Best Boks v Japan: Prolific Sasha Continues Progression 

The South Africans dominated with their power and kicking game in the wet conditions, with their driving maul producing two tries – the first to captain Siya Kolisi in the fifth minute and the other a penalty try – that bookended a brace by Feinberg-Mngomezulu to build a 26-0 halftime lead.

The men in Green and Gold added five more tries after the break, with Kurt-Lee Arendse marking his return with a double, Wilco Louw scoring his first Test five-pointer, Andre Esterhuizen – on for Kolisi at flank – dotting down after having an earlier try disallowed for double banking, and Jesse Kriel crossing to complete the rout.

The sole highlight for the battered Brave Blossoms was Yoshitaka Yazaki’s converted try in the 52nd minute.

Our top three Springbok standouts were:

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Before the game predictably became looser in the second half, especially in the final quarter, the foundation was laid in the first 40, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu was key in this regard. That’s why he takes top honours in our book.

It’s fitting that his first try came from winning his own contestable kick and his second from a silky smooth break because he varied his play brilliantly. His kicking out of hand off both feet was fantastic, he had a hand in Wilco Louw’s try, and he ultimately beat eight defenders for his 75 metres.

He made way in the 54th minute with a personal tally of 16 points and having saved a try with an intercept that further highlighted his ability to read play, but it was his game management more than anything that stood out and showed his progression as a Test flyhalf.

His replacement, Manie Libbok, also deserves a mention for his complete cameo.

Kurt-Lee Arendse

Back from an injury-enforcement lay-off, Arendse didn’t skip a beat. He worked hard in the tighter first half, including retaining a box kick in the 24th minute, and showed glimpses of his attacking potency by beating a few would-be tacklers.

The electrifying winger exploded in the second half, scoring not once but twice to take his Test try-scoring tally to 23, and freed up Kriel for his try. Lethal with ball in hand, outstanding in the air and dependable on defence, he came away with the Man of the Match award.

Malcolm Marx

RG Snyman was more eye-catching with his offloads, while Kolisi and Jasper Wiese also had strong games, but Marx made a greater impact than them to earn the final place on our Green and Gold podium.

The hard-nosed hooker made his intentions clear when he won his first turnover with an excellent early counter ruck, and went on to produce two textbook jackals in a breakdown masterclass.

On top of that, he was world-class in the set pieces, with his lineout throwing being pinpoint. His quality was evident even after he came off in the second half as the Bok lineout was less fluent in his absence.