Month: September 2011
The Boks beat the Fijians at their own game with a commanding display of total rugby, scoring six tries while keeping the islanders try-less. We rate the Boks’ performances:
15. Patrick Lambie [6]
Solid all round performance. Not really tested under the high ball, but performed his defensive duties well. Was also on the receiving end of some big hits!
Zinzan Brooke states that the Springboks weren’t the best team in the world when they won the World Cup in 1995 and 2007, instantly losing his entire South African fanbase. Have another Heineken Zinnie!
Date: Saturday, September 17
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 08.00 RSA (06.00 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland), Vinny Munro (NZ)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
South Africa – 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Fiji – 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Telemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Netani Edward Talei, 19 Sisa Koyamaibole, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Nicky Little, 22 Gaby Lovobalavu.
By Laureus World Sports Academy Member and manager of 1995 South African World Cup winning team MORNÉ DU PLESSIS
I was very relieved that the Springboks won their first match in the Rugby World Cup, beating Wales 17-16, but my goodness it was close.
I thought the Welsh played really well, had a great game plan which they stuck to and we were only able to hang on to win thanks to some very experienced heads in our team.