The Springboks showcased their dominance in a thrilling display, achieving a resounding victory over Wales with a performance that left little doubt about their prowess on the field. Starting the match with explosive energy, South Africa scored two tries within the opening ten minutes, establishing an early stronghold that the home side struggled to contest.
Franco Mostert provided the fourth try of the first half in what marked his 78th Test, charging in from a well-placed angle after Cheslin Kolbe found space on the outside. The Boks’ formidable attacking strategy continued to unearth scoring opportunities, as evidenced by Eben Etzebeth’s try just two minutes later. Following a successful aerial battle, the ball was swiftly distributed to the left, where Kurt-Lee Arendse’s powerful run set the stage for Etzebeth’s score.
Despite holding a commanding lead, South Africa experienced a series of near misses, with at least three scoring chances thwarted as players were held up over the Welsh try line. Arendse first crossed the white line 19 minutes into the match, finishing off a well-executed decoy play following a lineout drive. Aphelele Fassi’s impressive assist allowed Arendse to step inside two defenders for a memorable try.
The momentum continued to build when Elrigh Louw marked his territory with his first Test try, stemming from a dominant scrum. Jordan Hendrikse’s conversion extended the lead to an impressive 26-0, but as the half drew to a close, Wales found a glimmer of hope with a late try from wing Rio Dyer.
Coming into the second half, the Boks maintained their intensity and executed three more tries, highlighting their relentless attacking rhythm. Wales, despite their struggles, managed to score again at the death, but the match had long been decided. Ultimately, South Africa’s performance marked an emphatic end to the 2024 season, showcasing their strength and depth under the roof at the Principality Stadium.