In what turned out to be a historic night in Wellington, the Springboks gave the All Blacks their heaviest ever defeat, winning 43-10. They piled on 36 unanswered points in the second half as they fully turned the tables from their tight loss in Auckland. Amid a dominant team display, several individuals stood out. Here are four Springboks whose performances were particularly memorable.
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Damian Willemse
Willemse was arguably the engine of South Africa’s victory. Named “Man-of-the-Match” by many, he was excellent everywhere. Playing at inside centre (after a backline shuffle), he ran hard lines and made smart decisions in contact.
He also shifted to fullback after Aphelele Fassi’s injury and handled bombs and positional demands with coolness. Willemse’s try was both timely and opportunistic, and in the closing moments, he made the penetrating run that led to another score (via Andre Esterhuizen). His all-around influence in attacking and defensive phases made him one of the key catalysts for the big second-half swing.
Ethan Hooker
Hooker made a big impression in his first Test start on the wing. His aerial presence was strong; every time the ball went high, Hooker was there. He also showed composure under pressure, particularly in kick-chases and defending wide plays.
His attacking contributions included robust carries from deep, helping the Springboks gain front-foot (territory) and momentum. Even though he had to leave before the final whistle due to a no-arms tackle, his work in the first 40+ minutes added significant value and helped set up opportunities for the rest of the backline.
Cheslin Kolbe
Kolbe was sensational. He scored two tries, one in each half, and both were classic Kolbe: speed, spatial awareness, and finish. The first try came from an intercept, racing away, and the second was a beautiful finish, stepping inside. Winger Kolbe also contributed in territory; his aerial work and counter-attack sense stretched the All Blacks’ defence.
He wasn’t perfect; there was a high tackle penalty, and he had moments of threat that didn’t quite come off, but when Kolbe is on the wing, he’s always dangerous, and his tries were pivotal in turning the game definitively in South Africa’s favour.
Jasper Wiese
Wiese, reinstated at number eight for this Test after suspension, had a powerful game. His carries were aggressive and consistent; he won important turnovers and was effective in providing go-forward ball for the backline.
Defensively, he made big hits and showed off his fitness, covering ground, getting involved in rucks, making stops when New Zealand tried to build momentum. His contribution to maintaining physicality and setting the tone up front helped the Springboks control large parts of the match, especially when the All Blacks looked to counter-press.
