World champions South Africa crushed Wales 73–0 in Cardiff on Saturday, delivering the Welsh side their heaviest home defeat and keeping them scoreless for the first time in decades.
The Springboks ran in 11 tries in a dominant performance, securing their 13th win in 15 matches this season and marking their highest points tally against Wales under coach Rassie Erasmus.
Wales struggled throughout, barely touching the ball as South Africa overwhelmed them in every department.
The emphatic victory was overshadowed late in the match when Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth received a permanent red card for eye-gouging.
He now faces a disciplinary hearing and a potential ban of at least 12 weeks.
Etzebeth is the third South African lock to be sent off with a straight red card this month.
Erasmus said after the match that the incident “did not look good,” adding, “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.”
With four Rugby World Cup titles to their name, the Springboks will finish the season ranked No. 1 in the world.
The draw for the 2027 World Cup is scheduled for Wednesday.
