Rassie Erasmus sees value in Wallabies defeat

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus believes Sunday’s defeat to an improving Wallabies provided valuable insight ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be staged on Australian soil.

The Wallabies defeated the back-to-back world champions 42-38 at Perth Stadium, extending their unbeaten start under new head coach Les Kiss to five Tests.

Wallabies impress Erasmus in Perth

Australia built a commanding 42-17 advantage before South Africa launched a late comeback, with the Wallabies eventually holding on despite being reduced to 11 players during a chaotic closing period.

Erasmus had made 13 changes to the Springboks starting XV that defeated New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore, with only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retaining their places.

“Australia is a good team; they definitely have improved since Les has been there,” Erasmus said.

The result was only South Africa’s second defeat against Australia across their last seven meetings.

Springboks gather World Cup insight

A crowd of 54,678 watched the Test at Perth Stadium, the venue that will stage the opening match of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on October 1 next year.

South Africa will enter that tournament seeking to become the first nation to win three consecutive men’s Rugby World Cup titles after triumphing in 2019 and 2023.

Erasmus acknowledged that the Springboks could encounter Australia during the knockout stages and viewed Sunday’s contest as useful preparation.

“I think it was a valuable experience for us what happened tonight,” he said.

Erasmus praises Kiss and Wallabies detail

Erasmus also praised Kiss and former Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt for the technical detail evident in Australia’s game.

He highlighted their lineout accuracy, defensive organisation and breakdown work, describing the Wallabies as a technically sharp and well-coached side.

“I’m big friends with Joe and Les, and they’re great, detailed guys. With Les being at Ulster, I know the Irish system is very technical…”

“It’s the small details they get right. The line-outs: they don’t make a mistake there. They always fill the field on defence. There are always numbers on their feet.

“I think the threat where we thought they would be really great was at the breakdown. I thought we nullified that in a big way.

“But they’re a really technically sharp, well-coached team. We normally find it difficult against a team that don’t miss their roles at the breakdown and stuff. So they’re difficult to play.”