Meshack Khotha
Meshack Khotha
The Springboks maintained the "Madiba magic'' when they pummeled Argentina 63-9 in a lopsided Nelson Mandela Tribute rugby Test at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday.
The world champions have not lost against Argentina and again have not lost a match attended by the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
The most memorable rugby match involving Mandela was, of course, in 1995 when the Springboks lifted the World Cup at a packed Ellis Park Stadium.
As part of the week-long tribute to Mandela, the South African Rugby Union and Sasol have donated R1 million each to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the 46664 initiative.
Early in the first half, a disjointed Springboks were punished by the visitors who surprisingly enjoyed a 9-0 lead within the first 20 minutes.
Thanks to three penalties converted by Puma skipper, Felipe Contepomi, whose goal-kicking was excellent.
The Springboks re-organised themselves and started storming into the Pumas' 22m area with outstanding ball distribution and marvellous tackles.
In the 31st minute centre Adi Jacobs' try and flyhalf Butch James' conversion reduced the margin to 9-8.
Wing Jongi Nokwe, who made his debut for the Springboks, netted his first international try to take a 13-9 lead in the 34th minute.
From there it was one-way traffic as the world champions ran all over their opponents who showed little resistance.
This match served as a good preparation ahead of the Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
For madiba
Meshack Khotha
Meshack Khotha
The Springboks maintained the "Madiba magic'' when they pummeled Argentina 63-9 in a lopsided Nelson Mandela Tribute rugby Test at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday.
The world champions have not lost against Argentina and again have not lost a match attended by the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
The most memorable rugby match involving Mandela was, of course, in 1995 when the Springboks lifted the World Cup at a packed Ellis Park Stadium.
As part of the week-long tribute to Mandela, the South African Rugby Union and Sasol have donated R1 million each to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the 46664 initiative.
Early in the first half, a disjointed Springboks were punished by the visitors who surprisingly enjoyed a 9-0 lead within the first 20 minutes.
Thanks to three penalties converted by Puma skipper, Felipe Contepomi, whose goal-kicking was excellent.
The Springboks re-organised themselves and started storming into the Pumas' 22m area with outstanding ball distribution and marvellous tackles.
In the 31st minute centre Adi Jacobs' try and flyhalf Butch James' conversion reduced the margin to 9-8.
Wing Jongi Nokwe, who made his debut for the Springboks, netted his first international try to take a 13-9 lead in the 34th minute.
From there it was one-way traffic as the world champions ran all over their opponents who showed little resistance.
This match served as a good preparation ahead of the Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.