The Springboks have wrapped up their 2024 Castle Lager Outgoing Tour with an emphatic 45-12 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
The result, built on a seven-try masterclass, ensured a clean sweep of three wins for the world’s top-ranked side.
Although the Springboks showed flashes of brilliance, there were moments of sloppiness, likely a consequence of a grueling season. Despite missing several scoring opportunities, the Boks left no doubt about their status as the best team in the world, while Wales endured their worst run of defeats in history.
Springboks vs Wales
Franco Mostert set the tone with the opening try in the fourth minute, finishing a sharp move initiated by Cheslin Kolbe. His all-round performance earned him the Man of the Match award. Two minutes later, Eben Etzebeth powered through for South Africa’s second try, capitalizing on Kurt-Lee Arendse’s incisive run.
The relentless Boks continued to dominate as Arendse added a third try, stepping past two defenders after being set up by Aphelele Fassi. Although Siya Kolisi had a try disallowed due to a knock-on, Elrigh Louw made amends moments later with his maiden Test try off the back of a dominant scrum.
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Trailing 26-0, Wales managed a late first-half response through Rio Dyer’s try, cutting the deficit to 26-5 at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with the Springboks dictating play but squandering several chances through unforced errors. Despite this, they continued to pile on the points. Aphelele Fassi crossed the whitewash in the corner after a brilliant assist by Arendse, while Gerhard Steenekamp marked his debut with a try, sending South African fans in Cardiff into raptures.
Jordan Hendrikse, who orchestrated the Boks’ attack, capped off the scoring with his first Test try late in the match before converting it himself. Wales managed a consolation try, but it did little to dent the Boks’ commanding win.
The victory capped off another stellar season for the reigning world champions, showcasing their depth and resilience. For Wales, the match highlighted their struggles, while for the Boks, it was a fitting conclusion to a successful tour.
