Two stunning solo tries from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu headlined South Africa’s emphatic 61–7 victory over Japan in a rain-soaked encounter at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The reigning back-to-back Rugby Championship winners ran in nine tries to one, showcasing a blend of pace, power, and precision that proved far too much for the Brave Blossoms in their first meeting since the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
The Springboks’ lineout dominance and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s creative flair saw them storm to a 26–0 halftime lead. The 22-year-old flyhalf was electric — scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes — as South Africa capitalized on early pressure after a high tackle on him set up their first attack. From the ensuing maul, captain Siya Kolisi powered over for the opening try.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu then added a try from his own chip-and-chase before producing a clever dummy to score again minutes later. Though prop Ox Nche was forced off injured, the Boks extended their advantage before the break with a penalty try after Japan collapsed another maul, resulting in a yellow card for tighthead Shuhei Takeuchi.
Japan’s discipline woes continued in the second half when flanker Ben Gunter was shown yellow, briefly reducing them to 13 men. South Africa took full advantage, with slick handling from Cheslin Kolbe, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Kwagga Smith setting up a first Test try for replacement prop Wilco Louw on his 25th cap.
Japan managed a consolation score through fullback Yoshitaka Yazaki, who took a quick tap to dive over and convert, making it 33–7. But the Springboks finished with a flourish — Kurt-Lee Arendse crossed twice, while Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel added further tries as South Africa surged past 60 points for the first time against Japan.
The dominant display sets up the world champions for a high-stakes clash with Six Nations winners France in Paris next weekend.
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