Wallabies hold firm against late Springbok surge to claim scrappy win

A rusty South African lineup, much changed from the side that beat New Zealand in Baltimore to claim the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, struggled to build momentum throughout the match, with consistent errors stifling their progress.

The Boks struggled to contain a well-settled Wallabies outfit that scored six tries and found gaps in the defensive line seemingly at will.

Centre Len Ikitau was superb for Australia and scored a brace of tries, while Ryan Lonergan was deadly accurate off the kicking tee, adding 17 points through three penalties and four conversions.

The hosts led 24-17 at half-time but kicked things into another gear after the break to take their advantage to 42-17 around the hour mark.

However, Australia's discipline almost cost them the game, as four yellow cards in quick succession reduced them to 11 players on the pitch at one point.

It allowed the Springboks to mount a fightback and set up an epic finish to the match, which ultimately fell just short.

The result continues Les Kiss' unbeaten run since taking over as head coach of the Wallabies, stretching to six games and seeing them overtake England and Scotland to rise to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings.

The Springboks hold on to their No. 1 ranking despite the loss, but their advantage over second-place New Zealand has narrowed.

Returning fly-half Handre Pollard opened the scoring in the game with a penalty goal before Lonergan levelled the score with a three-pointer of his own.

The Boks continued their strong start by scoring the first try of the game when Johan Grobbelaar bundled over for his first Test try after a strong maul.

Ikitau answered back with his first try of the game before adding a second soon afterwards to give Australia their first lead of the match.

An excellent line break from Canan Moodie set up a try for Edwill van der Merwe to get the Boks level again, but a Ben Donaldson try would put the home side 24-17 up at the break.

Lonergan added two more penalty goals early in the second half to extend their lead to 13 points before Harry Wilson scored a try to extend their advantage.

Max Jorgensen then scored a try following a Moodie handline error to put Australia into a commanding position at 42-17 up.

The Wallabies continued to dominate even after the Springboks emptied their powerful bench, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Jasper Wiese, who was making his 50th appearance for South Africa.

However, a crazy period of play began with around 10 minutes left on the clock when Wilson was sent off for a dangerous tackle, and Lonergan quickly followed him to the bench for a cynical offside play that also resulted in a penalty try for the Boks.

Joseph Suaalii was next to be shown a yellow card as the hosts were reduced to 12 players before a powerful Springbok scrum led to a try to bring the score to 42-29.

Fullback Tom Wright then appeared to put the result beyond doubt when he scored an intercept try, but it was ruled out by the TMO after he spotted a high shot by Hunter Paisami, who was also sent off to leave Australia with just 11 players on the pitch.

Ox Nche then scored for the Springboks with less than a minute left on the clock to bring the Springboks to within six points, with one play of the game remaining.

The visitors regained possession and looked to break, but Quan Horn was pinged for obstruction, handing Australia a penalty, which they kicked to touch to bring the pulsating match to a close.

Wallabies -  Tries: Len Ikitau (2), Ben Donaldson, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen. Conversions: Ryan Lonergan (4). Penalties: Lonergan (3).

Springboks - Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Edwill van der Merwe, penalty try, Morne van den Berg, Ox Nche. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Penalty: Pollard.

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