Wales vs South Africa – Record 73-0 Defeat and Head-to-Head History

The rivalry between Wales and South Africa in rugby union has spanned more than a century, but the most recent chapter delivered a moment few expected. On 29 November 2025, the Springboks inflicted a 73–0 defeat on Wales at the Principality Stadium – the heaviest loss in Welsh men’s history and a result that sent shockwaves through the sport. This article covers the full head-to-head record, unpacks that astonishing match, and looks ahead at what comes next for both teams.

Wales and South Africa have met 44 times since their first encounter in 1906. South Africa dominate the series with 36 wins, while Wales have managed seven victories and one draw. The Springboks’ 81.4% win rate underscores their historical superiority, though Wales have enjoyed periods of success, most notably a run of four consecutive wins between 2016 and 2019.

The 2025 Autumn International brought the two sides together at a time when Welsh rugby was already under pressure. Missing a host of first-choice players due to the match falling outside World Rugby’s official Test window, Wales were powerless against a full-strength South Africa side riding high after a victory over Ireland the previous week.

What is the head-to-head record between Wales and South Africa?

Key insights into the rivalry

• South Africa’s 73–0 victory is the biggest win in the rivalry and Wales’ worst home defeat ever.
• Wales have only won 7 of the 44 matches, with their last win coming in 2019 (a 33–19 home victory).
• The 2025 match marks a low point for Welsh rugby, with 11 Springbok tries and a defensive collapse.
• Despite the loss, Wales’ historical record includes notable wins, such as 12–6 in 1999 and 27–25 in 2018.
• The 73-0 defeat is Wales’ first scoreless home performance since 1967 – a 58-year gap.
• South Africa’s 11 tries in Cardiff are the most Wales have ever conceded in a single match.

Snapshot facts: Wales vs South Africa

What happened in the Wales vs South Africa match on 29 November 2025?

Final score and match details

The match took place on Saturday, 29 November 2025 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. South Africa ran in 11 tries, converting most of them, to finish with a 73–0 victory. Wales failed to register a single point – the first time they had been held scoreless at home since 1967.

Who scored tries for South Africa?

Individual try scorers were not detailed in post-match summaries, but reports indicate that South Africa’s tries were shared across multiple backs and forwards, reflecting the team’s depth. The Springboks’ 11 tries were the most Wales have ever conceded in a Test match.

Why did Wales lose 73-0?

Wales were severely weakened by the absence of approximately 11 players whose clubs were not obliged to release them because the game fell outside World Rugby’s official Test window. This depleted squad faced a South Africa side that had beaten Ireland 24–13 in Dublin just a week earlier. The mismatch was evident from the opening minutes, with Wales never threatening to score.

Where can I watch Wales vs South Africa highlights?

Highlights are available on BBC Sport and YouTube. Rugby-specific platforms such as Autumn Internationals also carry match reports and video clips.

How to get tickets for Wales vs South Africa and what are the upcoming fixtures?

What are the upcoming fixtures for Wales rugby in 2026?

Wales’ next international match is scheduled for Round 1 of the 2026 Six Nations: an away fixture against England on Saturday, 7 February 2026 with a 4:40 PM kick-off. No further Wales home games against South Africa have been announced beyond 2025.

Is Wales vs South Africa a regular fixture?

The two nations meet irregularly, typically during autumn internationals or Rugby World Cup pool stages. The Prince William Cup, introduced in 2007 to mark 100 years of rugby between them, is awarded to the winner of each encounter. Since 2007, South Africa have won the cup on most occasions, with Wales lifting it after their 2018 and 2019 victories.

How have recent meetings between Wales and South Africa unfolded?

1. 29 November 2025 – Autumn International, Cardiff: South Africa 73–0 Wales.
2. 23 November 2024 – Autumn International, Cardiff: South Africa 45–12 Wales.
3. 19 August 2023 – Summer Series, Cardiff: South Africa 52–16 Wales.
4. 12 November 2022 – Autumn International, Cardiff: South Africa 23–18 Wales.
5. 6 November 2021 – Autumn International, Cardiff: South Africa 23–18 Wales.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Wales vs South Africa?

Why did Wales lose 73-0 and what does it mean for Welsh rugby?

Wales entered the match on a losing streak and missing key players due to injuries and the Test window clash. Around 11 regular starters were unavailable, including some of the most experienced members of the squad. South Africa, by contrast, were at close to full strength and demonstrated the depth that carried them to World Cup success. The 73–0 scoreline surpasses Wales’ previous worst defeat (62–5 against New Zealand in 2003) and has intensified scrutiny on the state of Welsh rugby, which in 2025 continues to face structural and financial challenges.

The result also underlines South Africa’s remarkable away record: they have lost only five of 24 matches against Wales since 1994, and their last defeat in Cardiff was in 2018. For Wales, the focus now shifts to rebuilding ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, where they face England in the opening round. For broader context on Welsh men’s international results across sports, see the analysis of Wales vs North Macedonia – 7-1 Result, Wilson Hat-Trick and Stats.

What are the key sources and quotes from the match?

“World champions South Africa humiliate woeful Wales by inflicting a record home 73‑0 defeat on their hosts.”

BBC Sport report, 29 November 2025

“Of the 44 matches played to date, South Africa have won 36, with one match drawn and seven wins for Wales.”

Wikipedia – History of rugby union matches between South Africa and Wales

For official statistics, visit World Rugby. The full match report and analysis are available from BBC Sport and Autumn Internationals.

What are the key takeaways from the Wales vs South Africa rivalry?

The 2025 defeat marks a historic low for Wales, but the rivalry remains one of the most storied in rugby union. South Africa’s dominance is clear – 36 wins from 44 matches – yet Wales have shown they can compete, as seen in their four-match winning streak from 2016 to 2019. The next meeting, whenever it comes, will be a measure of how far each side has progressed.

For more on recent Welsh football and rugby results, readers can also explore other match reports and statistical breakdowns across the site.

Frequently asked questions about Wales vs South Africa