Erasmus Proud Of Controlled Performance
In the aftermath of South Africa’s 73–0 obliteration of Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, head coach Rassie Erasmus described the game as “a controlled performance,” and added that “we’re very proud of the way we played.”
The monumental victory ensures that the Springboks went unbeaten for a second year in a row during the Autumn Nations Series and that 2025 is the third successive year that the Rugby World Cup Champions end the year as World Rugby’s number one-ranked nation.
Despite their lead, the Springboks found themselves still competing fiercely at the breakdown and ferociously defending their try line as deep as the 78th minute. Erasmus seemed to suggest this was out of respect towards the Welsh as well as their own insatiable hunger to meet their required standards.
“We never underestimate Wales, no matter where they are in the rankings. We know how the Welsh are. We’re glad for the guys who haven’t played in a while but showed their hunger. It was important for us to fight till the end.”
South Africa has set a new record for the most points scored against Wales at the Principality Stadium, beating the 68 tallied by England in the Six Nations Series.
The Springboks did defeat Wales by a staggering scoreline of 96-13 at Loftus Versfeld in 1998 – a game where South Africa scored fifteen tries – but Erasmus stated this was more clinical.
“Those days, we didn’t have a game plan – it was about individuals clicking on the day. Today was a controlled performance. Personally, this was one of the more clinical performances. We really put our soul into that game.”
Despite the heavy scoreline, Erasmus expressed great empathy and offered perspective regarding Wales’ struggles.
“Things can change quickly. We beat them in 1998 (at Loftus), then they beat us here in ’99 – a year in rugby is a short time.”
Wales have dealt with the retirements of many established players that made them a competitive force; however, their period of transition has been difficult to say the least. Despite this, Erasmus backed the Welsh to bounce back.
“They lost so many guys in one patch, so it takes time to recover. Eventually, they will be back.”
The fixture brings an end to the international rugby season, where the Springboks have won 12 out of 14 Tests – excluding the victory against the Barbarians at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
