Springboks one step closer to the Rugby World Cup

Springboks bagged their 52-12 Rugby World Cup warm-up Test win over Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. This became a milestone for the Boks by surpassing a 34-12 victory in 2007.

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Other than kicking at poles, the Springboks pinned four tries in the first half, which exposed Wales across the park, as they conceded most of their points on penalty goals.

Springboks head coach, Jacques Nienabar believes that there’s still a lot that needs to be improved as they are a step closer to the Rugby World Cup kick-off.

“We have to get better going into France,” said Nienabar. “We’re on the side of the draw that’s knockout from game one and just to get out of our pool will be a challenge.”

“That’s what we wanted, and that’s what we expected, and because we didn’t know them so well, we had to find solutions in the game for instance, I thought the first half was excellent. We had to find solutions because we didn’t know the wings and the scrum-halves so well, so I thought that was a great preparation for us.”

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RETURN TO THE SPRINGBOKS!

Siya Kolisi had a productive return to action after a long injury on the sidelines. He made a staggering return to the starting line-up and assisted hooker, Malcom Marx with the scoring pass.

“I felt amazing,” said Captain, Siya Kolisi. “I didn’t have any fear going into the game, our training sessions prepared me a lot.

“I remember I asked the guys to come a little bit softer, but Pieter-Steph came to me and said ‘Trust me, you’re fine’. Those kinds of things you can’t buy.”

The Springboks will wrap up their warm-up matches on Friday against the All Blacks at Twickenham before travelling to Corsica for a weeklong training camp. Thereafter, they will make their way to Toulon, where they will be based for their Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday, 10 September.

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Scorers:

Springboks: 52(24) – Tries: Malcom Marx, Cannan Moodie (2), Penalty tries: Jesse Kriel (2), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damian Willemse. Conversions: Manie Libbok (5) 

Wales: 16(9) – Try: Sam Parry. Conversion: Cai Evans. Penalty goals: Sam Costelow (3).