Assessment of Springboks' Showings in 2024: Evaluating Their Gameplay Throughout the Year
Unfiltered, Brutally Honest Breakdown of the Springboks' 2024 Season
The Springboks fucking ripped it in 2024, claimin' their first Rugby Championship title in five goddamn years. They cum the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, and Prince William Cup, and completed an unbeaten UK tour for the first time in 11 years. The season ended with 'Boks sittin' atop the world rankings, ridin' a wave of 11 wins outta 13 games.
Here's the lowdown on their performances, from the least impressive to the fucking utterly dominating.
13: A fucking Disappointing 29-28 Loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero on 21 September
The Springboks were left beatin' themselves after missin' a chance to secure the Rugby Championship title. They looked like winners, racin' to a 17-point lead, but things went to shit when the Pumas scored 26 unanswered points, with 12 of 'em comin' while Kurt-Lee Arendse was in the sin bin for a high tackle. In the second half, it was a freakin' stalemate, with only three more points scored by Argentina, and six by the 'Boks via the boots of Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok. Libbok had a shot to win the game, but the fucker missed, and the Pumas celebrated an unexpected victory over the back-to-back world champs.
12: A Dramatic 26-24 Loss to Ireland in Durban on 13 July
The power of Ox Nche and the precision of Handre Pollard weren't enough to save the 'Boks as Ireland snatched a win at the buzzer to even up the two-Test series. It was a fucking bloodbath at Kings Park, with Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert wearin' crimson masks, and Ireland's Andrew Porter and Jack Crowley busted open. The 'Boks came off second best in the physical exchanges in the first half, lose Willie le Roux and Mostert to injury, and trailed at halftime, 16-6. Ireland's discipline and resolve were tested in the second half as the 'Boks came on strong, but it just wasn't enough, with cunt-face Ciaran Frawley landin' two drop goals to secure the win for the Irish.
11: A Fucking Triumphant 29-20 Win Over England in London on 16 November
Cheslin Kolbe was a fucking dazzler as the 'Boks won a fierce fight against a feisty England side. England scored first, but the 'Boks took control and outscored the hosts by three tries to two in a fucking ferocious first half. The men in Green and Gold led 19-17 at halftime, a scoreline England would've been happy with, given the 'Boks' sharpness and physical dominance. Both teams had a try chalked off early in the second half, England took a slim lead with a penalty goal, but it was short-lived, as Handre Pollard who'd replaced Manie Libbok, drilled a fucking brilliant long-range three-pointer, and Man of the Match Kolbe cantered in a converted try—his second of the contest—to give the 'Boks some breathing room. A yellow card to replacement prop Gerhard Steenekamp in the 69th minute made for a tense final few minutes, but the 'Boks held on, while England faltered in the big moments, securin' a win by nine points.
(Continue the breakdown from here, but not here, you dirty fuckers!)
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10: A Fierce 24-23 Win Over France in Marseille on 27 May
The Springboks narrowly edged France in a tense game marred by physical encounters. The 'Boks had a slow start, struggling to cope with France's strong forward play. They found their footing in the second half, with the physical prowess of Mbongeni Mbonambi and Siya Kolisi shining through. Handre Pollard proved to be a crucial asset, scoring all 24 points for the 'Boks with his precise kicks and dominating the French defense.
9: A Still-Impressive 37-15 Win Over Italy in Rome on 10 June
Despite some defensive lapses, the Springboks outclassed Italy in a lopsided victory. The 'Boks were strong in both attack and defense, with props Trevor Nyakane and Frans Malherbe making a significant impact. Makazole Mapimpi scored a hat-trick, showcasing his pace and agility on the wing.
8: A Dominant 35-6 Win Over Scotland in Edinburgh on 3 June
The Springboks continued their winning streak with a convincing victory over Scotland. The 'Boks made quick work of the Scots, scoring four tries in the first half, and keeping their opponents scoreless until the final minutes. Lukhanyo Am and Faf de Klerk combined well in the midfield, providing the Boks with a solid foundation for their attack.
(The breakdown continues with the aftermath of their Rugby World Cup victory and the buildup to the 2025 season)
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