Brilliant Boks Crush Romania in Bordeaux

In their second Rugby World Cup Pool B match in Bordeaux on Sunday, the Springboks delivered an impressive performance, securing a resounding 76-0 victory over a courageous but ultimately overmatched Romania team. At half-time, the score was 33-0 in favor of the Springboks.

The South African team demonstrated their dominance by scoring a total of 12 tries during the match. Notably, Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi both achieved hat-tricks, while Grant Williams scored twice. This remarkable performance boosted the Springboks’ points difference in the tournament to an impressive 91 points. They now have nine log points, including a try-scoring bonus point earned in this match, in addition to their opening round victory against Scotland (18-3).

The match was played under challenging conditions, with slippery ground and humidity, worsened by persistent drizzle after 20 minutes. Despite these challenges, the Springboks managed to score four tries in the first 11 minutes, setting a record for the fastest bonus point in the history of the Rugby World Cup.

Although the scoring rate slowed in the middle due to the greasy ball and treacherous footing, the 12 tries achieved by the Springboks equaled their Rugby World Cup record, previously set in an 87-0 win over Namibia in 2011.

Kwagga Smith of South Africa runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Marius Simionescu of Romania during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match…

This impressive victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated pool-deciding clash with Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris next Sunday (kick-off at 21:00). However, it’s worth noting that Scotland may still have a say in the pool standings in their upcoming match against their Celtic neighbors next month.

Notably, Bok coach Jacques Nienaber made 14 changes to the starting lineup, retaining only Damian Willemse, who transitioned from fullback to flyhalf. However, there was a last-minute change when Vincent Koch sustained a knee injury during the warm-up. Trevor Nyakane took his place in the starting XV, with Frans Malherbe joining as the replacement tighthead prop.

Cobus Reinach of South Africa scores a try during the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool B match between South Africa and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux on September 17, 2023.

Despite these disruptions, the Springboks started strongly, scoring four tries within the first 11 minutes, two of which were attributed to Cobus Reinach, who completed his hat-trick before halftime.

The match showcased moments of individual brilliance, with Damian Willemse’s sidestep and Kwagga Smith’s turnover leading to memorable plays. Makazole Mapimpi’s try after a well-executed team effort added to the excitement.

As the match progressed, the Springboks continued to dominate, with Deon Fourie scoring at the back of a driven maul. The Romanian team struggled to maintain forward resistance, leading to a penalty try.

Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa scores his team’s second try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 17, 2023…

Grant Williams showcased his agility by scoring a try after an inside pass from Andre Esterhuizen, highlighting the Springboks’ scrum dominance.

Faf de Klerk’s introduction as flyhalf and Marco van Staden’s positional change provided a chance for the coach to test the squad’s versatility.

In the latter part of the game, the wings took center stage, with three tries in seven minutes, including a hat-trick for Makazole Mapimpi. The final try, the record-equalling 12th, came from a backline move, expertly finished by Willie le Roux, who deceived the opposition with a clever dummy.

With this commanding victory, the Springboks now turn their attention to the crucial match against Ireland in Paris, eager to continue their journey in the Rugby World Cup.

_{Sourced from: SARugby}