The Wallaroos have held tough for a 33-26 win over South Africa to ensure they will battle Scotland for the WXV 2 title in Cape Town
Jo Yapp's side were dominant early as they raced out to a 21-5 lead after 15 minutes.
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They had chances to extend their lead before the break, only for mistakes and a physical South African side keeping the contest alive.
Tries to Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller looked to put the game out of reach before a late fightback for the hosts.
Two late tries had South Africa fighting late for a draw in a thrilling finish.
In the end, Ash Marsters proved the hero as she came up with a crucial steal on their line as she tied the record for most caps by an Australian.
It puts Australia top of the WXV 2 ladder, facing second place Scotland in the final round next Sunday (AEST) to decide the winner.
It was a frantic start as the Wallaroos came out as they finished the second half against Wales.
A near-perfect clearing kick from Faitala Moleka set up their first chance to attack and backrower Siokapesi Palu was there to dive over in the fourth minute for the opener.
Maya Stewart continued her exceptional return from injury as she set up Georgina Friedrichs with a great burst.
The winger left her defender clutching at the air before bumping off the fullback to set up Friedrichs for a quick 14-0 lead.
South Africa responded almost instantly as scrumhalf Unam Tose charged down Caitlyn Halse’s clearing kick and touched down.
This failed to slow Australia’s onslaught as Eva Karpani stepped past the defence for an easy try.
In fact, only the Aussies could stop themselves when a great interchange of hands between the backs put Cecilia Smith into space, dropping the ball over the line untouched.
South Africa eventually worked their way back into the contest and Sinazo Mcatshulwa’s try just after the half hour mark reduced Australia’s lead to 21-12.
Desiree Miller’s try was denied right at half-time after her second effort was brought back for a knock-on by Layne Morgan, tackled centimetres from the line.
The match threatened to boil over for the Aussies when Atasi Lafai was sin binned early in the second half for a high tackle.
However, the class of the Wallaroos winger shone through.
It started in the 50th minute when Miller raced away and couldn’t be denied a well-earned five-pointer after sprinting past her defender.
Stewart then crashed over six minutes later for what looked to be an unassailable 33-12 lead heading into the final quarter of the game.
This is where South Africa launched a late comeback as centre Zintle Mpupha crossed with seven minutes to go, followed by hooker Micke Gunter to give the hosts a chance to claim a draw.
They marched down the field and Australia looked to have the turnover, only for the ball to bounce back on the host’s side.
Defending their line for multiple phases, Marsters timed her pilfer perfectly to earn the penalty and seal the win.
It sets up a winner-takes-all match with Scotland after a 19-13 win over Japan earlier in the day.
"It was an incredible atmosphere...we always knew that Springboks would come out really hard at us. They're a very physical side and they definitely didn't disappoint. They definitely took the game to us for the full 80 which was tough," coach Jo Yapp said post-match.
"I think we were in that first half we had opportunities wide and we managed to move the ball well but when we had those couple of tries disallowed because of the groundings, that kept South Africa in it.
"...We were really proud of the fight to get back (and claim the win). The way they put themselves on the line and stepped up, that's really difficult to coach. That comes from a group wanting to work hard for each other so that side of it was really pleasing."
Tries: Palu, Friedrichs, Karpani, Miller, Stewart
Cons: Moleka 4/5
Tries: Tose, Mcatshulwa, Mpupha, Gunter
Cons: Roos 3/4
WALLAROOS (15-1): Catilyn Halse, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Layne Morgan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ashley Marsters, Siokapesi Palu, Michaela Leonard (c), Kaitlan Leaney, Eva Karpani, Tania Naden, Bridle O’Gorman
Replacements: Tiarna Molloy, Lydioa Kavoa, Allana Sikimeti, Atasi Lafai, Lucy Dinnen, Samantha Wood, Trilleen Pomare, Lori Cramer
SOUTH AFRICA (15-1): Eloise Webb, Jakkie Cilliers, Zintle Mpupha, Chumisa Qawe, Ayanda Malinga, Nadine Roos, Unam Tose, Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Lusando Dumke (c), Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, Babalwa Latsha, Roseline Botes, Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo, Azisa Mkiva, Nolusindiso Booi, Catha Jacobs, Sizophila Solontsi, Felicia Jacobs, Byrhandre Dolf.
Referee: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe)
Assistant Referees: Amelia Luciano (USA) & Maria Latos (Germany)
TMO: Estelle Whaiapu (New Zealand)
