CAPE TOWN, Nov 30 : South Africa completed their five-test programme in Europe hailed as a destructive rugby force, installing them as early favourites for the 2027 World Cup, where they will bid for a hat-trick of titles.

They won five November internationals, beating Japan at Wembley, France, Italy and Ireland before a devastating 73-0 mauling of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Each match provided a demonstration of the team’s brutal power and efficiency. They beat both France and Italy despite being down to 14 men after early red cards and put on an awesome display of forward power to grind Ireland to a 24-13 defeat in a brutal match.

The win over Wales was always expected, but the relentless pursuit of points against a vastly inferior opponent seemed almost cruel at times.

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