Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus praised his team’s “clinical performance” after South Africa demolished Wales 73–0 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, securing a clean sweep on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour for the second consecutive year.
The emphatic victory, the Springboks’ 13th win in 15 matches this season, gives them an impressive 86.7% win rate for the year and marks the highest points tally scored against Wales under Erasmus’ tenure.
Erasmus said he was proud of how the team played and stressed that the team had never underestimated Wales, regardless of their world ranking or recent form.
“I think Asenathi (Ntlabakanye) made the last turnover, and we are so glad to have guys like him, Zac (Porthen), and others who haven’t played for us in a while. Their hunger showed, and it was important for us to fight until the end.”
Reflecting on the Boks’ steady progression, Erasmus said their performance reflected maturity and composure.
“We delivered a controlled performance today and we don’t have guys who just roll over,” he said. “They take the shots, and tonight I thought it was one of our more clinical performances. We put our soul into the game rather than focusing on theirs, because the Welsh are a very controlled team. That said, we know things can change in one game.”
Meanwhile, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi echoed Erasmus’ humility, crediting the team structure and leadership depth for enabling him to thrive.
“I have so many guys around me, and many of them have captained the team,” Kolisi said. “So when I go onto the field, I don’t have much to worry about. Coach Rassie has created a structure where so many players are leaders in their own right.”
Kolisi said the team draws inspiration from one another and from the support they receive from South Africans back home.
“The stuff off the field and feeling the team’s energy is what I focus on,” he said.
“We draw energy from one another, and there’s so much good happening in our country and sport. It’s a privilege to play as hard as we can, so there is something to smile about and give people going through hopeless situations at home a bit of hope. Our purpose is always for our people back home.”
With the Springboks finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the world ahead of the Rugby World Cup draw next week, Erasmus said the ranking held particular significance this year.
“We never look at the world rankings, but this year finishing at the top was important for us,” he said.
“We’re not sure if it will be beneficial when the World Cup draw is made, and even though we will play strong teams next year in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, we’ll still try to get more caps into players.”
