Rugby Extravaganza in Cardiff: Andries Arendse Shines for South Africa Against Wales
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Rugby Recap: Springboks Potentiate Dominance with Win Over Wales
The Springboks stomped Wales 45-12 in Cardiff last Saturday, marking their first end-of-year clean sweep since 2013, writes our top rugby scribe Quintin van Jaarsveld.
From the get-go, it was all South Africa. The back-to-back world champions steamrolled their foes, scoring four unanswered tries. Wales didn't breach the attacking 22 until the 36th minute, eventually scoring before the half to keep the hope alive - yet the scoreboard read 26-5.
The Boks maintained control but didn't shift gears as expected. It took awhile for them to notch another score in the second half, adding just two more tries, with Wales managing a consolation try. Rassie Erasmus' men closed out their season with a powerful, if not clinical, victory.
Here are the standout Springbok players:
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Kurt-Lee Arendse
Arendse flaunted his versatile talents in an exceptional performance, highlighted by a try and two assists. Not only is he a prolific finisher, but he can also set up tries, showcasing class and grace.
He tormented the Welsh defense, with a brilliant break in the second half among the five-line breaks he orchestrated. Defensively, he held his own, tackling fiercely and excelling in the air.
Franco Mostert
Mostert’s tireless effort perfectly embodied the Rolling Stones song 'Start Me Up.' The second-rower's motor was on overdrive at the Principality Stadium, making 15 carries and an impressive 12 tackles. He carved through the defense to score the opening try, despite conceding a couple of soft penalties. A stellar performance earned him Man of the Match.
Jasper Wiese
Wiese wrapped up the season with a bang after starting it on suspension. He was relentless, pummeling the Welsh with hard-running and crushing cleanouts. The no-nonsense No. 8 made a career-high 19 carries, pulverizing the hosts, and was equally impactful on defense.
Van Jaarsveld, a three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, shared his expertise, providing insights into the game.
- After his exceptional performance against Wales, rugby enthusiasts might consider placing bets on Kurt-Lee Arendse, given his prolific finishing abilities and ability to set up tries.
- Franco Mostert's tireless effort during the Springboks' victory over Wales mirrors the lyrics of the Rolling Stones song 'Start Me Up'.
- Despite conceding a few penalties, Jasper Wiese wrapped up the rugby season with a strong performance, making a career-high 19 carries and excelling on both offense and defense.
- Despite notching another two tries in the second half, the Springboks did not demonstrate the clinical precision that fans have come to expect from Rassie Erasmus' men.
- Quintin van Jaarsveld, the top rugby scribe and three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, provided insights after the Springboks' victory over Wales, highlighting the standout performances of Arendse, Mostert, and Wiese.
- As football fans gear up for the return of European leagues and the Premier League, rugby enthusiasts can savor the dominance exhibited by the Springboks in their end-of-year clean sweep.
