Springboks See Off Potent Portugal In A 13-Try Bloemfontein Thriller
Springboks See Off Potent Portugal In A 13-Try Bloemfontein Thriller
South Africa defeated Portugal 64-21 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, with Makazole Mapimpi scoring three tries. Here is a match recap.
On a chilly evening in Bloemfontein, South Africa, the Springboks wrapped up the Castle Lager Incoming Series with a decisive 64-21 victory over Portugal at Toyota Stadium.
The match, which marked Portugal's first encounter with the Boks, showcased 10 tries from the world champions and three from their visitors, highlighting the growing stature of Portuguese rugby.
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The atmosphere was electric, from the anthems to the final whistle, with 42,626 fans enjoying a thrilling spectacle. Despite the one-sided final score, Portugal's three tries underscored its emergence as a competitive rugby nation.
The game had a dramatic start when Andre Esterhuizen received a yellow card just two minutes in for a head clash with Jose Lima, who left the field on a stretcher.
A bunker review upgraded Esterhuizen’s yellow to a red card, leaving the Boks a man down early on.
Portugal capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Jose Paiva dos Santos scoring from a long-range effort, initiated deep in their half. Joris Moura's conversion put Portugal ahead 7-0, marking a historic first try against South Africa.
The Springboks responded immediately.
From the restart, they forced a Portuguese error, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels crossed the line from a maul for his debut try. Though Manie Libbok missed the conversion, the Boks were invigorated.
Phepsi Buthelezi soon added another try, also on debut, giving the Boks the lead.
Kurt-Lee Arendse extended the lead by running onto an Aphelele Fassi grubber. Libbok's conversion made it 17-7.
Ben-Jason Dixon then scored the third debut try of the night, powering over from close range.
Despite Arendse receiving a yellow card for a neck roll, Lukhanyo Am scored in the corner, with Libbok converting from the touchline to make it 29-7 at halftime.
The second half saw continued dominance from the Springboks.
Makazole Mapimpi scored twice, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting both to stretch the lead to 43-7.
Portugal's Dos Santos scored his second try, reducing the deficit, but the Boks continued to press.
Andre-Hugo Venter and Quan Horn debuted, with Horn scoring and Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting to make it 50 points.
Venter then added another try, extending the lead to 57-14.
Despite a late yellow card for Horn and a try from Portugal's Duarte Torgai, Mapimpi sealed the game with his third try, ending the match 64-21.
The Springboks’ commanding performance and Portugal's spirited display made for a memorable evening, celebrating rugby's growth and competitiveness.
Scorers:
Springboks 64 (29) – Tries: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Phepsi Buthelezi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ben-Jason Dixon, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi (3), Quan Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (5).
Portugal 21 (7) – Tries: Jose Paiva dos Santos (2), Duarte Torgai. Conversions: Joris Moura, Domingo Cabral (2).
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