitau scored twice in the first half. Australia’s forwards absorbed South Africa’s pressure in the scrum, disrupted lineouts and made ground in direct attacks. Fraser McReight, captain Harry Wilson, Jeremy Williams and Angus Bell were among the players prominent in that work.
Ryan Lonergan directed play from the half-back position, while Ikitau threatened through the middle. Max Jorgensen intercepted a pass for a try; he and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also made life difficult for South Africa under the high ball. Lonergan converted every try but one.
Australia led 42–17 with 12 minutes remaining. Wilson, Lonergan, Suaalii and Hunter Paisami were then sent to the sin-bin in quick succession. For much of the closing period, the Wallabies had 11 players on the field against South Africa’s full 15. The Springboks scored three tries in that spell to make it 42–38.
Australia absorbed the final pressure and kept the lead. A penalty near the end gave the hosts a chance to clear; Jorgensen kicked the ball well into the stands to finish the match. The win tested the team’s resilience after the numbers on the field changed sharply.
The result came during a packed weekend in Australian sport. The national football team drew 1–1 with Brazil in Townsville after Brazil scored in the 95th minute. In Australian rules football, Fremantle were three goals ahead with four minutes left before Brisbane replied with four goals. Newcastle also beat Penrith in an NRL preliminary final; Penrith had finished last the previous year.
The Wallabies’ next major task is the Bledisloe Cup, which begins in Auckland in two weeks. Australia will host next year’s Rugby World Cup. The team goes into that run after six consecutive Test matches without a defeat.