The Springboks claimed a comfortable win over Wales at Twickenham in their first Test match since the Rugby World Cup as Eddie Jones’ Japan were smacked by England in Tokyo. Shaun Goosen looks back on these results and more.
Elsewhere, comeback kings Glasgow Warriors upset the Bulls in the URC final at Loftus while the Blues saw off the Chiefs at Eden Park to win the Super Rugby Pacific title.
International Rugby: Bokke drill Wales, England thump Japan
The Springboks defeated Wales 41-14 at Twickenham on Saturday to get their season off to the perfect start. The double world champions, buoyed by impressive performances from debutant Edwill van der Merwe and Kwagga Smith, scored five tries in the end but led by just 14-13 at halftime. They upped the ante in the second half though, scoring 27 unanswered points to ultimately run away with it. With the likes of Siya Kolisi, Handre Pollard, Cheslin Kolbe, RG Snyman and more set to be available for the upcoming Ireland Test series, Rassie Erasmus’ side are looking as strong as ever.
In Tokyo on Saturday, England continued their preparations for their tour of New Zealand with a 52-17 pasting of Japan in Tokyo. Steve Borthwick’s side were spearheaded by a fantastic display from Marcus Smith, who led the charge in the drubbing leaving Eddie Jones, on his return to the Brave Blossoms, with plenty of work to do.
The Springboks retain the Qatar Airways Cup 🏆
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 22, 2024
Edwill van der Merwe scored this marvelous try on debut - the perfect reminder why he’s playing for the Boks 🔥#RSAvWAL pic.twitter.com/Z5t1fqOcci
Club Rugby Finals: Glasgow and Blues crowned champions
Glasgow Warriors upset a much-fancied Bulls outfit 21-16 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to clinch this season’s URC title against the odds. After trailing 13-0 at one stage, the side captained and coached by South Africans in Kyle Steyn and Franco Smith clawed their way back into the contest thanks largely to a brilliant mauling and defensive display. Jake White’s team, who have now lost two Grand Finals in three years, were left to rue some moments of poor decision-making and the absence of influential playmaker Willie le Roux at fullback.
In the Super Rugby Pacific final, the Blues eased past the Chiefs at Eden Park in a 41-10 victory on Saturday. Caleb Clarke scored three tries in a game the hosts never looked like losing, handing stern Vern Cotter a Super Rugby title in his first season at the helm in Auckland.
🏆 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐠𝐨𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐕𝐔𝐑𝐂 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🏆
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 22, 2024
They defeat the Vodacom Bulls 21-16 to clinch the title at Loftus. pic.twitter.com/adVcth9um6
