# Australia Beats South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test

> Australia holds on with 11 men to beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test.
- Title: Australia Beats South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test · Sky Sports
- Summary: Australia holds on with 11 men to beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test. Australia beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test despite losing four players to…
- Keywords: australia, south africa, wallabies, springboks, perth test, rugby union, sky sports, rugby, sports, Beats, South, Africa
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12040/13592430/australia-42-38-south-africa-wallabies-finish-with-11-men-but-hang-on-for-victory-in-extraordinary-perth-test
- Author: Stuart Hodge
- Published: 2026-09-27T14:37:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: australia, south africa, wallabies, springboks, perth test, rugby union, sky sports, rugby, sports
## Australia beats South Africa
Australia beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test after losing four players to yellow cards in the final 11 minutes.
## Referee's chaotic final minutes
Italian referee Andrea Piardi reached for his pocket four times in eight minutes, speaking to TV match official via mobile phone after communication failed.
## Key yellow cards
Harry Wilson was first binned in 69th minute for high tackle, followed by Ryan Lonergan two minutes later for diving into ruck.
## Late tries and penalty try
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled offside after try disallowed, Hunter Paisami went for high tackle in build-up to overturned try that would have put Australia 47-31 clear.
## Final minute try
Replacement prop Ox Nche crossed in last minute to bring score back to four points after South Africa scored three late tries.
## Coach Les Kiss comments
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss, unbeaten in five Tests, described finish as 'bizarre' and praised team's first 60 minutes.

> bizarre
## South Africa's first half
South Africa started better with Johan Grobbelaar's converted try and Handre Pollard penalty putting them 10-3 up inside 10 minutes.
## Australia's comeback
Centre Len Ikitau scored twice in 23rd and 27th minutes, Ben Donaldson crossed before half, and Max Jorgensen ran 60 metres for 42-17 lead.
## Key takeaway

Australia beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth Test despite losing four players to yellow cards in the final 11 minutes.