SPRINGBOKS’ BRUTAL CARDIFF FAREWELL

The Springboks ended their 2025 season in style with a monstrous 73–0 demolition of the Wales national rugby union team in Cardiff.

The world champs scored 11 unanswered tries to hand Wales their worst-ever home defeat.

It was a showcase of raw power, pace, physicality, depth and a statement that the Boks remain a class apart.

But the win came with a sour aftertaste. Late in the game, veteran lock Eben Etzebeth was red-carded for what the referee deemed a clear eye-gouge on Welsh forward Alex Mann.

That moment has sparked fears of a substantial ban, although legal analysis suggests the suspension may not be as long as many expect.

Etzebeth has no prior history of such incidents at international level, which could work in his favour. And while a mid-range judgement would typically call for around 8 weeks, mitigating factors could trim that down to just 4–6 weeks.

While the Springboks ride home unbeaten with a perfect wrap-up of their tour, Etzebeth’s moment of madness leaves a question mark hanging over the final scorecard.

Image credit: Planet Rugby