Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus lauded his team for a “clinical performance”, paving the way for an emphatic victory against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, which saw the Boks complete the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour with a clean sweep of victories for the second year in a row.
The 73-0 victory marked the Springboks’ 13th out of 15 matches this season for a win record of 86.7%, and it also marked the most points scored under Erasmus’ guidance against Wales.
“I’m very proud of the way we played,” said Erasmus.
“We never underestimated Wales, regardless of where they were in the world rankings, and their team as well, in general.
“I think Asenathi (Ntlabakanye) made the last turnover, and we are so glad guys like him, Zac (Porthen), and many others who haven’t played for us in a while. Their hunger showed today, and it was important for us to fight until the end.”
Comparing this encounter against Wales to their performances in the past, the Bok coach said they have been building steadily.
“We delivered a controlled performance today, and we don’t have guys who just roll over,” said Erasmus.
“They take the shots, and tonight I thought it was one of the more clinical performances. We put our soul into the game, as opposed to trying to focus on their soul, because the Welsh are a very controlled team. That said, we know it can change in one game.”
With the Boks finishing the season as the top team on the world rankings with the Rugby World Cup draw coming up next week, Erasmus said: “We never look at the world rankings, but this year finishing at the top of the rankings was important for us.
“We are not sure if it will be beneficial when the Rugby World Cup draw is made, and even though we will play good teams throughout next year [in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry], we’ll still try to get more caps into the players.”
Commenting on Eben Etzebeth’s red card late in the match, Erasmus said: “I don’t know what I can say at this stage. It didn’t look good, and I thought it was a justified red card. I’m not sure if it was provoked, but that’s not the way we want to play.”
The Bok coach also had words of encouragement for Wales: “Things can change quickly, and a lot can change in one year. If you look at the players they lost in one patch, there were so many players I’ve coached against, and they are experienced guys, who understand the Welsh psyche and what they stand for.
“When you lose 15 guys at one time, it’s hard, but eventually somewhere it will come right.”
The bulk of the Springbok coaches and a group of players will depart for South Africa on Sunday and will arrive at home or at their respective provincial unions and clubs on Monday.