Australia beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth despite being reduced to 11 men during a frantic finish. The Wallabies led 25 points with 16 minutes left after scoring five tries, including two from Len Ikitau and solo efforts from Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen. A manic spell of four yellow cards in nine minutes — Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, and Hunter Paisami — left Australia vulnerable.

South Africa mounted a comeback with tries from Ox Nche and a penalty try, but time ran out. The visitors, who made 13 changes after beating New Zealand, fielded a strong side with 240 caps in the second row alone. Australia’s Ben Donaldson and fly-half play were key early.

Coach Rassie Erasmus used all eight bench players early in the second half. The win came a year out from hosting the World Cup and a year after a home loss to the Lions. Referee Andrea Piardi (Italy) officiated the thrilling encounter.