Report Card: South Africa - Aggressive, physical; skilful and deft
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Published 30/10/2015 at 23:01 GMT
South Africa took the bronze medal for the 2015 Rugby World Cup – but how did they measure up in their last match of the tournament?
South Africa's Bryan Habana looks dejected after failing to score a try
Image credit: Reuters
MATCH GRADE: B+
Aggressive, physical, yes; also skilful and deft. This South Africa side might not be one of the all-time greats, but it’s still pretty darn good. They nullified the threat Argentina have presented throughout the tournament, and never looked like losing.
STAR MEN
1 – Handre Pollard. Poised and powerful, decisive kicking.
2 – Schalk Burger. Took two curtain calls, having departed the field to much applause, and then returning as a blood substitution, making a neat little bow on his second exit. A legend.
3 – Victor Matfield. Led his side to a creditable third place, making the exciting Argentina look blunt and dull.
BAD DAY
Bryan Habana. Hoping for another try to break Jonah Lomu’s record, and had two excellent chances, but his own handling errors snatched the opportunities away from him. He'll have to be content to share.
KEY STATS
- South Africa recorded their second Bronze Final win in the Rugby World Cup, taking them level with New Zealand for most third place finishes in the tournament.
- South Africa have won 20 of their 22 Tests against the Pumas (D1 L1), including their two Rugby World Cup games against Argentina.
- Nicolas Sanchez scored eight points in this game taking his tally to 97 points for the tournament; he is the top scorer at Rugby World Cup 2015.
- JP Pietersen scored his ninth World Cup try in this game, only Bryan Habana (15) has scored more in the Rugby World Cup for the Springboks (Jaque Fourie also 9).
- Schalk Burger played his 20th Rugby World Cup game, only Jason Leonard (22) and Richie McCaw (21) have played more games in the tournament (George Gregan also 20).
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