{"id":270932,"date":"2025-11-02T06:06:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T04:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnuus\/springboks-demolish-japan-61-7-in-autumn-nations-series-opener\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:43:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:43:39","slug":"springboks-demolish-japan-61-7-in-autumn-nations-series-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/springboks-demolish-japan-61-7-in-autumn-nations-series-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Springboks demolish Japan 61-7 in autumn nations series opener"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LONDON <\/strong>– World champion South Africa launched their Autumn Nations Series campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, crushing Japan 61-7 in a dominant eight-try performance at Wembley Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the star of the show for the Springboks, contributing 14 points including two tries as the reigning world champions proved far too strong for Eddie Jones’s Japan side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result was a far cry from the famous “Miracle of Brighton” in 2015, when Japan, coached by Jones in his first stint with the Brave Blossoms, stunned South Africa 34-32 in one of rugby’s greatest World Cup upsets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain Siya Kolisi opened the scoring just four minutes in with a try from a driving maul, setting the pattern for a thoroughly one-sided contest. Feinberg-Mngomezulu then crossed twice within five minutes, the second a brilliant solo effort that showcased the 23-year-old’s growing reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"South
South Africa’s centre Jesse Kriel dives over the line to score a try during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union match between South Africa and Japan at Wembley Stadium in London.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“I think the hype around him is not caused by himself,” said South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus. “He’s very level-headed. He’ll keep on growing and we’ll manage him correctly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Springboks raced to a 19-0 lead at a point-a-minute pace before Japan prop Shuhei Takeuchi was yellow-carded for illegally stopping a driving maul in the 36th minute. Referee Eoghan Cross also awarded a penalty try, leaving the visitors trailing 26-0 at halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan’s troubles continued after the break when flanker Ben Gunter received a yellow card for a high tackle on Kolisi. Wilco Louw then scored his first international try following quick hands from Kwagga Smith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan finally got on the scoreboard through full-back Yoshitaka Yazaki, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as South Africa responded immediately with tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse and Andre Esterhuizen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arendse grabbed his second try with 13 minutes remaining after a brilliant counterattack initiated by Cheslin Kolbe from deep in his own territory. Jesse Kriel completed the rout, with replacement fly-half Manie Libbock converting four second-half tries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Springboks set for historic Wembley return against Japan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erasmus’s Springboks will now travel to Paris to face France next weekend before completing their European tour against Italy, Ireland, and Wales. Japan, coming off a narrow 19-15 defeat to Australia last week, will regroup before facing Ireland, Wales, and Georgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comprehensive victory maintains South Africa’s status as the world’s top-ranked team and sends a strong message ahead of their challenging fixtures against European opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Score: South Africa 61-7 Japan<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LONDON – World champion South Africa launched their Autumn Nations Series campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, crushing Japan 61-7 in a dominant eight-try performance at Wembley Stadium. Fly-half Sacha 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