Wallabies Hold Off Springbok Fightback in Perth Thriller

Australia survived a dramatic late South African fightback to claim a 42-38 victory over the Springboks in Perth, securing the Mandela Challenge Plate in a five-try thriller.

The Wallabies produced one of their most memorable performances of the year as they stunned the Springboks 42-38 at Optus Stadium on Sunday, holding off a remarkable late comeback from the world champions.

Len Ikitau was at the heart of Australia's impressive first-half performance, scoring twice as the Wallabies established a 24-17 lead at the break.

South Africa struck first after Handre Pollard opened the scoring with an early penalty, but Ryan Lonergan quickly levelled the contest from the tee.

The Springboks then turned pressure into points when Johan Grobbelaar powered over from a driving maul in the ninth minute, with Pollard adding the conversion to make it 10-3.

Australia responded with a sustained attacking spell. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto produced a clever offload close to the line, allowing Ikitau to break through and score. Lonergan converted to bring the Wallabies level.

Ikitau then struck again moments later.

A superb aerial contest from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii saw the Wallabies regain possession before Ikitau finished the move, with Lonergan's conversion putting Australia 17-10 ahead.

South Africa hit back through Edwill van der Merwe in the 29th minute after slick handling from Aphelele Fassi and Canan Moodie created the opening. Pollard converted to level the scores at 17-17.

Australia responded before half-time. Max Jorgensen's pace helped create the opportunity before Ben Donaldson finished a flowing attack in the 38th minute. Lonergan converted to give the hosts a 24-17 advantage at the interval.

The Wallabies extended their lead early in the second half through Lonergan's reliable goal-kicking before captain Harry Wilson crossed in the 60th minute.

The No.8 spotted space beside a ruck and powered over the line, with Lonergan converting to put Australia 35-17 ahead.

Three minutes later, Max Jorgensen produced one of the moments of the match. The winger intercepted a loose pass and raced almost the length of the field to score, with Lonergan adding the extras as Australia moved into a commanding 42-17 lead.

It appeared the Wallabies were heading for a comfortable victory.

Instead, the Springboks launched an extraordinary comeback.

South Africa earned a penalty try after dominating a scrum close to the Australian line, with Ryan Lonergan shown a yellow card in the process.

The Wallabies were then reduced further when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was yellow-carded, leaving Australia with 12 players.

Morne van den Berg capitalised on the numerical advantage, scoring from another powerful South African scrum to bring the Springboks back into the contest.

Australia's problems deepened when Hunter Paisami was also sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, leaving the Wallabies with just 11 players on the field during the frantic closing stages.

South Africa continued to attack, but Australia defended desperately to protect their four-point advantage.

The Springboks threw everything at the hosts in the final minutes, but the Wallabies held firm to complete a remarkable 42-38 victory.

The result sees Australia claim the Mandela Challenge Plate and extend Les Kiss' unbeaten run as Wallabies head coach. The victory also came despite Australia spending the final stages with only 11 players on the field.

Ikitau's two tries were central to Australia's first-half dominance, while Lonergan was perfect from the kicking tee. Jorgensen also produced a standout performance, combining his attacking threat with excellent work in the air.

For South Africa, the defeat came despite a stirring late fightback and five tries of their own. The Springboks' powerful scrum and maul eventually caused Australia significant problems, but their late surge fell just short.

In total, both teams scored five tries, but Australia's early dominance and ability to create opportunities in broken play ultimately proved decisive.

Final score: Australia 42-38 South Africa.