The Springboks brought joy to the nation after beating Argentina 48-7 and winning the Castle Lager Rugby Championship for the first time in five years.

The world cup winning side beat the Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday evening.

The match saw the Boks lead 27-7 at half time.

‘The win was never in doubt after the Springboks – celebrating a new Test record for Eben Etzebeth (128 caps) – had a sublime start that had the sold-out crowd of 43 578 in raptures and hardly gave them time to either sit down or catch a breath in a spellbinding first 15 minutes,’ said the SA Rugby in match report.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie described Etzebeth as a warrior.

‘On behalf of South Africa, I would like to acknowledge a warrior of SA, a man that donned the green and gold shirt 128 times doing duty for his country. You have done so much for us and the sport of rugby. You are truly a role model with the most magnificent teammates and coaches,’ the Minister said in
a post on X.

The Springboks scored a total seven tries in their victory on Saturday.

‘A crowd of 43 578 celebrated as the Springboks scored seven tries to claim the southern hemisphere crown for the first time since 2019 – scoring more tries in a match in the competition since scoring nine in beating the same opponents at the FNB Stadium 73-13 in 2013,’ said SA Rugby.

Proteas

Meanwhile, the Proteas Men are set to face Ireland in their T20i clash today.

‘The Proteas are ready to bring the heat in the final T20i against Ireland! With the series on the line, they’re focused on sealing the deal,’ Cricket South Africa said in a post on X ahead of Sunday’s match. The match will get underway at 5:30 pm.

Cricket SA called on the nation to ‘get behind the Proteas as they aim to dominate and finish strong.’

Source: South African Government News Agency