FULL-TIME! South Africa 61-7 Japan

It’s all over at Wembley. A complete and utter demolition job by the Springboks.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was brilliant pulling the strings in the first half and Kurt-Lee Arendse produced moments of magic after the break as the Brave Blossoms couldn’t cope.

No one can stop South Africa at the moment.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Luke Baker1 November 2025 18:03

TRY! South Africa 61-7 Japan (Jesse Kriel, 79 mins)

Still time for one more Boks try and they clear 60 points!

Libbok takes a high ball and quickly shifts it left to Arendse, he bursts through an arm tackle, draws in Greene and pops inside to Jesse Kriel. It’s an easy run-in for the centre and he gets his 20th try for South Africa.

Libbok adds the conversion which gets the Boks beyond 60

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:59

South Africa 54-7 Japan, 78 mins

Arendse with a jump step into a half gap before Nortje barrels into contact. But Japan hold firm and Libbok eventually opts for a kick, which he shanks straight into the air. The Brave Blossoms claims and clear over halfway. Into the final knockings at Wembley.

(Getty Images)

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:57

South Africa 54-7 Japan, 77 mins

A rare lineout malfunction from South Africa as Japan win the ball and scramble away, although they barely clear the 22.

The Boks come again, with De Allende providing a big carry before Smith knocks on in contact. Japan try to counter but the dark green wall shows no sign of breaking, so Sam Greene boots clear

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:55

South Africa 54-7 Japan, 74 mins

Faulua Makisi tackled by Libbok and Kwagga Smith is straight over the top of the ball. Perfect body position and wins the turnover penalty. Class.

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:53

South Africa 54-7 Japan, 71 mins

This is getting badly out of hand for Japan now. Arendse is smelling a hat-trick as he slips through a gap down the left flank and hares into the 22 but the Brave Blossoms scramble their defence back.

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:51

TRY! South Africa 54-7 Japan (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 67 mins)

WOW! This is a stunning try. Kolbe catches the ball in his own 22 and there’s not really anything on. But he makes something happen.

He accelerates and finds a gap between two defenders. Space opens up in front of him and he bursts into it before chipping a kick over the top.

It bounces forward into the 22 and Kurt-Lee Arendse has given chase, diving on it and sliding over the line for the try. Sublime!

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:48

TRY! South Africa 47-7 Japan (Andre Esterhuizen, 63 mins)

The maul from the lineout is stopped this time but South Africa are patient. They work the ball inside and run a couple of phases.

And Andre Esterhuizen has the try he was denied earlier. The former Harlequin comes around the corner and the ball is popped to him. He takes contact from three defenders but powers through them and drives over the line. Physical, effective rugby.

That was more a centre move than a back rower, you’d say. Either way, it’s try number seven for the Boks and Libbok adds the conversion

(AFP via Getty Images)

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:44

South Africa 40-7 Japan, 62 mins

The Springboks not letting up, constantly probing at the Japan defence. They win another penalty and Libbok kicks to the corner. Here comes that lineout again…

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:40

TRY! South Africa 40-7 Japan (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 59 mins)

This try will count though! De Jager is stronger than Jack Cornelsen at lineout time and pilfers the ball.

Libok then lofts a kick forward, Kurt-Lee Arendse competes, the ball bounces around on the floor, it’s hacked forward and Arendse is alert to pick it up and dash over for the try. The Boks are rocking and rolling once more

Luke Baker1 November 2025 17:37