Springboks
By Mpho Moloi
Bloemfontein – The Springboks concluded the Castle Lager Incoming Series with a resounding 64-21 victory over Portugal at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday evening. In a match where rugby was the true winner, the Springboks scored ten tries on a cold Free State night, thrilling a crowd of 42,626 fans.
A Night of Firsts and Fierce Competition
From the national anthems to the final whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Portugal, facing the Boks for the first time, showcased their rising status in international rugby by scoring three tries. The match also marked the Test debuts for seven Springboks, four of whom scored tries, making their first caps memorable.
Early Drama and Resilience
The game started with drama as Andre Esterhuizen received a yellow card just two minutes in after a tackle involving a head clash with Portugal’s Jose Lima, who was stretchered off. Esterhuizen’s yellow was later upgraded to red following a bunker review, leaving the Boks a man down.
Despite the early setback, Portugal capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Jose Paiva dos Santos scoring the first try, making history as the first Portuguese player to score a Test try against South Africa. Joris Moura’s conversion put Portugal ahead 7-0.
Boks Strike Back
The Springboks responded quickly. Jan-Hendrik Wessels scored on his debut from a driven lineout, though Manie Libbok missed the conversion. The Boks gained momentum and added another try through Phepsi Buthelezi, also on his debut. Libbok’s successful kick put the Boks ahead 12-7.
Kurt-Lee Arendse extended the lead, finishing a slick grubber from Aphelele Fassi. Libbok’s conversion increased the score to 17-7. Ben-Jason Dixon, in his second Test, scored the fourth try, with the Boks showing dominance around the fringes.
Commanding Lead and Persistent Pressure
Despite Arendse receiving a yellow card for a neck roll, the Boks’ backline added a fifth try through Lukhanyo Am, with Libbok converting from the touchline. The second half continued with attacking brilliance, as Makazole Mapimpi scored twice, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted, pushing the lead to 36-7.
Portugal fought back with Dos Santos scoring his second try, converted by Domingo Cabral, reducing the deficit to 43-14. Erasmus made strategic substitutions, including the debuts of Andre-Hugo Venter, Ruan Venter, and Quan Horn.
Debutants Shine and Seal the Victory
Horn marked his debut with a try from a blindside line, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion brought up 50 points. Andre-Hugo Venter added another debut try, extending the lead to 57-14.
Despite a late yellow card for Horn, Portugal scored their third try through Duarte Torgai. However, Mapimpi capped off the night with his third try, sending the crowd home jubilant.
Match Summary
Scorers:
• Springboks (64) (29): Tries - Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Phepsi Buthelezi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ben-Jason Dixon, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi (3), Quan Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter. Conversions - Manie Libbok (2), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (5).
• Portugal (21) (7): Tries - Jose Paiva dos Santos (2), Duarte Torgai. Conversions - Joris Moura, Domingo Cabral (2).
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