Australia vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | 2026 International
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Optus Stadium hosts a one-off test between southern hemisphere rivals Australia and South Africa, with both teams having one eye on next year's World Cup.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV & online: UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go / USA – RugbyPass TV
Australia team news
Squad: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Harry Potter
South Africa team news
Squad: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn
Australia vs South Africa prediction
After making an encouraging start to life under new head coach Les Kiss, Australia have been handed the ultimate test now as world champions South Africa visit Perth.
The Wallabies are coming off a competitive two-test series against a talented Argentina side. Australia won the first in late August, 27-21 in San Salvador de Jujuy, before a thrilling 28-28 draw in Mendoza a week later.
South Africa, meanwhile, were embroiled in a series to remember for years to come, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a four-test series dubbed 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry'.
The Springboks were pushed all the way by the All Blacks but showed why they are currently the top side in world rugby, withstanding a barrage of attacking flair to come through and win the series.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has kept some of his key players on the bench here, but he knows he can call upon them if he needs. An improved Australia should ask some questions, but you have to ultimately fancy the Springboks to take the victory.
Australia vs South Africa tip: South Africa to win
