By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com
The Springboks closed their 2025 season with a statement 73–0 annihilation of Wales in Cardiff – the heaviest home defeat in Welsh history.
South Africa ran in 11 tries at the Principality Stadium, turning a 28–0 halftime lead into a one-sided exhibition of power, depth, and precision. The victory also sealed an unbeaten autumn tour and ensured the Boks end the year as the world’s No. 1 team for the third straight season.
Wales, fielding a weakened squad under Steve Tandy, simply had no answers. The only blemish in South Africa’s performance came late in the match when Eben Etzebeth was shown a red card for allegedly gouging Alex Mann, an incident head coach Rassie Erasmus diplomatically labeled “not a good look,” while admitting the call was justified.
Still, the match fed into a bigger, louder debate sweeping rugby: are the 2019–2025 Springboks the most dominant team the sport has ever seen?
Their résumé is outrageous. Back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles. Four World Cups overall. A British & Irish Lions series win. Wins over every top ten nation. Years spent anchored at No. 1. A bench strategy (“Bomb Squad”) that changed how teams think about impact players. And a competitive era stacked with talent across the globe.
Of course, greatness isn’t uncontested. Rugby romantics still point to the All-Blacks dynasties of 2011–2015 and 1987–1990, both known for unbeaten streaks and generational legends.
England’s 2002–2003 squad also earns respect for conquering the Southern Hemisphere en route to their historic World Cup triumph. The answer depends on what you value – dominance over one cycle, longevity or adaptability.
So who are the all-time rugby greats ?