Top Notch Springbok Tries Showcased in 2023: A Highlight Reel
In Pursuit of Greatness: The Top 15 Stunning Springbok Tries at the 2023 Rugby World Cup
Quintin van Jaarsveld chronicles the Springboks' thirteen unforgettable games in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and delivers a selection of the team's 15 most breathtaking tries in this riveting account, as they retained the Webb Ellis Cup with a nail-biting 12-11 victory over fierce adversaries, the All Blacks, in the tournament's dramatic finale in Saint-Denis.
The journey to reclaiming the title was fraught with challenges, with the Springboks needing to traverse some rugged terrain to achieve their desired destination. Nonetheless, they displayed unwavering resilience, fighting all the way to earn their place among the greats.
Herein lies an enumeration of the 15 most captivating Springbok tries from the tournament, exhibiting a breathtaking blend of power, finesse, and unyielding determination:
15. Second-row Steamroller
Eben Etzebeth was a force to be reckoned with in the Springboks' victory over Argentina at Ellis Park. The Man of the Match demonstrated his strength and resilience in a memorable performance, showcasing his dominance in a resounding try in the corner.
14. Mr Unstoppable
The significance of Etzebeth's try in the World Cup quarter-final match against France cannot be overstated, securing it a place on this prestigious list. The Springbok powerhouse displayed remarkable leg drive and determination to power his way over the try line in the game-changing moment.
13. Valhalla
The importance of RG Snyman's try in the World Cup semi-final against England cannot be underestimated, earning it a coveted spot on this list. As the Springboks faced a desperate situation, super-subs rejuvenated the team with Deon Fourie steaming like a bat out of hell to reach close vicinity where Snyman forced his way over, resurrecting South Africa's chances in the match.
12. The Short And Long Of It
Exploiting their dominance in scrums, the Springboks created the perfect launch pad for this remarkable try against Ireland, with Damian de Allende's masterful swivel pass enabling Manie Libbok to soar a long spiral pass in Cheslin Kolbe's direction to score.
11. Filthy Footwork
Using his exceptional footwork to evade defenders, Damian Willemse showcased his skill and creativity in carving out this impressive try against Romania in a one-sided 76-0 rout.
10. Finisher Of Note
Pocket rocket Kurt-Lee Arendse proved his exceptional finishing skills in the season-opening clash against Australia at Loftus Versfeld, eluding two tacklers in a telephone booth-like steal before diving over the try line in an unforgettable moment.
9. Perfect Timing
Masterful timing from Marco van Staden, Bongi Mbonambi, and hat-trick hero Arendse made this try seem effortlessly executed, as the Springboks outmaneuvered the Wallabies in a preplaned lineout.
8. Williams Spreads His Wings
In an unprecedented move, regular scrumhalf Grant Williams started his first Test on the wing in the runaway win against Romania in Bordeaux, scoring his maiden try in the process. Showcasing his swiftness and agility, he converted a pre-planned move into five points.
7. Air Kolbe
In the breathtaking encounter against the All Blacks in Auckland, Willie le Roux reminded everyone why he was hailed as the "Assist King" in his prime with a magical pass that sent Cheslin Kolbe soaring over the try line.
6. Hitting The Blind Spot
Nobody could have anticipated the audacious no-look crosskick from Manie Libbok as he turned heads when setting up Canan Moodie for a try with an unforgettable blind side pass in the Boks' World Cup opener against Scotland.
5. Le Roux Caps Special Night
As Le Roux celebrated his 90th appearance for the Springboks, he ended the night on a high note with a fine five-pointer against Tonga. The experts in green and gold transformed defence into attack in a flash, as they put Tonga under pressure to seal the deal.
4. Peppermint Crisp
Decked out in their peppermint alternate jersey, the experimental side struck gold against the Pumas in Buenos Aires, executing a seamless move straight off the training pitch to perfection. Andre Esterhuizen's clever swivel pass and Libbok's pinpoint crosskick proved decisive in Canan Moodie's successful try-scoring attempt.
3. Mapimpi Magic
Once again it was Faf de Klerk's enterprise within his 22-meter zone and a slick pass from Le Roux that set up Makazole Mapimpi for a stunning try in the Springboks' victory over Romania. Mapimpi beat Gabriel Pop one-on-one with a scintillating swerve and sprinted to the try line for his second of three tries in the game.
2. Kriel Comes To The Party
Proving to be an instant impact player off the bench against the Pumas, Jesse Kriel provided the Springboks with increased vigor and creativity to send Willemse through a gap, as the latter found Makazole Mapimpi for the try that would prove instrumental in turning the tide in the match.
1. French Toast
La Croissanterie never stood a chance when Etzebeth masterfully executed a brilliant tackle on France captain Antoine Dupont, then quickly offloaded the ball to initiate a counter-attack. Kriel's ferocious run set the stage for Kolbe to leave Damian Penaud trailing in his wake as he dashed over the try line in an unforgettable moment.
- During the Springboks' success at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, betting enthusiasts may have found Etzebeth's try in the game against France an exciting prediction, considering its crucial contribution to their quarter-final win.
- With the Springboks demonstrating an impressive blend of power and finesse throughout the tournament, sports fans may have made predictions on Etzebeth's try at Ellis Park against Argentina, given its significant role in their victory over the Pumas.
- In the thrilling final against the All Blacks, rugby aficionados might have predicted Kolbe's try resulting from Le Roux's assist, as it played a significant part in the Springboks retaining the Webb Ellis Cup with a 12-11 victory.
