Mighty Springboks continue to set the standards

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Rugby Union - Autumn Internationals - Wales v South Africa - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 29, 2025 South Africa players celebrate with the trophy after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

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CAPE TOWN, Dec 19 - South Africa started and finished 2025 as the worlds number one-ranked side, and their extraordinary depth and monstrous scrum suggest they will be the team to beat at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The Springboks retained the Rugby Championship title, inflicted a record test defeat on old foes ‍New Zealand, ​completed comprehensive wins in France and Ireland, and racked up a record score against ailing Wales in ‍Cardiff.

It was not a perfect 12 months, however, with a second-half capitulation at Ellis Park against Australia, who claimed a rare win in Johannesburg, and a poor performance in defeat ​by New Zealand ​as they failed to break an 88-year Auckland hoodoo.

But having used over 50 players in 2025 South Africa managed to win 12 of their 14 tests, most easily, all the while bedding in a more expansive playing style under attack coach Tony Brown which secured a historic 43-10 win in Wellington ‍over the All Blacks.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu emerged as the new star, racking up the most tries ever by a Springbok flyhalf with nine between September and November ​alone, surpassing Morne Steyn and Handre Pollard.

It was the continued evolution ⁠of their scrum, however, no matter who made up the forward pack,