Australia beat world champions South Africa 42-38 in Perth despite being reduced to 11 players during a chaotic late spell. The Wallabies produced an outstanding attacking performance to lead by 25 points, before four yellow cards in nine minutes allowed South Africa to launch a dramatic comeback that ultimately fell short.

Len Ikitau scored twice, while Ben Donaldson, Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen also crossed for Australia. South Africa, who made 13 changes after beating New Zealand, scored through Johan Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, a penalty try, Morne van den Berg and Ox Nche; the result comes a year before Australia hosts the 2027 World Cup.