The Springboks capped their year with a record 73-0 defea t of Wales in Cardiff. The Boks lost just twice in 2025 and finished up as the number one-ranked team in the world. They will be seeded first for the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, which takes place on Wednesday.
The team is, however, sweating on the sanction that will be meted out to lock Eben Etzebeth, after an eye gouge late in the match.
A satisfying win, but it is that red card against Eben Etzebeth that will leave a bitter taste. Unlike the other red cards picked up along the way on this end-of-year tour, for an eye gouge, there can be few mitigating factors.