NATIONAL RUGBY NEWS - Two of the unsung heroes in the Springboks’ backline combined beautifully to produce the moment that ensured South Africa would claim a third World Cup title by virtue of a 32-12 victory over England in Yokohama on Saturday.
On a momentous night for local rugby, winger Makazole Mapimpi and centre Lukahnyo Am etched their name into Bok folklore – Am making the initial pass and gathering Mapimpi’s neat chip forward, which he offloaded again for the try-machine’s sixth try of the tournament.
Significantly, that moment of brilliance underlined South Africa’s dominance on the night.
Their relentless scrum and magnificent defence had rattled the highly fancied English, who lacked rhythm and found themselves running into walls.
That was the foundation for the Boks establishing a telling 18-12 lead, with flyhalf Handre Pollard’s unerring boot a highlight.
Then came the Mapimpi and Am show to settle the deal and there was even time for fellow winger Cheslin Kolbe to pounce from a tackle turnover, beat a defender and jinx his way to the tryline.
It was no less than the Springboks deserved.
Point scorers:
Springboks – Try: Makazole Mapimpi, Cheslin Kolbe. Conversions : Handre Pollard (2). Penalties: Pollard (6).
England – Penalties: Owen Farrell (4).
Photo: Springboks Facebook page
