The Springboks showed their ugly but effective side to reach the semifinal of the World Cup with a 26-3 victory over Japan in Tokyo on Sunday.
They’ll face Wales in Sunday’s second semifinal.
One could probably argue that the scoreline flattered Rassie Erasmus’ troops, who weren’t particularly fluent and had to defend for dear life at times in the first half.
However, they also butchered at least three cut opportunities in those first 40 minutes.
The Boks’ defence though was familiarly imposing, caging the host nation within their own half, who, as a result, lacked the variety and physique to find other ways of getting themselves out.
South Africa’s forwards were once again brutally compelling, while winger Makazole Mapimpi could hold his head high with two predatory finishes in a game where the backs didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory.
Who was the star in this match?
Mapimpi’s ability to find the tryline in such a high-stakes encounter was laudable, while centre Damian de Allende made some crucial defensive interventions, both as tackler and poacher. But it was the much-maligned Faf de Klerk delivered when it mattered the most. While his box-kicking wasn’t always 100% accurate, he managed the decision-making process well and made some really crucial calls on defence. For a man saddled with so much responsibility, he was quite excellent.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers:
Springboks – Tries: Makazole Mapimpi (2), Faf de Klerk. Conversion: Handre Pollard. Penalties: Pollard (3).
Japan – Penalty: Yu Tamura.
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