Following the convincing 41-13 triumph over Wales at Twickenham Stadium, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the performance of Rassie Erasmus’ team in this encounter.
Commencing the assessment with the backline, Aphelele Fassi’s display was remarkable despite incurring a yellow card. He exhibited exceptional skills under the high ball, evaded numerous defenders, and showcased a performance that undoubtedly positions him for more Test caps in the future. Transitioning to Edwill van der Merwe, who delivered an outstanding debut, scoring a remarkable solo try and excelling in all aspects of the game. Despite initial oversight, he made a compelling case for himself through his exceptional performance. Conversely, Jesse Kriel continued his impressive form, demonstrating his defensive prowess and contributing to scoring opportunities.
In the midfield, Andre Esterhuizen’s tactical manipulation on the attack resulted in a successful try and kept the Welsh defense on high alert. However, it was Makazole Mapimpi who delivered a consistent, predictable performance, securing his 27th try in 42 Tests. Meanwhile, debutant Jordan Hendrikse exhibited some nervousness and committed a few errors, but also exhibited glimpses of potential with effective link-up plays.
Shifting focus to the forwards, Faf de Klerk made a commendable return from injury, displaying flashes of brilliance with his box kicks despite some errors. Evan Roos delivered a solid performance, with minimal errors and a commanding presence in both attack and defense. The team’s captain, Pieter-Steph du Toit, showcased his leadership abilities and made positive contributions both on and off the ball. Kwagga Smith displayed aggressiveness and effectiveness, although his penalty count requires improvement.
In the tight-five, Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth produced commendable performances, with Mostert managing the lineout proficiently and making a noteworthy number of tackles, while Etzebeth’s physicality placed pressure on the Welsh scrum-halves. Vincent Koch demonstrated dominance in the scrums, and Malcolm Marx exhibited promise in his return to Test rugby. Ox Nche also distinguished himself with a stellar performance, particularly in the scrums and in defense.
Assessing the replacements, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had a promising Test debut, Bongi Mbonambi made a significant contribution to strengthening the scrum and lineout, and Grant Williams injected pace into the game.
Overall, the Springboks’ performance was formidable, with several standout players delivering exceptional efforts. It is evident that this victory over Wales was a collective effort, with strong individual performances contributing to the success on the field.