The Springboks began their Northern Hemisphere tour with a statement of intent, demolishing Japan 61–7 at Wembley Stadium. The reigning world champions showcased their trademark blend of power and pace, leaving the Brave Blossoms struggling to keep up.
Captain Siya Kolisi set the tone early with a try from a rolling maul in the third minute, before Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stole the spotlight. The 22-year-old fly-half produced a brilliant individual score off his own chip and chase, then followed up with a second try just five minutes later to make it 19–0 inside 20 minutes.
A penalty try and two Japanese yellow cards left the Boks in full control at halftime, leading 26–0.
In the second half, Wilco Louw celebrated his first Test try for South Africa, while Kurt-Lee Arendse added two of his own in a rapid-fire attacking display. Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel completed the rout as the Boks surged past 60 points.
Japan’s lone moment of joy came in the 51st minute when Yoshitaka Yazaki caught the Boks napping with a quick tap and darted over the line.
Despite moments of attacking promise, Japan were overwhelmed by the Springboks’ relentless forward pressure and clinical finishing.
Debutant Zachary Porthen, at just 21, became the youngest prop to represent South Africa in the professional era, marking another milestone in the Boks’ next-generation development.
Player of the Match: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – two tries, creative spark, and confident game control.
Final Score:
South Africa 61 – Japan 7
Springbok Try Scorers: Kolisi, Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Penalty Try, Louw, Arendse (2), Esterhuizen, Kriel
Japan Try: Yazaki (converted by Lee)