- Australia takes on South Africa in Mandela Challenge Plate match at Optus Stadium
- Final opportunity to see the Springboks nationally or the Wallabies in Western Australia in 2026
- Events play an integral part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, growing the tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses
Western Australia will host a blockbuster international rugby showdown this weekend as Australia's Wallabies take on defending world champions South Africa for the Mandela Challenge Plate.
The Australian-exclusive match at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September, forms part of the Flight Centre Series and marks the Springboks' only appearance in Australia in 2026, as well as the last opportunity for fans to see the Wallabies in Western Australia this year.
The match comes as Perth kicks off the one-year-to-go countdown to the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup Australia, where the Wallabies are set to face off against Hong Kong China in the opening fixture.
The weekend's clash is the second of two premier international rugby fixtures hosted in WA this year, following the Wallabies' sold-out match against Italy in July for the Nations Championship, which drew hundreds of visitors to Western Australia and injected millions of dollars into the visitor economy.
Broadcast live across Australia and key international tourism markets, the Wallabies and Springboks match will showcase Perth's world-class sporting facilities on the global stage.
The Wallabies and Springboks last faced off in Perth in 2024, with the match attracting almost 3,000 out-of-State visitors to WA and drawing a total international audience of close to 2 million viewers in Tourism WA's key markets alone.
Western Australia's golden decade of rugby continues to shine, with major events including a sold-out Bledisloe Cup in 2025, a threeyear extension of Rugby SVNS in Perth through to 2028, and momentum building toward the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup Australia.
These blockbuster events reinforce the Cook Labor Government's commitment to economic diversification, helping grow the tourism sector, support local jobs and businesses, and deliver an always on calendar of major events that drives year-round visitation.
Find out more and secure remaining tickets at ticketmaster.com
As stated by Sport and Recreation and Acting Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Western Australia is proud to host another world class international rugby fixture featuring the Wallabies, as we welcome the reigning world champion Springboks to Optus Stadium for what promises to be an unforgettable contest.
"Major events like the Mandela Challenge Plate are powerful economic drivers, filling our hotels, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs across the tourism and hospitality sectors. They also strengthen WA's reputation as a global events destination.
"Whenever Australia's Wallabies and South Africa's Springboks go head-to-head, the rugby world is watching. As one of the sport's most anticipated rivalries and the coveted Mandela Plate on the line,we're thrilled to welcome fans to Perth for what promises to be an epic weekend of sporting action.
"The direct Johannesburg-Perth service is helping strengthen ties between Western Australia and South Africa, making it easier than ever for visitors to travel here, support their team and explore our incredible State before and after the match.
"The Cook Labor Government remains committed to investing in blockbuster events that diversify our economy, grow the tourism industry, and showcase Western Australia to audiences around the world."
