The Springboks put Romania to the sword recording a 76-0 victory in their second game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Bordeaux.
The Springboks got off to a flying start which saw them score their bonus point try in the first twelve minutes. A notable performer was Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach who scored his hat-trick in twenty four minutes. They went into the half time break leading 33-0. The Springboks came out in the second half and put on a ruthless display by scoring a further seven tries with Man of Match, Makazole Mapimpi getting a hat-trick of his own. The Springboks scored a total of twelve tries, converting seven of them with Grant Williams(2), Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie and Willie Le Roux all scoring tries to seal the win for the World Champions. Damian Willemse also converted five tries, with replacement Faf De Klerk converting two of the Springbok tries.
This win is South Africa’s second win over Romania having only played them previously in their second pool match in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Victorious Campaign, beating Romania 21-8 with stand in Captain, Adriaan Richter scoring both tries and Gavin Johnson adding a conversion and three penalty goals in the win at Newlands in Cape Town.
Coach Jacques Nienaber had this to say following his team’s victory over Romania in Bordeaux: “One can’t plan for a good or bad start, but you can plan to start with intensity, and I thought we had massive intensity today, which I’m happy about’. “Before facing Ireland next Saturday one of the areas we are looking to improve on is taking our opportunities on attack”
The Springboks now turn their attention to their crunch Pool B match against Ireland next week where the number one and two teams in World Rugby will clash to decide who finishes top of the pool.
South Africa play Ireland next Saturday at Stade de France, Saint-Denis. Kick off at 21:00
“The Rugby World Cup is a stage where heroes are born, legends are made, and dreams come true”. – John Eales
