Five Springboks winners against Wales in Nations Championship

The Springboks 43-0 win against Wales in Durban was another emphatic result, but the biggest victories were personal rather than collective. Five players strengthened their claims to become regulars in Rassie Erasmus’s World Cup planning.

Five Springboks who came out biggest winners against Wales

Gerhard Steenekamp confirmed how potent a loosehead combination the Boks have for the 2027 World Cup when Ox Nche is fit. The loosehead scrummaged with authority, imposed himself physically around the field and looked every bit the Test starter.

Carlu Sadie could hardly have scripted a better debut. The tighthead arrived with a formidable Bordeaux club reputation but answered the biggest question of all – could he transfer that dominance to Test rugby? He looked comfortable, powerful and unfazed by the occasion. Erasmus now has another genuine front-row option capable of competing at the highest level. He would be the first to admit that he has had tougher matche in each of the eight Investec Champions Cup wins of 2025/26.

Ruben van Heerden has waited patiently for his opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. In every sense, being a lock. The Stormers No 5 brought physicality, work rate and lineout assurance, looking as though he belonged from the opening whistle. With South Africa’s second-row depth constantly evolving, Van Heerden has played himself firmly into the conversation.

Paul de Villiers may have emerged as the biggest individual winner from the month. He started all three Nations Championship Tests and got better with each performance. Outstanding over the ball, relentless in defence and rewarded with a deserved try, the openside again showcased the instincts that cannot be coached. His performance underlined why many believe he can become the long-term heir to the No 6 jersey.

Cobus Reinach reminded everyone why experience still matters. The veteran scrumhalf controlled the tempo, sniped around the fringes, scored a classic support-line try and brought calm authority to a team featuring several newcomers. In a position where South Africa suddenly has enviable depth, Reinach ensured his name remains near the top of the pecking order. He was certain in everything he did.

Keo.co.za verdict

The Springboks did what was expected in Durban, beating Wales comfortably, but the performance was defined by two contrasting traits: periods of imposing physical dominance followed by frustrating inaccuracy.

South Africa were too powerful for a Welsh side that offered little resistance, yet the world champions never consistently reached their usual standards. Eleven first-half handling errors and poor conversion of repeated visits into the Welsh 22 prevented the scoreline from reflecting their superiority.

There were, however, significant individual positives.

Debutants Van Heerden and Sadie both looked immediately at home in Test rugby. Van Heerden excelled in the lineout and around the field, while Sadie transferred his outstanding Bordeaux club form to the international stage with a dominant scrummaging display.

Steenekamp, De Villiers and (Jasper) Wiese were the standout starting forwards, continuing the form that has elevated both in the Springbok pecking order, while Reinach was the game’s outstanding performer. His game management, pace around the fringes and attacking threat gave the Boks direction throughout.

In the backs, debutants Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams enjoyed memorable introductions, with Moyo kicking his first Test points and Williams scoring his maiden international try.

The Springboks beat Wales 73-0 in Cardiff at the end of November.

In Durban, just two players wore the same starting number, in winning 43-0.

The Boks finish the July Nations Championship three Tests with three wins, scoring 45 points against England, 42 against Scotland and 43 against Wales. They are top of the southern hemisphere table, with the All Blacks second.

SPRINGBOKS – Tries: Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Jesse Kriel, Jaco Williams, Herschel Jantjies, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Paul de Villiers. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (3), Manie Libbok.