Coach Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks’ record 73-0 win against Wales in Cardiff was “one of our most complete performances”.
The Boks produced a ruthless 80-minute display to finish the five-match end-of-year-tour unbeaten.
Erasmus said he was especially pleased with the contribution from fringe players fighting for long-term places.
“We’re very proud of the way we played. We never underestimate Wales, no matter what’s going on with their team. But the hunger from guys like Asenathi [Ntlabakanye], Zach [Porthen] and others who haven’t played much for us recently really showed today.
“This was a controlled performance. Wales don’t roll over. They fight. But we were clinical and kept our shape.
“Things can change quickly in rugby – Wales have lost a lot of experienced players and they’ll come back – but today was one of our most complete performances.”
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Erasmus dismissed a journalist’s suggestion that youngsters hadn’t been given opportunities until now.
“I mean, Zach is pretty young [21], Grobbies [Johan Grobbelaar] is 27, Asenathi is under 30, Ruan [Nortje] is 27, Cameron Hanekom is injured, Elrigh was injured, Krappie [Morne van den Berg] is 26, 25 [actually 28], Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] is 22, Canan [Moodie] is 22, Ethan [Hooker] is 23, Damian Willemse is 27 … so I think we’ve given a lot of guys a chance,” he said, adding that there were a number of talented players also coming through from the U20s.
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Kolisi, meanwhile, highlighted the collective leadership within the squad, crediting the Springbok environment for empowering players at every level.
“I’m nothing without the leaders around me,” Kolisi said. “The way Coach Rassie structures things, every player has a role and that helps us stay consistent. Our purpose stays the same: playing for the people back home.”
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