Classic Boks show how it’s done
The South Africans have won the title six times now.
WHILE most of the rugby world’s attention was focussed on the Springboks losing to Italy in Florence, the Classic Springboks were on the path to a sixth world title. The Classic Boks team put on an impressive display of classics rugby in Bermuda on Saturday night to clinch the World Rugby Classics title beating Argentina 12-0.
This annual rugby event held in Bermuda brings together former rugby greats from around the world to play in this popular Classics Rugby tournament, which has been running since 1988.
This year’s final saw them face the Argentinians in a match that began as a scrappy first half but produced some enthralling rugby in the second half with the South Africans putting on displays of champagne rugby to cross the line two times.
Argentina managed a solid defence in the first half to prevent the South Africans from scoring, defending their line with great gusto.
The second half saw speedster and Durban North resident, Tonderai Chavhanga, who still holds the record for the most tries scored in a single Springbok match, The try came courtesy of a quick pass from Egon Seconds, Chavanga then put on the pace and sprinted down the park from his half to score the first try with great support from Egon and the team. 40 metres from the try line, he kicked the ball ahead and chased it right to the tryline.
The second try was another created in the Bok half with the team working the ball through the Argentinian defence to right under the poles, with Blue Bulls legend JP Nel surging over to score. This try was converted by former Sharks player, Monty Dumond, taking the final total to 12-0.
The road to the final saw the Classic Springboks in two closely fought matches, their first against the Canadian Classics which was won 17-14 and the Classic Lions in the semi-final beating them 14-7.
The squad this year, lead by Ryan Strudwick, featured the likes of Rudi Keil, Hanyani Shimange, Conrad Jantjies, Gcobani Bobo, JP Nel, Doppies Le Grange, Monty Dumond, Egon Seconds, Andries Human, Tonderai Chavhanga, Corne Steenkamp, Nico Breedt and Deleray Du Preez.
The South Africans have won the title six times now, starting in 2000 led by Francois Pienaar, then back to back in 2004 and 2005, 2007, and 2013 in a squad that also featured Victor Matfield.
