Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, playing his 99th Test, crashed over from the line-out maul. Springboks’ early physicality in both the carry and defence cost the Japanese space and time, and they failed to win the first line-out and scrum. For debutant tighthead Zachary Porthen, it was a dream start as the former Junior Springbok captain got his first taste of anchoring a dominant Springbok pack.South Africa played the conditions well and judicious use of the high kick from both scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and Feinberg-Mngomezulu kept Japan pinned down, and when Feinberg-Mngomezulu chased and collected his own up-and-under, bullying his opposite number Seungsin Lee off the ball, the Bok flyhalf could stroll over to score, converting his own try to make it 14-0.Feinberg-Mngomezulu was in again five minutes later. A knock-on on his own 22m line by fullback Yoshitaka Yazaki led to a scrum, and then a scrum penalty, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu ghosting through the defence to make it 19-0.South African joy was tempered by the sight of Ox Nche falling awkwardly — the talismanic loosehead limped off with a heavily strapped left thigh. Gerhard Steenekamp replaced him, but the Boks scrum did not suffer any ill effects. Only in the second half did Japan attempt to break through the Boks 22m line. They won a penalty kick and kicked into the corner. They duly won the line-out but Feinberg-Mngomezulu intercepted and the danger passed.Japan’s No.3 Shuheil Takeuchi then crumpled under pressure. First pinged for collapsing the scrum, the Japanese tighthead was then yellow-carded by Irish referee Eoghan Cross for illegally bringing down a rampaging Springbok maul.Despite a frenetic end to the half, the penalty try put South Africa well in control at the break, 26-0 ahead.After the resumption, the Brave Blossoms’ luck didn’t improve: Ben Gunter — their 120kg, Australia-raised flanker — was yellow-carded for an unfortunate clash with Kolisi.Kolisi would depart for precautionary reasons soon afterwards, to be replaced by Andre Esterhuizen as a hybrid flank. Japan was unable to hold the line with just 14 men. Feinberg Mngomezulu sliced the Japanese backs, feeding Kwagga Smith, who then shifted slickly over to Wilco Louis, the new player on the field to replace Porthen. Louw juggled and caught, before crashing under the posts. Lood De Jager was on top form in the line-out, stealing the Japanese ball from the Japanese mauls. Esterhuizen was also in fine form as he escaped from an unstoppable mound to score what he believed to be his first try. It was not to be as the TMO chalked it off.No matter, because a minute later Arendse was over for his 22nd try in 28 Tests, winning a Manie Libbok contestable kick and crossing to make it 40-7.Esterhuizen, however, would not be denied, powering over under the posts in the 62nd minute as Springbok pressure kept the scoreboard creeping up to 47-7.Though excellent in attack, South Africa’s defensive patience continued to pay dividends too.First, Cheslin Kolbe launched a spectacular counter-attack from deep in his own half, kicking though for Arendse who did well to gather under pressure and slide over. Libbok added the conversion to make the score 54-7. In the dying minutes, Libbock collected a high-speed ball and released Arendse. Arendse then found Jesse Kriel inside to finish. The job is done. Scorers: South Africa Tries – Siya Kolisi (2), Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu (2) (penalty try), Wilco Louw (2), Andre Esterhuizen (2), Kurt Lee Arendse (2) and Jesse Kriel. Conversions: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). Manie Libbok (4).Japan Try: Yoshitaka Yazaki. Conversion: Seungsin Lee.
2025-11-02 09:10:25
Powerhouse Boks trample Japan in nine-try rout
