The Springboks overcame an indifferent first half display to claim an invaluable 41-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in London.
Despite an early show of rustiness, the Springboks put on a show in this exhibition Test against the Welsh to retain the Qatar Cup, which they won in similar fashion against the All Blacks at the same venue last year.
Here we dish out some key player ratings for the Springboks.
WHO FIRED FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Sublime Fassi states case 8/10
Following an extended stay in the Bok wilderness, Aphelele Fassi made a stunning return to Test rugby, one so impressive it would be hard for coach Rassie Erasmus to overlook him for the upcoming series against Ireland. Fassi was harshly sanctioned with a yellow card in the first half, but his overall performance was best underlined by his show of supremacy in the air.
Evan’s evolution continues 7/10
Evan Roos wasn’t at his destructive best, but he produced a good enough performance to be one of the Springbok standouts on the day. The loose forward went of several surging runs through the heart of the Welsh defence and while his work on the ground and in the collisions were also excellent.
Impactful Kwagga continues to star 7/10
As always, Kwagga Smith was at the centre of most of the Springboks’ positive plays. He worked tirelessly in defence.
Springbok front row 8/10
South Africa’s excellent scrummaging did nothing to dispel the growing belief among Springbok fans that they boast the best front rowers in the world. Superb all-round by the starters and the substitutes.
SPRINGBOKS V WALES TEAM SHEETS
Springboks — 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Damian de Allende.
Wales —15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Mason Grady, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Ellis Bevan; 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 James Botham, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Ben Carter, 4 Matthew Screech, 3 Kieron Assiratti, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 1 Gareth Thomas.
Subs: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 James Ratti, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Eddie James, 23 Jacob Beetham.
