In a dramatic Rugby World Cup semi-final, the Springboks edged out England 16-15. Fueled by unity and last-minute heroics from Handré Pollard, the South African team are now gearing up for a highly-anticipated final against their arch-rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks.
In a stunning display of resilience, skill, and unity, the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, clinched a nail-biting victory over England in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on October 21, 2023. Thanks to a last-minute penalty kick from Handré Pollard, the Springboks demonstrated that their journey to the final was far from a fluke. Their 16-15 win over England was a nerve-wracking affair, with Pollard’s kick ensuring the Springboks’ entry into the final.
“In a tournament that began back in September, the dedication and unity of the Springboks have been nothing short of extraordinary. The path you’ve walked is not a sprint but a steady and relentless race. You have faced the world’s best with unparalleled speed, tenacity, and power,” said Herbert Mensah, the newly-elected President of Rugby Africa, in a message addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU).
The Springboks had an arduous journey to the semi-finals, squaring off against some of the world’s top teams. Their performance was “extraordinary,” Mensah noted, emphasizing how the team “moves as one, whether on the field with seven, fifteen, or twenty-three players, or behind the scenes with the dedicated staff and medics.” This unity was not just apparent in their play, but also in how the players perceived their collective achievement.
Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi, discussing the match, reiterated that everyone involved in the team contributed to the victory. “In this team, we remind each other that if we are successful, we will say that South Africa won, not just the 23 who played,” he said in a post-match interview.
A key part of the Springboks’ strategy was rotating their forwards and introducing crucial substitutes early into the second half. Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Bongi Mbonambi were standout performers, tipping the balance in favor of South Africa, particularly during scrums. These tactical adjustments allowed South Africa to mount a comeback after trailing England early on.
The final moments of the match were fraught with tension. With both teams performing at their peak, it was a touch kick that set the stage for RG Snyman’s 69th-minute try, leveling the playing field for the Springboks. This pivotal moment allowed Handré Pollard to make history with his match-winning penalty kick, reprising his heroics from the 2019 World Cup.
As the Springboks gear up for the final showdown against their old rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks, Herbert Mensah’s words resonate more than ever: “From the very beginning to the end, it is the enduring spirit of positivity that will see us through.”
The Springboks are set to face New Zealand’s All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final on October 28th.