Dive into the key moments and highlights from thrilling international matches.
This weekend, rugby fans witnessed epic clashes as the Springboks broke their losing streak against Ireland, and the All Blacks narrowly defeated England in Dunedin. Australia celebrated a crucial win over Wales, while a youthful French squad triumphed against Argentina in Mendoza.
Springboks vs Ireland
After months of anticipation and build-up, the time for trash-talk, banter, and predictions was over when Ireland finally arrived in South Africa for the 2-match series. The Springboks had not beaten Ireland since 2016, and this series would undoubtedly decide the best team in the world. A brilliant opening attacking phase by the Boks ended in Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring his 14th try in 16 tests in the 3rd minute. Handré Pollard converted but was uncharacteristically inaccurate off the tee on the day (3 missed penalties), considering he was so reliable during RWC 2023 where he did not miss any of his 13 attempts at goal. Ireland struck back through a moment of magic from James Lowe which allowed Jamie Osborne to go over for the try on debut, and the Boks took a 13-8 lead into half time.
The visitor’s defence stood strong early in the 2nd half, forcing an error from Faf de Klerk after several phases of fierce attack on the Irish try line. Then in the 50th minute, the referee said the words that all South African fans love to hear: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, replacement”. Bring on the bomb squad! In a slight anti-climax, the Bomb Squad immediately conceded a scrum penalty and another breakdown penalty, but Malcolm Marx with his glorious back tattoos was back to his usual brilliant self, securing a turnover in the shadow of the Boks’ posts. My wife concerningly always mentions his back tattoos, making me think I may have to get my own flaming dragon version. She read this and has informed me it is the back, and not the tattoos, that is the basis of the appeal. No hope for me then.
Ireland scored next through James Lowe, but the try was disallowed when the TMO spotted an Irish infringement in the ruck leading up to the try: a good example of the new laws implemented, where the TMO can call play back in real time if something is spotted. Lowe then attempted to keep a Pollard penalty kick for touch in play, but Cheslin Kolbe intercepted the loose ball with his lightning-fast chase to score and take the lead to 20-8, bringing back memories of the iconic charge down against Sergio Ramos in the RWC quarter final against France. Special mention to Siya Kolisi who was NOT “fat and transparent” as his Racing 92 boss Jacky Lorenzetti alluded to last month. Kolisi bulldozed over Robbie Henshaw and gave another standout performance.
The final 10 minutes were frantic, and Ireland scored with a wonderfully worked goal-line dropout return which allowed Jack Crowley to score under the poles. From the ensuing restart, Lowe made his 2nd costly mistake as he played the deep kick-off into the in-goal area, and the charged down clearance kick resulted in a 5-metre Springbok scrum. What happened next was sexier than the most flamboyant French or All Black backline move: the Bomb Squad demolished Ireland’s scrum for a pushover penalty try to take the score to 27-15. Ireland had the last say with a Ryan Baird try in the corner, but the clock ran out and the Springboks claimed the bragging rights in the 1st test – all set for a monumental clash in Durban next week.
New Zealand vs England
England travelled to New Zealand, where they had not won in 21 years, to take on Scott “Razor” Robertson’s new-look All Blacks in Dunedin under new captain Scott Barrett in a 2-match series. Sevu Reece opened the scoring for New Zealand, but it was England who were dominant at the breakdown early, winning 3 turnovers in the opening 8 minutes and forcing mistakes with their rapid defensive line speed. Marcus Smith was impressive in open play but was dismal off the kicking tee. A strange decision, considering Henry Slade’s impeccable kicking form this past season. Maro Itoje scored for the visitors, and the score was 10-all at half time.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was rewarded for his tireless work out wide with a try in the corner after a physical and dynamic passage of play, but a rare English breakdown mistake offered Damian Mackenzie the opportunity to cut the English lead to 2. The All Black reserves made their impact in the final quarter, spearheaded by Beauden Barrett, whose game management got the hosts into England’s half, resulting in another penalty from a breakdown infringement, which gave New Zealand a 16-15 lead. In the dramatic final minutes, McKenzie was called for taking too long to take a penalty kick, and England had one final chance to win it. The hooter sounded and Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli awarded New Zealand a penalty in a chaotic breakdown, which could have easily gone the other way. New Zealand, the champion side that they are, found a way to narrowly win, but England will rue their missed opportunity to strike a killer blow and claim a famous win. Shoutout to the young South African supporter in the crowd, who opened his jacket a-la Superman to reveal his Springbok jersey with a cheeky grin!
Other games
In other matches, Australia claimed a much-needed 25-16 win against Wales under new coach Joe Schmidt. The new era for Australian rugby can only get better after a disastrous RWC 2023 under Eddie Jones, as they prepare for the British and Irish Lions tour next year and hosting RWC 2027. Wales have lost their last 12 games in Australia and will look for improvements in the next match to get their 1st win of the year. France sent 22 uncapped players in a squad of 42 to Argentina and managed a 28-13 victory against the odds against a stacked Los Pumas team in Mendoza. Fabien Galthie flexed Les Bleus’ youthful depth as his team scored 3 tries to Argentina’s 1, as Felipe Contepomi’s tenure as head coach of the Pumas started with a disappointing defeat.
Article by: Ronnie the average sports guy, for Playa Bets
