South Africa crushed Wales 73-0 in Cardiff, inflicting a record home defeat on the hosts. The Springboks ran in 11 tries, with fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributing 28 points, including two tries. Wales failed to score for the first time at home since 1967, when Ireland beat them 70-0.
The match was marred by a red card for Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who jabbed his thumb into the eye of Wales' Alex Mann two minutes from time. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the red card was justified, saying: 'It didn't look good. That's definitely not the way we would have liked to end the game.'
Wales captain Dewi Lake described the dressing room as 'raw and emotional' but insisted the defeat would not ruin the confidence of younger players. 'You recognise the gap and what you've got to do,' he said.
The game was played amid controversy over its timing, with both sides missing players due to club commitments. Wales had just one lineout in the Springbok 22 in the first half, which they overthrew. South Africa's dominance was built on a powerful scrum and brutal physicality, with all eight replacements introduced early in the second half.
