The Springboks Unveil New Attacking Strategy in Dominant Victory Over Wales
By Mpho Moloi
The Springboks kickstarted their 2024 campaign with a commanding 41-13 win against Wales at a sunlit Twickenham in London on Saturday. The game marked a promising start to their next Rugby World Cup cycle, showcasing a shift in strategy and an infusion of fresh talent.
A Fresh Attacking Arsenal
The Springboks demonstrated a newfound eagerness to keep the ball alive through swift, short passes among backs and forwards. This revitalised approach directly led to two of their five tries and highlighted a potential evolution in their game plan.
Debutants Shine
The match also saw the introduction of four new players: flyhalves Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, wing Edwill van der Merwe, and loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon. Hendrikse, after an initial missed penalty, found his rhythm, converting three out of four attempts. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, tested with a daunting 53-metre kick, scored brilliantly, maintaining a perfect three-from-three record.
Van der Merwe was another standout, capping his debut with an electrifying try from 40 meters out. Navigating through the Welsh defenders, the Emirates Lions wing showcased both agility and speed, finishing under the posts.
Tactical Mastery and Discipline
Despite some early season hiccups, the Springboks’ coaching staff can be pleased with the overall performance. After an imprecise second quarter, they tightened their game, managing to keep Wales scoreless in the second half while adding three tries to score 27 unanswered points.
The game commenced with an explosive start, with the Springboks leading 14-3 within the first 12 minutes. This initial surge was punctuated by a superb try from center Jesse Kriel, who capitalised on a flowing move initiated by fullback Aphelele Fassi and flanker Kwagga Smith.
Under the Spotlight: Penalties and Cards
The first half was not without its dramas. Hendrikse missed an early penalty, but the Springboks brushed off the setback immediately. Number 8 Evan Roos showcased his power with a scything 45-metre break down the centre, setting up a penalty try awarded by referee Chris Busby after repeated Welsh infringements.
However, some slack in discipline saw yellow cards for Welsh players Rio Dyer and Aaron Wainwright, yet the Springboks couldn’t fully capitalise on their numerical advantage.
A Crucial Turning Point
As the first half drew to a close, Wales clawed back to within one point, thanks to a try from hooker Dewi Lake and penalties by flyhalf Sam Costelow. The Springboks had to reassess their approach during the halftime break.
Second-Half Domination
The second half mirrored the Springboks’ early intent. Quick hands from 40 metres out culminated in Mapimpi crossing in the corner, with Hendrikse converting and scoring a penalty to stretch their lead. Despite being held up over the line shortly after, Roos was replaced by Jason-Dixon, signalling a show of depth in the squad.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted a long-range penalty, and replacement hooker Bongi Mbonambi scored from a rolling maul, adding to the Springboks’ ascendancy. The final try came from van der Merwe, whose deft footwork sealed a memorable debut.
Final Thoughts
Wales put up a brave fight, making their tackles and hoping for Springbok errors, but they rarely threatened the impenetrable green wall. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected a dominant Springbok performance, hinting at exciting times ahead.
Scorers:
Springboks (14) 41 – Tries: Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, Edwill van der Merwe, penalty try. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalties: Hendrikse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Wales (13) 13 – Try: Dewi Lake. Conversion: Sam Costelow. Penalties: Costelow.
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