South Africa’s rugby team, the Springboks, delivered a decisive 73-0 victory over Wales on Saturday, marking the latter’s heaviest home defeat. This outcome also signifies the Springboks’ 13th win in 15 games this season, with the team achieving its highest score under Coach Rassie Erasmus’ guidance against Wales.

The match, played in Cardiff, saw Wales struggle to maintain possession of the ball for much of the game, while the Springboks successfully scored 11 tries. This significant win for South Africa comes as the team prepares to finish the season as the top-ranked team in world rugby rankings.

However, the game was marred by an incident involving Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who was given a permanent red card for an eye gouge late in the match. As a result, Etzebeth will face a disciplinary committee and is expected to receive a minimum 12-week ban from the game. This incident is particularly notable, as Etzebeth is the third South African lock to receive a straight red card in November.

Coach Erasmus addressed the incident after the match, stating that the red card was justified and acknowledging that the behavior exhibited was not in line with the team’s values. The coach’s comments reflect the team’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.

The Springboks’ victory comes ahead of the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, scheduled to take place on Wednesday. As four-time Rugby World Cup winners, South Africa’s performance this season highlights their continued dominance in the sport. The upcoming tournament draw will be closely watched, as teams prepare for the next iteration of the global competition.

South Africa’s impressive performance this season, combined with their reputation as a formidable team in international rugby, positions them as a strong contender in future competitions. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under various conditions will be crucial in their pursuit of another World Cup title. With the 2027 tournament draw imminent, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in international rugby.