Bok MVP Damian dominated in record win

You voted Damian Willemse as your Bok MVP, powered by Auto & General, after the Springboks’ 43-10 victory against the All Blacks in Wellington.

The 27-year-old received 58% of the votes from SARugbymag.co.za readers, followed by two-try winger Cheslin Kolbe (13%) and Ethan Hooker (7%), who impressed in the No 11 jersey.

Willemse starred in his first Test start at inside centre before moving seamlessly to fullback due to injuries.

He scored a crucial try in the 61st minute when the Boks were leading 17-10, collecting Manie Libbok’s pass above his head and regathering his footing before bursting between two All Blacks defenders and taking another over the line with him.

Cannot stop Damian Willemse ‍

The Springboks extend the lead in Wellington in the second half.#NZLvRSA | #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/zLjMpcxdH8

— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) September 13, 2025

Willemse finished with 94 metres from 14 carries, while beating six defenders and making two clean breaks. On defence, he completed four tackles and won a turnover.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett led the praise.

“Damian Willemse was magnificent – he brought playmaking, physicality, stepping, offloading and strength,” Mallett said on the Talking Boks podcast.

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Willemse said the Boks had gone into the match with a “very positive mindset” adding that “after reviewing last week’s game, we knew exactly where we went wrong. Our conversion rate in the [opposition] 22 let us down last week, and tonight we were much more clinical.”

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