Following the double world champions’ 41-13 thrashing of Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, here are four Springbok players that stood out among the rest.
Kwagga Smith
The 31-year-old picked up where he left off in the Green and Gold, enjoying a stellar outing at Twickenham that nearly included a try from a lineout drive in a play that ultimately resulted in a Bok penalty try. Despite having the habit of giving away the odd penalty, Kwagga continues to be one of the side’s most underrated players, with his high work rate and game IQ providing the Boks with positive outcome after positive outcome. At just 1.8m and 90kg, Smith’s raw strength continues to take would-be defenders by surprise – to which some Welshmen could attest.
Edwill van der Merwe
The Lions flyer was named official Man of the Match in a fine defensive and attacking display on the right wing. It looked as though the 28-year-old’s career had hit a roadblock of sorts when he left the Stormers a few years back, but his perseverance has paid off with his form for Cash van Rooyen’s team culminating in what was his Test debut on Saturday. Aside from a crucial double tackle on Liam Williams and then Mason Grady, van der Merwe scored a scorcher late in the first-half to cap off a memorable first appearance in national colours.
Simply outstanding repeated efforts from Edwill van der Merwe!#RSAvWAL pic.twitter.com/WLiQgXq4Qc
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 22, 2024
Aphelele Fassi
The Weekend Special was solid under the high ball and dexterous on attack in what was possibly his best outing in the Green and Gold to date. While he was yellow-carded in the first half for a high boot, the positives outweighed the negatives for the Hollywoodbets Sharks man, who will surely get more opportunities in the side. There will be plenty of competition for the fullback role this season, but Fassi only enhanced his reputation in London.
Air Fassi 💫.
— MB5 (@MB5Plug) June 23, 2024
Brilliant performance from Aphelele Fassi yesterday vs. Wales.pic.twitter.com/gBBEsFWhvF
Jesse Kriel
Kriel was one of the Boks’ most consistent performers at last year’s World Cup and while Lukhanyo Am was previously regarded as irreplaceable in the No 13 shirt, the Canon Eagles midfielder may now be the outright incumbent. The former Bulls man opened the scoring just a few minutes into the encounter and grabbed an assist in another solid outing. He is another example of how beneficial playing club rugby in the less physically demanding Japan Rugby League One can be for South Africa’s internationals, leaving them in prime shape for Test matches.
Test match Rugby 😍🇿🇦 @Springboks pic.twitter.com/roKEymHqgc
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) June 23, 2024
