Wallabies hold off Springboks to win 42-38 in Perth

Australia held off a late South African rally to win 42-38 in Perth on Sunday, reclaiming the Mandela Challenge Plate after leading by 25 points in the second half. The Wallabies were reduced to 11 players during the closing stages, but South Africa could not complete the comeback. Australia led 42-17 after 63 minutes at Optus Stadium. Len Ikitau scored two of the Wallabies’ five tries, with Ben Donaldson, captain Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen also crossing. Ryan Lonergan added three penalties and four conversions, according to the match scoring summary. South Africa’s late surge gathered pace after a yellow card to Wilson and a penalty try for the Springboks. Further yellow cards left Australia short-handed, and replacement scrumhalf Morné van den Berg scored to cut the margin. A try by replacement prop Ox Nché in the final minute brought South Africa closer, but an obstruction penalty against the Springboks ended their last attack and preserved Australia’s win. South Africa scored three tries late in the match, including the penalty try.