Shaun Goosen looks back at this past weekend's rugby action as the Springboks eased past Argentina while the Griquas and Pumas look set for Currie Cup semi-final berths.
Springboks again see off Argentina
South Africa produced another dominant display to beat Argentina 29-10 in the second round of the Rugby Championship at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. Following on from their good performance in round one against the same opponents, the Boks again never let the South Americans into the contest with the visitors’ ill-discipline meaning they never got a foothold in the game. Standout showings from Malcolm Marx, Lood de Jager (playing his 50th Test) and Lukhanyo Am ensured the world champions remained on the ascendency.
After winning the first-half 15-3, tries to Makazole Mapimpi and Marx in the second meant Argentina never really came close, with Pablo Matera’s late consolation score adding some gloss to the scoreline. With the pandemic continuing to cause havoc to the competition schedule, it now seems as though Queensland will host the remaining matches in the tournament this year as the Boks look to reclaim the crown they won in 2019.
Historic Currie Cup semi-finals beckon for Griquas, Pumas
With just one round of Currie Cup action to go in the regular season, it looks as though the unlikely duo of the Griquas and Pumas may just sneak into the playoffs. The former team claimed a comprehensive 46-25 win over Western Province in Kimberley to complete a double over the competition’s most successful side this season, while Jimmy Stonehouse’s men beat the Cheetahs 28-19 in Mbombela.
The Griquas (third) host the Pumas (fourth) at Tafel Lager Park this weekend and a win for the hosts will seal their spot in the final four. With fifth-placed WP trailing the Pumas by two points, a win in Durban over the Sharks may yet see them through.
