Assessment of the Springboks' Showings in 2024: Rating Their Achievements
No stranger to the world of sports journalism, Quintin Van Jaarsveld takes a look back at the Rugby-tastic 2024 season of the Unstoppable Springboks.
This year belonged to the South African powerhouse as they captured their first Rugby Championship title since 2019, won four trophies - the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, and Prince William Cup - clinched a historic unbeaten UK tour, and solidified their position at the top of the world rankings with a 11-win record from 13 games.
But as we sift through the smashing victories and epic fights, which encounters left the Springboks' fans scratching their heads and holding their breaths? Here's a no-holds-barred review of their performances, from their weakest showing to their crowning achievement of the season.
13: A Nail-biter in Santiago del Estero - 21 September
A heartbreaking loss to Argentina left the Springboks kicking themselves after failing to clinch the Rugby Championship title. This match will go down in history as a gem of close calls, with seven tries scored in the first half and a tense, goal-less second half. Despite a courageous comeback and Cobus Reinach’s try just before halftime, the Boks couldn't escape the jaws of defeat, with Manie Libbok missing a late kick at goal that could've sealed the game and the Rugby Championship for South Africa.
12: A Bite Too Close for Comfort in Durban - 13 July
A brutal battle against Ireland left the Springboks yearning for victory at the stroke of midnight. This rumble in King's Park was a test of strength and gave both teams a good thrashing. The Boks took the lead in the second half but had to withstand a last-second, game-tying drop goal from Irish replacement flyhalf Ciaran Frawley to secure a 25-24 win.
11: Triumph Over England in London - 16 November
Cheslin Kolbe dazzled as the Springboks conquered a feisty English team by nine points in a sparkling London showdown. This battle featured three tries apiece and an unexpected scoreline as England led at the break, but the Boks ultimately outscored them with two additional tries and a final score of 29-20.
10: A Classy Performance in Cardiff - 23 November
Kurt-Lee Arendse put on a show as the Springboks thrashed a helpless Wales squad in their season finale, with a 45-12 victory. This game saw the Boks race into a 26-5 lead by halftime and add two additional tries in the second half for good measure.
9: A Debut to Remember in London - 22 June
Edwill van der Merwe had a day to cherish as the Springboks launched their season with a thumping win over Wales at Twickenham. The back-to-back world champions dominated the action, with van der Merwe leading his team to a 41-13 rout over the Dragons.
8: A Gritty Victory in Cape Town - 7 September
Senior players stepped up and guided the Springboks to a hard-fought 18-12 win over the All Blacks in a nail-biting match at Newlands Stadium. The Boks regrouped in the second half and clinched the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 with tries from captain Siya Kolisi and hooker Malcolm Marx.
7: An Emphatic Crushing of Portugal - 20 July
Makazole Mapimpi scored a trio of tries as the Springboks pulverized Portugal in their opening Test in Bloemfontein. Despite losing Andre Esterhuizen to a red card early in the game, the Boks still ran the table, outscoring the Lusitanians 10-3.
6: A Comfortable Win in Edinburgh - 10 November
Eben Etzebeth led from the front as the Springboks claimed a straightforward 32-15 victory over Scotland on their End-of-Year Tour. The Boks' power and dominance in the scrum, combined with the proven resilience of their bench and quality defenders, sealed the deal for a comfortable win that returned them to the pinnacle of world rankings.
5: A tense but victorious encounter in Perth - 17 August
Pieter-Steph du Toit shone as the Springboks triumphed over Australia in a wet Perth to record back-to-back Test wins Down Under for the first time since 1971. Despite a shaky first half, the Boks asserted their dominance in the second, scoring three tries from the driving maul for a convincing 30-12 victory.
4: A remarkable come-from-behind victory in Johannesburg - 31 August
Kwagga Smith sparked a blazing comeback that led to a thrilling 31-27 win over the All Blacks in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. Down by 27-17 with under 12 minutes remaining, the Springboks refused to fold, with tries from Smith and Grant Williams fueling a spectacular comeback that cemented their spot atop the Rugby Championship table and marked their third consecutive win over their arch-rivals for the first time since 2009.
3: A Nail-biter in Pretoria - 6 July
Jesse Kriel showcased his class as the Springboks broke their four-year winless streak against Ireland, securing a hard-fought 33-7 victory at Loftus Versfeld. The Boks' superior width and the power of their "Bomb Squad" were crucial factors in earning this much-needed win.
2: A Dominant Showing in Brisbane - 10 August
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu capitalized on his first opportunity as a starter by helping the Springboks end their Brisbane hoodoo against Australia, with a commanding 33-7 victory. The back-to-back world champions demonstrated their power, finesse, and experience throughout the game, eventually scoring five tries and establishing a 21-0 halftime lead.
1: A Historic Deciding Victory - 28 September
Pieter-Steph du Toit spearheaded the charge as the Springboks clinched their fifth Rugby Championship title in a rowdy showdown in Nelspruit. With this victory, the Boks solidified their dominance in the sport and handed Argentina a 48-7 defeat in their final home game of the season. Eben Etzebeth's 128th appearance as a Springbok was a fitting tribute to his monumental career with the team.
- Quintin Van Jaarsveld's analysis of the 2024 Rugby season highlights some interesting results, such as the nail-biting 48-7 victory against Argentina in Nelspruit, which sealed the Springboks' fifth consecutive Rugby Championship title.
- In the realm of sports betting, the Springboks' unbeaten UK tour and their showdown against Ireland in King's Park might have presented some exciting opportunities due to the close scores and tense finishes.
- Predictions for future sports events featuring the Springboks, like the 2026 Rugby World Cup, could be influenced by their strong performance during the 2024 season and their ability to secure victory during close encounters, as seen in the matches against Ireland and Argentina.
