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Australia upsets South Africa 42-38 in dramatic Perth Test
Australia secured a dramatic 42-38 victory over South Africa in a high-scoring Mandela Challenge Plate Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Wallabies, led by coach Les Kiss, built a commanding 42-17 lead during the first 70 minutes, fueled by two tries from Len Ikitau and strong kicking from Ryan Lonergan.
The match concluded with a chaotic period of disciplinary issues as Australia was reduced to just 11 players following yellow cards issued to Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and Hunter Paisami. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Wallabies held off a late surge from the Springboks, who scored three unanswered tries in the final minutes to narrow the gap.
South Africa, the reigning World Cup champions, fielded a significantly altered lineup with 13 changes from their previous Test. Following the match, South African coach Rassie Erasmus noted the improved quality of the Australian side. The victory extends Australia's unbeaten run under Kiss to six matches and moves them up to sixth in the World Rugby rankings.
Entities
Andrea Piardi · Australia · Australia Wallabies · Faitala Moleka · Harry Wilson · Len Ikitau · Les Kiss · Michaela Leonard · Optus Stadium · Rassie Erasmus · Scotland · Siokapesi Palu
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] South Africa maintained its number one world ranking despite the loss.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The victory marks a continued unbeaten record for the Wallabies under coach Les Kiss. www.algoafm.co.za
- [○ 1 SOURCE] South Africa lost two full World Rugby ranking points.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Len Ikitau scored two tries during the match. www.algoafm.co.za
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Australia's players Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and Hunter Paisami received yellow cards. www.algoafm.co.za
- [● 2 SOURCES] Australia defeated South Africa 42-38 in a one-off Test in Perth. www.algoafm.co.za
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Australia moved to sixth in the World Rugby standings.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the South African starting lineup.