Reinvigorated Springboks give France the blues
South Africa secured a series victory over France thanks to a 37-15 success that was impressive for its attacking verve and defensive solidity in equal measure.
The Springboks, who endured a torrid 2016, took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with last week’s 37-14 win in Pretoria – a result that drew fierce criticism from Les Bleus coach Guy Noves.
France were boosted by the return of players who featured in the Top 14 final and did show improvement at Kings Park on Saturday, but ultimately were beaten by the Springboks’ strong first-half showing.
After the visitors took an early lead through South Africa-born Scott Spedding, the Boks sparked into life and romped into the lead via scores from Jan Serfontein and the impressive Siya Kolisi – the flanker celebrating turning 26 on Friday by claiming his first Test try.
Having scored 23 unanswered points during that spree, South Africa survived almost relentless France pressure for the first 20 minutes of the second half, before Coenraad Oosthuizen and Elton Jantjies added late gloss in the final stages, either side of France’s Damian Penaud marking his debut with a try.
Congratulations to the Springboks, beating @FFRugby 37-15 in Durban to clinch @CastleLagerSA Incoming Series! Well played team! pic.twitter.com/HKS78RiKkk
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) June 17, 2017
Spedding was one of France’s number who featured in the Top 14 decider two weeks ago and he secured the first points in the third minute, just managing to stay in touch and get the ball down despite the valiant efforts of Eben Etzebeth in the left corner.
Jantjies reduced the deficit with a penalty, before there was concern for the Springboks as Teboho Mohoje was carried from the field after taking a blow to the head in attempting a tackle.
Following a lengthy delay, South Africa went in front for the first time as swift hands down the left freed Serfontein and the lead was swiftly extended as Kolisi pulled off a stunning pick-up off his laces to intercept Francois Trinh-Duc and go over.
What a way to celebrate your 26th birthday.
Siya Kolisi scores under the poles. #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/jZ6fHkfw47— South African Rugby (@Springboks) June 17, 2017
Jantjies added two more penalties to make it 23-7 at the break before France began the second period as they had the first but after a period of sustained pressure Baptiste Serin threw a loose pass out wide and the Boks survived.
The hosts remained defiant in defence, scrum-half Ross Cronje denying Penaud in the left corner and France were forced to knock over a penalty through Trinh-Duc with 15 minutes to go.
But any slim hopes of a comeback were soon dashed as replacements Pieter-Steph du Toit and Oosthuizen combined for the latter to crash over, running right over Nans Ducuing in the process.
Penaud clinically finished a fine France move, stepping inside a couple of defenders but it was the Boks who had the final say as the irrepressible Kolisi broke clear and fed Jantjies for his first Test try to round off a resounding triumph.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments