In a thrilling clash at Perth's Optus Stadium, the Wallabies emerged victorious over the Springboks with a scoreline of 42-38. The match, held on Sunday, was a closely contested affair with both teams crossing the try line five times. However, it was the precise kicking of Ryan Lonergan that ultimately sealed a surprising win for Australia against the reigning world champions.
The Wallabies’ tries were scored by Len Ikitau, who crossed twice, alongside Ben Donaldson, Harry Wilson, and Max Jorgensen. Ryan Lonergan, playing at scrum-half, added to the tally by successfully converting four tries and slotting three penalties. On the other side, the Springboks' points came through tries from Johan Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, and a penalty try, with Handre Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributing 11 additional points through conversions and penalties.
This victory not only thrilled fans but also had significant implications for the World Rugby rankings, boosting Australia from seventh to sixth place, nudging Scotland down to seventh. A larger margin of victory could have propelled Australia even higher, potentially overtaking England for the fifth spot. As it stands, this win disrupts the rankings slightly and sets up intriguing dynamics for the upcoming tests.
The next challenge for the Wallabies is the Bledisloe Cup, where they will face the All Blacks in consecutive matches on October 10 and 17. This series comes as Australia rides a six-match unbeaten streak, a feat last achieved in 2017 under then-coach Joe Schmidt.
The defeat for the Springboks, meanwhile, has broader ramifications. It marks their fifth consecutive test where they have conceded four or more tries, a concerning trend for a team known for its defensive prowess. Additionally, it’s only the second time in over a month that they’ve allowed five tries in a match. This loss, their first in 2026 where they trailed at halftime, sees them drop to 93.09 points in the rankings, narrowing their lead over the All Blacks to just 1.94 points.
As the dust settles, the Springboks will regroup during their break before the Nations Championship resumes in early November, looking to address their defensive vulnerabilities and reclaim their dominant form.
For now, the Australian rugby community is basking in the glow of a remarkable victory that not only showcased individual brilliance but also underscored the team's resilience and strategic acumen. As they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup, the Wallabies will be buoyed by this performance, knowing that they have the capability to challenge the best in the world.
World Rugby Men’s Rankings:
1. South Africa 93.09
2. New Zealand 91.15
3. Ireland 88.08
4. France 87.43
5. England 85.68
6. Australia 85.55
7. Scotland 84.78
8. Argentina 82.24
9. Japan 77.28
10. Fiji 76.81
11. Wales 76.38
12. Italy 76.30
13. Georgia 73.94
14. Portugal 69.39
15. USA 67.58
16. Chile 66.94
17. Spain 66.83
18. Uruguay 65.75
19. Tonga 65.14
20. Samoa 64.73
