In a blistering display of power and finesse, the Springboks closed out their 2025 season by steamrolling over Wales with a staggering 73-0 victory. This 11-try rout at Cardiff not only showcased their dominance but also capped off a northern hemisphere tour where they emerged undefeated. Rassie Erasmus's squad, having already clinched the Rugby Championship, continued to affirm their global rugby supremacy.
The match began with South Africa asserting their strength early on, as Gerhard Steenekamp bulldozed over the line following impressive teamwork. The Springboks' strategy of mixing brawn with expansive backline plays was evident when Ethan Hooker dashed through for a try, set up by a slick pass from Damian Willemse. Despite a brief resistance from Wales, the floodgates opened and Jasper Wiese and Morne van den Berg piled on more misery for the home side, ending the first half strongly.
The second half was no less ruthless. Wilco Louw kicked off a quick succession of scores, followed by dual tries from both Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Canan Moodie. Andre Esterhuizen and Ruan Nortje joined in, tearing through the Welsh defense. The iconic Eben Etzebeth capped off the scoring, although his later red card for an eye gouge marred the victory.
"We executed our game plan to perfection. The boys showed up and put on a clinic out there,"
said a proud Erasmus after the game.
Conversely, for Wales, missing key players like Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, the game was an uphill battle from the start. Their coach Steve Tandy faced the tough task of rallying his squad in the face of such a formidable opponent. Despite moments of spirited defense, the Welsh team was simply overwhelmed.
This match not only highlighted the Springboks' strengths but also exposed the areas Wales must address. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected not just a game won but a statement made by the Springboks as they continue to build towards another World Cup.
The teams lined up as follows:
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Alex Mann, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Rhys Davies, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Gareth Thomas. Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Christian Coleman, 19 James Ratti, 20 Morgan Morse, 21 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Ben Thomas.
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje,
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In a blistering display of power and finesse, the Springboks closed out their 2025 season by steamrolling over Wales with a staggering 73-0 victory. This 11-try rout at Cardiff not only showcased their dominance but also capped off a northern hemisphere tour where they emerged undefeated. Rassie Erasmus's squad, having already clinched the Rugby Championship, continued to affirm their global rugby supremacy.
The match began with South Africa asserting their strength early on, as Gerhard Steenekamp bulldozed over the line following impressive teamwork. The Springboks' strategy of mixing brawn with expansive backline plays was evident when Ethan Hooker dashed through for a try, set up by a slick pass from Damian Willemse. Despite a brief resistance from Wales, the floodgates opened and Jasper Wiese and Morne van den Berg piled on more misery for the home side, ending the first half strongly.
The second half was no less ruthless. Wilco Louw kicked off a quick succession of scores, followed by dual tries from both Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Canan Moodie. Andre Esterhuizen and Ruan Nortje joined in, tearing through the Welsh defense. The iconic Eben Etzebeth capped off the scoring, although his later red card for an eye gouge marred the victory.
"We executed our game plan to perfection. The boys showed up and put on a clinic out there,"
said a proud Erasmus after the game.Conversely, for Wales, missing key players like Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, the game was an uphill battle from the start. Their coach Steve Tandy faced the tough task of rallying his squad in the face of such a formidable opponent. Despite moments of spirited defense, the Welsh team was simply overwhelmed.
This match not only highlighted the Springboks' strengths but also exposed the areas Wales must address. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected not just a game won but a statement made by the Springboks as they continue to build towards another World Cup.
The teams lined up as follows:
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Alex Mann, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Rhys Davies, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Gareth Thomas. Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Christian Coleman, 19 James Ratti, 20 Morgan Morse, 21 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Ben Thomas.
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje,