Boks Start Year-End Tour with Commanding 61-7 Rout of Japan
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
On Saturday, 1 November 2025, the Springboks powered their way to a punishing 61-7 victory over Japan at Wembley Stadium in London, launching their five-Test European tour with both authority and ambition. In slippery, rain-soaked conditions, South Africa scored eight tries (plus a penalty try), demonstrating a familiar blend of physical dominance, precision execution and depth across the squad.
The win sent a clear message to their upcoming opponents, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales, that the world number one side is ready for the challenge ahead. It also underscored the gulf in class between a top-ranked Springbok side and a 13th-ranked Japanese squad, though the Blossoms showed flashes of their famed speed and skill.
Early Domination Sets the Tone
The Springboks wasted little time in establishing control. Inside four minutes, captain Siya Kolisi crashed over for the first try from a line-out maul. Although Japan’s defence was resilient initially, the physical advantage of the Springbok pack was clear: scrums, lineouts and breakdowns repeatedly favoured the visitors.
Fly-half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu made a powerful early impact, collecting two tries in quick succession. First he chased down his own up-and-under kick to score, then pulled off a clever dummy to slice through Japan’s scrambling defence for his second. By then the scoreboard read 14-0, and the momentum firmly lay with South Africa.
As Japan struggled to keep possession and control errors mounted, the Springboks kept the pressure constant. A penalty try awarded in the first half reflected Japan’s repeated defensive infringements around the driving mauls. When the teams headed to the break, South Africa led 26-0, an imposing platform from which to launch the second half.
Second Half: Bench Strength and Try-Fest
The second half brought even more dominance. With the conditions still tricky, the Springboks’ bench delivered. Prop Wilco Louw crossed soon after coming on, collecting an inside pass from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and driving over from short-range.
Japan’s own discipline issues cost them again: just as one yellow card expired, another arrived for a high hit on Kolisi. The numerical advantage allowed the Boks to open the game further. Winger Kurt‑Lee Arendse grabbed a brace, the first from a deft kick-chase, the second courtesy of a brilliant counter-attack initiated by Cheslin Kolbe. Centre Andre Esterhuizen scored from pick-and-go phases and fullback-turned-winger Jesse Kriel added the final try in the 67th minute.
Japan’s solitary try was earned when fullback Yoshitaka Yazaki finished a quick-tap penalty scenario close to the line. But it mattered little in the overall narrative. South Africa marched to a 61-7 final scoreline, the scoreboard reflecting both volume and control: eight tries, complementary kicking from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok, and a first-rate display of squad depth.
Depth, Precision and Set-Piece Supremacy
A key takeaway was the Springboks’ dominance in the tight exchanges and their ability to translate that into try-scoring opportunities. Japan’s set-piece mis-fired under repeated pressure; the Bok forwards imposed scrummaging and lineout superiority, frequently turning turnover opportunity into scoring phases.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s performance reaffirmed his rising status. His two first-half tries set the tone, his kicking was assured, and his interplay with the forwards and backs created space and tempo. At only 23, the fly-half is increasingly viewed as part of the long-term spine of the team. (His player profile lists 120 points in 16 caps.)
In addition, the bench’s contribution was pivotal: players came on and sustained the intensity, maintained connection between phases, and widened the gap when Japan’s resistance waned. The Kool-Arendse-Kolbe axis provided speed off the wings, while the forwards continued to grind forward territory.
Conditions, Venue and Historical Context
Given the rain and a slick surface, handling errors might have been expected, yet South Africa adapted quickly. Their clean execution in that context contrasted with Japan’s erratic possession and penalty trouble. Japan’s two yellow-cards and the penalty-try conceded underscored a discipline deficit that the Boks were more than happy to exploit.
Wembley Stadium added significance: this was the first rugby union Test played there since 2016. The venue brought added atmosphere for the Boks, and also recalled memories of Japan’s 2015 “Miracle of Brighton” upset over South Africa, a result the Boks had long wanted to erase from the narrative.
Signalling Ahead: The Tour Has Begun
The victory was not just a strong start; it was a statement. The Springboks showed that, despite the transition of players and the challenges of a long tour ahead, they remain a formidable unit. With next week’s clash against France looming, a “pressure-cooker” encounter analysts say will test them to the full’s extent, the team left Wembley with momentum in its favour.
For Japan, the loss raises questions about how far they can progress under pressure when matched with top-ranked opposition. Their pace and ambition remain intact, but structural weakness in contact exchanges, breakdowns and discipline were exposed.
Injuries and Changes: A Minor Check
An early setback for South Africa was prop Ox Nche’s injury in the 18th minute. He returned to South Africa for scans and is set to miss the remainder of the tour. In his place, prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was flown in from London to join the squad ahead of the France Test.
While the injury is unfortunate, the depth displayed in this match, and the ease with which the squad transitioned phases and kept the intensity high, suggests that the coaching staff are comfortable with their cover options.
Individual Performance Highlights
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Two tries, three conversions, penalty, quietly taking control of the game, and establishing himself further as a key figure in the Bok backline.
Kurt-Lee Arendse: Two tries, excellent kick-chase and finish, showing his value as a finisher and threat in space.
Wilco Louw & Andre Esterhuizen: Both scored on debut/back-from-bench roles; Louw’s short-range power try from replacement minutes underscored the front-row’s ongoing potency.
Siya Kolisi: A strong captain’s try early set the tone, showing the leadership and physicality at the heart of the team.
Final Whistle
The Springboks' 61-7 demolition of Japan at Wembley was more than a comfortable start to the tour, it was a clear assertion of intent and capability. While a comfortable fixture in the sequence, it provided the ideal platform: a test of execution, depth and readiness for the tougher challenges ahead. With the injury to Ox Nche a setback, the team nevertheless appears ready and resilient, already operating with the cohesion and intensity required of world champions.
As they travel to Paris next week to face France, and then move on to Italy, Ireland and Wales, the tastes of ambition, precision and power shown on Saturday will serve as a benchmark. The tour is just beginning, but the statement has been made.
All image credit: Springboks
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