Australia and South Africa set for Perth Test

Australia and South Africa were set to meet at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, September 27, in a one-off Test, with both sides entering the match after strong recent runs. The reports were published before kickoff and did not establish a result. The match was scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time, or 11:45 a.m. South African Standard Time. Australia arrived unbeaten in its recent matches under coach Les Kiss after defeating Japan and recording a win and a draw against Argentina, following earlier losses to Ireland and France. South Africa came to Perth after recovering from an opening defeat to New Zealand to win the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series. The teams were meeting without a Rugby Championship campaign in 2026. South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the match would give selected players an opportunity and help build squad depth. He cited players including Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard and Herschel Jantjies, who he said had been working toward a chance to play. Stick also said the team had taken lessons from its 2025 defeat to Australia at Ellis Park, where South Africa led early before Australia came back to win.