Ewen McKenzie hails Australia character

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has hailed the character of his side following their dramatic win over South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies picked up their first victory of the tournament on Saturday as Bernard Foley converted Rob Horne's 78th-minute try to earn the hosts a 24-23 triumph in Perth.

After seeing his team thrashed 51-20 by New Zealand last time out, McKenzie believes that his players showed great spirit to overcome the Springboks.

"We knew it was going to be a game of character, coming from the loss in Auckland, we knew we needed to show some character," he told Fox TV. "While it wasn't an extravagant scoreboard, a win against South Africa is no easy thing and to come from behind is even better."

Australia continue their campaign next Saturday when they face Argentina on the Gold Coast.