Nine-Try Springboks Exorcise the Ghosts of Brighton with Wembley Rout

When the Springboks took the field at Wembley, a sign in the crowd summed up the mood: “2015: Never Again.” Ten years after Japan’s miracle victory in Brighton shocked the rugby world, South Africa delivered a statement performance a ruthless 61–7 demolition that erased any lingering memories of that dark day.

A Decade Later, a Very Different Bok Team

Back in 2015, the Springboks underestimated Japan. The result was one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. But this time, there was no chance of déjà vu. From the opening whistle, Siya Kolisi’s men made their intentions clear: this was business, not sentiment.

The Boks were sharper, more cohesive, and far too powerful for their opposition. Their nine-try performance was not about revenge it was about closure. Wembley was the exorcism of Brighton’s ghosts.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Shines in the Spotlight

It was young Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who lit up the stage with two early tries, earning him instant headlines back home. His clever chip chase and dazzling show-and-go showcased the new generation of Boks quick-thinking, confident, and creative.

Kurt-Lee Arendse, fresh from injury, added two tries of his own, climbing into the top ten of South Africa’s all-time scorers list. Captain Siya Kolisi crossed early from a maul, and Jesse Kriel the man whose missed tackle cost South Africa in Brighton a decade ago fittingly scored the final try of the night.

The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone: Kriel’s redemption capped off a complete performance.

Ox Nche Injury a Worry Before Paris

While everything went to script for Rassie Erasmus’ side, there was a moment of concern when prop Ox Nche limped off after a collision with two Japanese defenders. Nche has been in the form of his life and is considered a leading candidate for World Player of the Year. The Bok camp will hope the injury is nothing more than a knock ahead of next weekend’s blockbuster against France in Paris.

Gerhard Steenekamp’s solid display in relief offers some reassurance, but the Stade de France will be a much sterner test and the French will be seething after their quarterfinal heartbreak in 2023.

Physicality and Power Define the Night

Japan, who pushed Australia close last week, were simply overpowered. The Bok forwards dominated every contact, with Wilco Louw even charging over for his first Test try. Referee Eoghan Cross kept a tight handle on proceedings, briefly reducing Japan to 13 men after multiple infringements.

Andre Esterhuizen, listed as a flanker on the team sheet, bulldozed through defenders for his first official “forward” try, giving fans another reason to smile.

Japan’s lone moment of joy came through Yoshitaka Yosaki’s second-half try, but by then, the game was long over.

The Road Ahead: France Awaits

For the Boks, this win was more than a formality it was a declaration. They’ve ticked the confidence box, blooded their Japan-based players, and silenced old ghosts. Now, attention shifts to Paris, where a fired-up French side awaits.

If Brighton was the wound, Wembley was the healing. The Springboks leave England with their heads high, nine tries richer, and a decade’s worth of redemption finally complete.

Scorers:
South Africa: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Kurt-Lee Arendse (2), Siya Kolisi, Penalty try, Wilco Louw, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel. Conversions: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3), Manie Libbok (4).
Japan: Yoshitaka Yosaki. Conversion: Seungsin Lee.

{Source:SuperSport}

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