Starc turns Test on its head as Junior Matildas bow out and Wallabies land MCG blockbuster

Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul rescued Australia from a disastrous start in the Test decider against South Africa, while the Junior Matildas were eliminated from the Under-17 Women's World Cup. Rugby Australia also confirmed the MCG as the venue for a major 2027 Bledisloe Cup clash.

Cricket — Starc sparks remarkable fightback

Australia recovered from a nightmare opening session to seize the momentum on the first day of the decisive Test against South Africa at Newlands. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Australia watched South Africa race to 158 without loss. Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram appeared set to put the hosts in complete control, with Ackerman eventually falling for a career-best 95 and Markram making 78.

The collapse that followed was dramatic. South Africa slipped from 158-0 to 232-5 before Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen rebuilt the innings with a 95-run partnership. Jansen made 52 and Rickelton 42, but Mitchell Starc then tore through the tail with the second new ball.

Starc removed Rickelton and Jansen before dismissing Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada in the space of three deliveries. He finished with 6-72, his 20th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 329, leaving Australia with a chance to take control of the match when the visitors begin their first innings.

The day also began with a significant selection blow for Australia, with Steve Smith ruled out because of a neck injury. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon came into the side. With the series tied 1-1, the Newlands Test will decide the series and the battle for the No.1 Test ranking.

Football — Junior Matildas exit World Cup

The CommBank Junior Matildas' first FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup campaign has ended with a 1-0 defeat to Mexico. Citlalli Reyes scored the only goal in the 35th minute after Mexico had created the better opportunities early in the match. Australia pushed for an equaliser after half-time but could not find the finish required to extend its tournament.

Despite the early exit, the campaign represented Australia's first appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and provided valuable international experience for a group of young players who will now return to their domestic clubs.

Joeys squad named

Football Australia also announced the 21-player CommBank Joeys squad for November's FIFA Under-17 Men's World Cup in Qatar. The squad contains a sizeable A-League presence, including players from Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar and Macarthur. Among them is Brisbane Roar teenager Max Court, who became the youngest player to appear in the Australian Championship and has already made an impression at senior level. The Joeys will face Argentina, Denmark and Mozambique in the group stage.

Rugby — Wallabies to face All Blacks at the MCG

The Wallabies will return to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in 2027. The match will be part of an unusually busy year for the trans-Tasman rivalry, with Australia and New Zealand scheduled to meet multiple times across the season, including at the Rugby World Cup.

The MCG has hosted only four previous Tests between the Wallabies and All Blacks. The next meeting will therefore add another chapter to one of rugby's oldest rivalries at one of Australia's most recognisable sporting venues. The announcement comes as Australian rugby builds towards a home men's Rugby World Cup later in 2027.

Rugby League — Kangaroos reshuffle for Cook Islands

The Kangaroos have named their side for their final Rugby League World Cup pool match against the Cook Islands. Reece Walsh returns at fullback, replacing James Tedesco despite Tedesco's excellent performance in Australia's previous match. Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden have been selected as the halves combination. Sam Walker has been moved to the interchange bench, while Canberra's Ethan Strange is in line to make his Test debut after being added to the squad following Mitchell Moses' calf injury. The changes give Australia an opportunity to test another combination before the knockout stages while retaining a strong enough side to finish the pool phase unbeaten.