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Australia Upsets South Africa 42-38 in Extraordinary Rugby Test
Australia held off a late Springboks surge after four players were sent off, with Harry Wilson saying the last 10 minutes were crazy.
On Sunday, Australia secured a 42-38 upset victory over world champion South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth, claiming the Mandela Challenge Plate despite being reduced to 11 men.
The top-ranked Springboks made 13 changes after their 43-28 win in Baltimore two weeks ago, while Australia dominated early, leading by 25 points with 16 minutes remaining.
During a bizarre finish, Italian referee Andrea Piardi required a mobile phone for communication after equipment malfunction as Australia lost four players to yellow cards in nine minutes.
Center Len Ikitau scored two first-half tries, and wing Max Jorgensen sprinted 55m to extend the lead to 42-17 in the 64th minute, providing the crucial cushion.
Captain Harry Wilson told Stan, "Gee whiz that was a crazy last 10 minutes," after the statement win positioned Australia well a year before hosting the World Cup.