Harry Wilson and his Australia team-mates celebrate after holding on to beat South Africa

Credit : Paul Kane/Getty Images

If the Wallabies play like this in their own backyard at their own World Cup next year, boy we are in for a treat. After years in the doldrums, this five-try victory over South Africa was the latest reminder of their transformation under the stewardship of Les Kiss.

Their gritty performance in Perth – the city where Australia will open rugby’s showpiece in 12 months’ time – was caveated by the fact they were facing a second-string Boks side. But there can be no denying they are on an upward trajectory, even if their discipline dramatically deserted them late on.

In a helter-skelter denouement, Australia played the majority of the final 10 minutes of the match with 11 men on the pitch as South Africa threatened to mount a late comeback.…