Australia v South Africa LIVE: Latest updates as Wallabies host much-changed Springboks in international clash

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(Getty)

A busy year of international action continues for Australia and South Africa as the two sides collide in an intriguing one-off Test in Perth.

The Springboks are heavily changed from the side that secured a 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series success in their last outing two weeks ago, with Rassie Erasmus taking the opportunity to assess the depth of his squad. A trip to Western Australia is valuable preparation for next year’s World Cup, too, with the defending champions likely to play twice in Perth during the course of that tournament.

The Wallabies, meanwhile, will relish an opportunity to test themselves against the best having made an encouraging start to life under Les Kiss. Time is tight to find their groove before a World Cup on home soil but a statement win here could prove just the jolt they need with little more than 12 months to go.

Follow all of the latest from Perth with our live blog below:

‘I’m at peace with my MND diagnosis’: Lewis Moody on finding hope amid the darkness

We’ll be back to the build-up to today’s Test in a moment, but I think you’ll forgive the interruption to point you in the direction of my colleague Luke Baker’s piece with Lewis Moody, who is taking on his battle with MND with typical bravery. I’d highly recommend seeking out TNT’s new documentary with the former England captain.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 September 2026 09:25

Australia vs South Africa

Australia remain unbeaten in four matches under Les Kiss, though the intensity of the challenge will surely ratchet up today after games against Japan and Argentina. There have been encouraging signs for the new head coach in those outings as he looks to build on the foundations laid by Joe Schmidt, but today may feel more instructive about where his squad are at.

Les Kiss (right) will lead Australia into the World Cup
Les Kiss (right) will lead Australia into the World Cup (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle27 September 2026 09:15

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry full results as South Africa beat New Zealand in landmark series

Yes, it’s all change (nearly!) for the Springboks as Rassie Erasmus refreshes his side following a gruelling Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. He can do so from a place of strength, though, after a 3-1 success against New Zealand.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 September 2026 09:05

Springboks announce new captain as team to face Australia revealed

Handre Pollard returns to wear the No 10 shirt having missed out on an appearance in the All Blacks series due to injury, while Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert form an experienced second row partnership.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 September 2026 08:55

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii handed new role in Australia team to take on South Africa

His switch to the left wing sees Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau paired in midfield, with Donaldson partnered by Ryan Lonergan in the halves.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 September 2026 08:45

Australia v South Africa LIVE

Another sizeable helping of Test rugby is here as Australia host South Africa in Perth. It’ll be exactly a year until the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday and the Wallabies are looking to build momentum for their home tournament – can they upset the world champions to kick start their charge?

Kick off is at 10.45am BST.

(Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle26 September 2026 08:04
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