When it came, the singular moment of Saturday’s thunderous Springbok-All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium was equal parts violent and magnificent. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
In the 37th minute, the Boks were awarded an attacking scrum in the shadows of the All Black posts. Down the two packs went, but only one pack went forward as the aggressive Boks mangled New Zealand with a ferocious forward assault that had them back pedalling, torn asunder.
For all the moaning about scrums this week, it was a moment to treasure and a reminder of South Africa’s brute, beautiful power. Bok rugby’s ancient strength, its big men doing big things, has never looked more resplendent or more savage.
So bad was New Zealand’s capitulation, referee Nika Amashukeli didn’t hesitate to award the penalty try. Justice done, the massive crowd erupted.
As flexes go, it was pure theatre and a vivid reminder not to denigrate the Bok scrum. You don’t tug at Superman’s cape.
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It was a theme set from the off, the Boks getting a hard right shoulder in the first scrum, in the seventh minute, to set their stall out.
Ardie Savea was causing all sorts of chaos, but the Boks remained resolute up front. Scrum three saw yet more carnage. Cue the penalty.
There was no let up. Even in the second half, after the stadium announcer had exhorted the crowd to shout “scrum!” “scrum!”, the Boks obliged. Another scrum, another penalty.
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It was that sort of day, the All Blacks skinning the Boks in the wide channels and the Boks destroying New Zealand up front. Coach Dave Rennie had confidently predicted in the week that his team would have a plan to counter the expected onslaught, but whatever it was, it failed. He had to get his kicks elsewhere.
The final flourish, a muscular maul in the 65th minute that saw Malcolm Marx score, was another demonstration of snarling Bok power.
It was a night when the Bok front eight showed no mercy. Just misery.
And the baying crowd went home giddy with pride.
The post Beautiful scrum powers Boks home appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
When it came, the singular moment of Saturday’s thunderous Springbok-All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium was equal parts violent and magnificent.
The post Beautiful scrum powers Boks home
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