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Springboks End Ireland Hoodoo in Loftus Epic as Rassie Erasmus’ Charges Overcome Missed Opportunities
BBC Rugby Union | July 16, 2022
In a thrilling encounter at Loftus Versfeld, the South African Springboks secured a hard-fought 27-20 victory over Ireland, ending their hoodoo against the visitors. Rassie Erasmus’ men delivered an impressive performance, as we break down their individual displays.
Fullback Willie le Roux combined well with flyhalf Handré Pollard in attack, while providing solid defensive cover for the Springboks. The team’s attacking play looked far more fluid than in their previous clash against Wales, with Le Roux’s influence a key factor. Winger Cheslin Kolbe continued his knack for producing in big matches, chasing down a lost cause to score a crucial try off James Lowe’s error.
In the midfield, outside centre Jesse Kriel delivered another masterclass, spreading the ball effectively and making excellent decisions on both attack and defense. Inside centre Damian de Allende provided his customary powerful carries and strong defensive work.
On the left wing, Kurt-Lee Arendse got the Springboks off to a perfect start with a brilliant step, and was a constant threat with ball in hand, despite receiving a yellow card. Flyhalf Pollard, buoyed by the team’s new attacking system, managed the game well and kicked effectively out of hand, though his accuracy from the tee was uncharacteristically below par.
Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk was given a tough time by the Irish defense, but handled the pressure well, earning a few crucial penalties. In the forward pack, standout performers included flankers Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi, who delivered all-action displays, while the replacements, Erasmus’ ‘Bomb Squad’, made a decisive impact late on.
“Ultimately, it was a narrow, yet engrossing, victory for the Springboks, who ended their recent hoodoo against Ireland and secured a morale-boosting win ahead of their upcoming Rugby Championship campaign.”
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