The Springboks sent a thunderous message to their Rugby Championship rivals with a 56-17 demolition of Canada at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, running in eight tries in a performance that showcased their depth and attacking prowess ahead of the international season.
South Africa’s backline carved through Canada’s defensive line at will, with fullback Aphelele Fassi contributing two tries and wing Makazole Mapimpi adding another as the world champions extended their winning streak to seven matches.
“We wanted to use this match to build combinations and get our timing right,” Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber said after the match. “The way our backs finished their opportunities was exactly what we needed to see.”
Springboks Backs Fire on All Cylinders
The home side controlled territory from the opening whistle, with flyhalf Manie Libbok orchestrating the attack with precision. The 26-year-old playmaker finished with 16 points, converting six of eight tries while adding two penalty goals.
Fassi’s first try came after just 12 minutes when he finished a sweeping move that originated from a lineout steal by lock Eben Etzebeth. The Durban-born fullback’s second score arrived early in the second half, capping a 60-meter counter-attack that left the Canadian defense scrambling.
Captain Siya Kolisi led from the front in the pack, winning three turnovers at the breakdown before being substituted in the 55th minute to rest ahead of next month’s Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Pretoria.
Canada Shows Fight Despite Heavy Defeat
Canada, ranked 22nd in World Rugby’s standings, never stopped competing despite trailing 28-10 at halftime. Wing Kainoa Lloyd scored twice for the visitors, including a brilliant individual effort in the 48th minute where he beat three defenders on a 40-meter run to the corner.
“We knew we were coming up against the world champions, but our guys showed tremendous character,” Canada head coach Kingsley Jones reflected. “Those moments where we created opportunities against this level of opposition will serve us well moving forward.”
Flanker Lucas Rumball provided Canada’s other highlight, powering over from close range after a sustained period of pressure in the South African 22. The Toronto-born forward’s try brought the score to 35-17 midway through the second half, briefly silencing the 52,000-strong crowd.
Championship Preparation Takes Shape
The victory marked South Africa’s most comprehensive performance since their World Cup triumph, with Nienaber able to rotate his squad extensively in the final quarter. Utility back Damian de Allende made his return from injury, playing 65 minutes at inside center and contributing solid ball-carrying in midfield.
Props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe dominated the scrum battle, winning three penalties against Canada’s front row before being replaced by Ox Nche and Vincent Koch for the final 20 minutes.
The Springboks’ lineout functioned at 92% efficiency, with hooker Bongi Mbonambi finding his targets consistently throughout his 50-minute stint. Lock RG Snyman, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury, secured four lineout wins and made 12 carries for 45 meters.
Looking Ahead to Championship Challenge
This emphatic result positions South Africa as early favorites heading into the Rugby Championship, where they’ll face Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina in the coming months. The Springboks haven’t won the southern hemisphere title since 2019, finishing second behind the All Blacks in last year’s shortened tournament.
For Canada, the defeat provides valuable experience ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup campaign, where they’ll meet Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. Jones will have two weeks to regroup his squad before their tournament opener against the Flying Fijians in Suva.
The Springboks return to action July 8 when they host Australia at Loftus Versfeld, while Canada begins Pacific Nations Cup play July 15 against Fiji.
