2024-25 EPCR Challenge Cup: Highlights of South African Brilliance in Action
The Roaring Lions and Cheetahs started off South Africa's challenge in the Investec Champions Cup, but regrettably, both teams were eliminated in the pool phase's final moments. The Sharks and the Bulls, on the other hand, managed to sneak into the Round of 16 due to their fifth-place finishes in their respective pools.
However, the Bulls' journey also came to an end after a 34-28 defeat against Edinburgh in the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, these four astonishing South African sides left an indelible impression on the tournament by scoring some truly unforgettable tries.
Here is a list of the top 10 South African tries that caught our attention:
Honorable Mentions
Line in the Sand
In the Cheetahs' tournament opener, replacement Daniel Maartens showed his mettle as he ran in a stunning try, slicing through Perpignan's defensive line after receiving a pass from Ethan Wentzel.
Reward for Persistence
In a losing battle, the Lions refused to give up. A long pass from Nico Steyn and a swift exchange of hands from Marius Louw led to Erich Cronje diving over for a well-deserved try.
Last-Minute Heroics
Clocking in at the red zone, the Cheetahs showed remarkable poise to put the ball through the hands for Cohen Jasper to score the decisive try against Zebre.
Sweet Redemption
After an unfortunate intercept try earlier in the game, Ethan Wentzel made amends in style by recovering his chip over Zebre's line and offloading it to Jeandre Rudolph for the score.
Full Flow
The Lions demonstrated their free-flowing rugby skills in a thrilling team effort against Pau. Top-notch handling and an incredible show of determination from Juan Schoeman resulted in a well-deserved try.
Top 5 Tries
Dragon Slayers
Led by Morne van den Berg's breakaway play and a quick offload to halfback partner Sam Francis, the Lions crushed the Dragons 60-10 to secure their playoff berth. Rynhardt Jonker contributed an unorthodox pass to Tapiwa Mafura, who finished off the move.
Fantastic Finish
Edwill van der Merwe sped past Pau's defense to score a remarkable try, helping the Lions register their first win in the competition.
One-Man Wrecking Crew
Returning from injury, Ruan Venter showcased his power and tenacity by bulldozing his way through the Dragons for a spectacular 40-meter individual try.
Cracker in Cardiff
The Cheetahs demonstrated exceptional passing skills to carve open Cardiff's defense for a sensational try, with Munier Hartzenberg's final pass and Ruben de Haas' finishing touch securing the score.
Switching Up
The Bulls pulled off an exquisite team move against Bayonne in the Round of 16. Devon Williams broke through the defense, finding Sergeal Petersen on a well-timed switch for the try.
Editor's Choice
The new wave of Sharks players dazzled in their last 16 match against Lyon, as Jurenzo Julius provided an audacious offload, Ethan Bester broke through the line, and Corne Rahl finished off the move with a stunning try.
- The Lions redeemed themselves after Ethan Wentzel's earlier mistake by scoring a try through a chip and offload, which Jeandre Rudolph finished off.
- The Cheetahs demonstrated remarkable poise in the final moments to score a last-minute try against Zebre, as Cohen Jasper was the beneficiary of a well-executed team effort.
- The Bulls' Devon Williams showcased his power and tenacity, returning from injury to score a spectacular 40-meter individual try against the Dragons.
- In their Round of 16 match, the Sharks impressed with an exquisite team move, as Jurenzo Julius provided an audacious offload, Ethan Bester broke through the line, and Corne Rahl finished off the move with a stunning try against Lyon.
- The Lions secured their playoff berth by crushing the Dragons 60-10, with Tapiwa Mafura scoring a try through an unorthodox pass by Rynhardt Jonker in a move led by Morne van den Berg's breakaway play.
