Makazole Mapimpi has Jean de Villiers in his sights
Springbok sensation Makazole Mapimpi could be on the fast track to break the try scoring record of Jean De Villiers in the Green and Gold.
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi could be set to level or eclipse the try scoring record of Jean De Villiers in the Green and Gold.
ALSO READ: Makazole Mapimpi on criticism: It’s difficult to deal with!
MAPIMPI ACHIEVES SPRINGBOK MILESTONE
ALSO READ: Handre Pollard closing in on exclusive 700 club
Mapimpi became the player with the joint-fifth most starts on the wing for the Springboks against Romania and scored three times to have nine RWC tries to his name.
He now has 26 tries for the Springboks, putting him fifth on the all-time list for South Africa. Mapimpi has the best strike-rate of any other player to feature in the top ten.
The next target is moving past De Villiers and helping the Springboks into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
ALSO READ: The five biggest hidings the Springboks have ever dished out
WHERE IS MAKAZOLE MAPIMPI IN TRIES TOP TEN
| # | Name | Period | Tries | Caps | Ave. | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Habana | 2004–2017 | 67 | 124 | 54% | Wing |
| 2 | Joost van der Westhuizen | 1993–2003 | 38 | 89 | 42.7% | Scrum-half |
| 3 | Jaque Fourie | 2003–2013 | 32 | 72 | 44.4% | Centre |
| 4 | Jean de Villiers | 2002–2015 | 27 | 109 | 24.8% | Centre |
| 5 | Makazole Mapimpi | 2018- | 26 | 40 | 65.0% | Wing |
| 6 | Breyton Paulse | 1997–2007 | 26 | 64 | 40.6% | Wing |
| 7 | Percy Montgomery | 1997–2008 | 25 | 102 | 24.5% | Fullback |
| 8 | JP Pietersen | 2006–2016 | 24 | 70 | 34.3% | Wing |
| 9 | Pieter Rossouw | 1997–2003 | 21 | 43 | 48.8% | Wing |
| 10 | James Small | 1992–1997 | 20 | 47 | 42.6% | Wing |
Mapimpi moved past JP Pietersen, Percy Montgomery and level with Breyton Paulse thanks to his three scores against Romania.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber thinks his team is fit for purpose.
“This is a strong and physical team, which is exactly what need against a side like Tonga that plays with passion and force,” said Nienaber.
“Each one of us understands the importance of this match with an eye on qualifying for the quarter-final, so accurate execution, physicality and doing our basics right will be vital to get the desired result.”
Nienaber expected a major physical challenge from Tonga: “They will enter with the mindset that they have nothing to lose after going down in their opening two matches of the tournament, so they won’t hold back.
What is your favourite Makazole Mapimpi moment?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Alternatively you can email us at info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest Rugby World Cup news.