The Springboks demolished Wales 73-0 in a devastating international test on Saturday. South Africa delivered a record-breaking performance despite the match falling outside the official test window.
Both teams fielded weakened squads with several star players unavailable for selection. However, the Springboks possessed significantly more depth and quality than their Welsh counterparts.
South Africa came out firing from the opening whistle with clear intent and purpose. The Springboks maintained their trademark physicality whilst keeping the ball moving to confuse Wales.
Gerhard Steenkamp scored the opening try in the ninth minute after patient forward pressure. The Springboks chipped away relentlessly at the Welsh defence until Steenkamp found space to cross.
The dominant Springbok scrum provided the perfect platform for their dangerous backline to flourish. Excellent connection between Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse sent Ethan Hooker over the line. The visitors led 14-0 as their forward dominance continued.
Jasper Wiese extended the lead in the 31st minute after another powerful scrum. The Springboks made heavy work of a five-metre scrum before Wiese eventually crossed. Even this ‘weakened’ Springbok pack dominated their Welsh counterparts completely.
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Andre Esterhuizen carried powerfully from another successful scrum to bring South Africa within metres. Krappies van den Bergh spotted space from the resulting ruck to pick and score. The Springboks led 28-0 at half-time as Wales struggled desperately.
Wales stopped a rolling maul early in the second half but couldn’t contain Wilco Louw. Esterhuizen hit the line hard before Louw powered over from close range. The prop proved impossible to stop so near the try line.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu took a quick tap in the 45th minute and sliced through Wales. His try extended the lead to 42-0 as the rout continued unabated.
Canan Moodie intercepted a wayward Welsh pass to race away for another score. South Africa now led 49-0 as they embarrassed the increasingly desperate Red Dragons.
The famous ‘Nuke Squad’ entered the fray in the 51st minute with all eight substitutions. Fresh legs only intensified the Springbok onslaught as Wales wilted under pressure.
Esterhuizen crossed for another try in the 54th minute to make it 54-0. Aaron Wainwright received a yellow card moments later as Welsh frustration boiled over.
The Red Dragons simply had no answer to the relentless Springbok attacking waves. South Africa possessed backup plans for their backup plans as depth told.
Esterhuizen continued wreaking havoc in midfield as the scoreline became increasingly embarrassing. Feinberg-Mngomezulu grabbed another wayward Welsh pass to score his second try and make it 61-0.
Ruan Nortje crashed over for his maiden test try in the 69th minute. The debutant’s score extended the lead to 66-0 as Wales faced complete humiliation.
Wales would have raised a white flag and begged for mercy if possible. The Springboks proved absolutely unstoppable throughout this one-sided encounter.
Eben Etzebeth barrelled over in the 75th minute to make the score 73-0. However, the veteran lock received a red card in the 79th minute following a scuffle.
Welsh frustration finally boiled over in the closing minutes with fists flying everywhere. The Red Dragons tried desperately but could not prevent this historic defeat.
The Springboks completed a stunning 73-0 victory that will live long in rugby memory. Their dominant display showcased the incredible depth within South African rugby despite missing several stars.
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