The Wallabies are set to clash with the Springboks in Perth today, with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm local time (7.30pm AEST) at Optus Stadium. This fixture, falling outside The Rugby Championship and Nations Championship windows, sees the two nations compete for the Mandela Challenge Plate, a trophy held by the Springboks since 2023.
Today's match also marks a year until the start of the home World Cup, which will begin with the Wallabies playing at the same venue. For Wallabies coach Les Kiss, this is his first match against one of rugby's traditional powerhouses.
Despite the Springboks being described as the sport's standout side and the Wallabies ranked seventh, the Springboks will be showcasing their second string. The Australian team enters the game on a rare five-game unbeaten run under Kiss's leadership, following a narrow victory and a draw against Argentina.