Assessment of the Springboks' Showings in 2024: Evaluating Their Display across Matches

Rewritten Article

Ranking the Springboks' 2024 Test Performances, Worst to Best *By Quintin van Jaarsveld*

🔥 🤘 Welcome to our no-holds-barred breakdown of the Springboks' epic 2024 season, a stunning journey that saw them secure their first Rugby Championship title in five years and finish the season as global no.1! Prepare for some raw, unapologetic insights into each Test appearance and the highs and lows they faced along the way.

The Boks' marquee season saw them claim the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, and Prince William Cup! They completed an impressive unbeaten UK tour in 11 years and ended the season as the best team in the world with 11 wins from 13 games.

But let's cut through the glitz and grime and break down their performances — from the least impressive to the most electrifying.

13: 29-28 loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero, 21 September

A heartbreaking end to the Rugby Championship title chase! Despite leading by 17 points early on, the Boks fell short, losing a tough one to the Pumas. Seven tries were scored in the first half, but it was a defensive struggle in the second, with both sides failing to cross the line. A missed late kick at goal by Manie Libbok cost the Springboks the win and the championship.

12: 25-24 loss to Ireland in Durban, 13 July

Another frustrating defeat as Ireland snatched a dramatic last-second victory at Kings Park. The visitors prevailed after a physical battle that left both teams bruised and battered. The Boks led at halftime but found themselves chasing the game in the second half, eventually succumbing to Ciaran Frawley's drop goals.

11: 29-20 win over England in London, 16 November

A scintillating display by Cheslin Kolbe led the Boks past a fiery England squad in London. The first half was a frenzy of tries, with South Africa outscoring the hosts by three tries to two. A tense second half saw both teams trading opportunities, but it was the Springboks who emerged nine points ahead, celebrating a memorable victory.

10: 45-12 win over Wales in Cardiff, 23 November

Kurt-Lee Arendse proved undeniable class as the Boks swept Wales aside in their season finale. In a one-sided contest, the Springboks scored four unanswered tries in the first half, with Wales scoring a late try before the break. South Africa maintained their dominance in the second half but were far from clinical, securing a convincing but not perfect victory.

9: 41-13 win over Wales in London, 22 June

Edwill van der Merwe enjoyed a dream debut as the Springboks started their season with a thumping win over Wales at Twickenham. An error-filled first half gave way to a more determined second as the Boks pulled away to retain the Qatar Airways Cup.

8: 18-12 win over New Zealand in Cape Town, 7 September

The Springboks produced a gritty performance to beat the All Blacks in Cape Town, clinching the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009. Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx scored the try-scoring doubles as the Boks shook off their errors and played more direct rugby to secure an important win, bringing their rivalry series record to 4-0.

7: 64-21 win over Portugal in Bloemfontein, 20 July

Makazole Mapimpi netted a hat-trick as the Boks thoroughly outclassed Portugal in their historic one-off Test. Despite losing Andre Esterhuizen to a red card in the opening minutes, the Springboks ran in 10 tries and cruised to a comfortable win.

6: 32-15 win over Scotland in Edinburgh, 10 November

Eben Etzebeth led the charge as the Boks kicked off their end-of-year tour with a comfortable win over Scotland. Despite some sloppy mistakes, the Springboks scored three unanswered tries and held on late when Makazole Mapimpi was in the sin bin to claim the victory.

5: 30-12 win over Australia in Perth, 17 August

Pieter-Steph du Toit shone as the Boks dominated Australia in Perth, ending their Brisbane hoodoo and continuing their perfect start to the Rugby Championship. Despite starting slowly, the Springboks' driving maul produced three tries and saw them win their second game at Suncorp Stadium in 11 years.

4: 31-27 win over New Zealand in Johannesburg, 31 August

A career day for Kwagga Smith saw the Springboks claim a thrilling victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park, ending a run of five defeats against their arch-rivals. Trailing 27-17 with less than 12 minutes remaining, the Springboks channeled their inner beast to brutally turn the game on its head and clinch a crucial win.

3: 27-20 win over Ireland in Pretoria, 6 July

Jesse Kriel delivered a masterclass in a shaky but hard-fought win over Ireland. Apects of the Boks' attack were more expansive than ever, and the power of the "Bomb Squad" provided the decisive moments in a closely-contested battle between champions.

2: 33-7 win over Australia in Brisbane, 10 August

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu seized his chance as the Springboks handed Australia a drubbing, ending their unbeaten run at home. The back-to-back world champions excelled in all phases of the game, outscoring the Wallabies by five tries to one to seal a dominant victory.

1: 48-7 win over Argentina in Nelspruit, 28 September

Pieter-Steph du Toit was unstoppable as the Springboks emphatically claimed the Rugby Championship title in Nelspruit, securing their fifth tournament win and cementing their place at the top of the Rugby Union hierarchy.

🔥 💪 Stay tuned for more exclusive Springboks content from Quintin van Jaarsveld, as the world champion Springboks gear up for their 2025 season and their journey towards Rugby World Cup 2027!

The Springboks' 2025 season will undoubtedly offer more exhilarating performances following their successful 2024 campaign, where they secured their unbeaten UK tour in 11 years.
Rugby365 analysts predicted that Pieter-Steph du Toit would continue his impressive form, contributing significantly to the Springboks' success in the upcoming season.
In the upcoming 2025 season, Manie Libbok will stand under the posts, aiming to convert tries without missing key kicks, like the one that cost the Springboks a win against Argentina in 2024.
The physical battles that characterized the Springboks' match against Ireland in 2024 will be remembered as Eben Etzebeth prepares for another season with the springbok jersey, leading from the front.
Following his electrifying performance against England in London, Cheslin Kolbe will likely be a key player for the Springboks in 2025, as they aim to defend their position as the best team in the world.