South Africa were simply too powerful against Scotland at the Vélodrome on Sunday 10 September. For their first match of the competition, the Springboks physically dominated their opponents to finally win 18-3. A show of force, in the first sense of the term, before the big meeting against Ireland.
2 mins
Embarrassed, slowed down until half-time by courageous Scots, South Africa finally wrapped up the match in the second act to physically explode their first opponent in this World Cup. This Sunday at the Stade Vélodrome, the reigning world champions attacked their competition well, wearing down Scotland to finally win 18-3 (6-3 at half-time).
Opener Manie Libbok allowed his team to take the lead thanks to two penalties, but his limitations against the poles – 2 out of 5 before being assisted by Faf de Klerk – could constitute the Achilles heel of the title holders , orphans in this area of Handré Pollard, wounded.
The Springboks broke away early in the second half, scoring two tries in three minutes. First in force by the third wing line Pieter-Steph Du Toit (47th), then by the winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, found by a bright pass at the foot of Manie Libbok (50th).
An entry victory, a first since 2011
The only real Scottish break, a good shift found on the left wing of Darcy Graham, back from injury. But he forgot his teammates and did not know how to exploit the spaces of an excellent consecutive game launch with a touch (30th).
It is the first time South Africa have won their opening World Cup match since beating Wales 17-16 in 2011, having been beaten by New Zealand in 2019 and Japan four years earlier.
Scotland was the first big piece, although affordable for the Springboks, in this group B. If the poster did not look like a dive into the deep end, it has the merit of giving confidence before Romania (September 17) and especially Ireland (September 23), one of the other big favorites of the tournament.