Special envoy to Marseille
FAVORITES
An emblematic captain, if ever there was one, Siya Kolisi celebrated his 80th start this evening for a 50th captaincy. The first black captain of the Springboks, the third row, who went from the “township” to the top of rugby, enters a little more into the legend of this sport this evening. It’s hard to remember that just a few months ago, his participation in the World Cup was compromised by a knee injury. Back in shape, he put in a serious match with 12 tackles, only one of which was missed.
It was expected, and it’s official. By registering the offensive bonus, South Africa is qualified. With 15 points in total, the Springboks could theoretically be joined by Scotland and Ireland next Saturday, in the event of an improved victory for the Scots and an Irish bonus. But in this configuration, the goal average works in favor of the South Africans. It now remains to be seen who the world champions’ opponents will be. In all likelihood, it is the Blues who will have to challenge the South Africans rested after two weeks without a match… unless they lose against Italy next Friday. Another possibility, Scotland triumphs over Ireland and deprives them of a defensive bonus. In this case South Africa would finish first in the group, and could face the All Blacks. A huge challenge no matter what!
He was expected in this area and Handré Pollard did not disappoint. From the outset he succeeded in a difficult transformation and allowed his team to lead 7 to 3. After the failure at the foot of Manie Libbok during the first two matches, the return of a successful scorer for the Springboks came at the right time. Returning to the group after the withdrawal of hooker Malcolm Marx, he is an asset which could prove decisive in the quarter-final. Especially since in the game, Handré Pollard, who was not yet 100% announced, managed a rather clean match, with several nice penaltouches and some nice inspirations, like this inside delivery at the 48 which will lead to some more playing time late on the bonus test. Coming out in the 51st minute, he scored 8 points on his feet and set an example. His replacement Manie Libbok, so imprecise until then, succeeded in the last three transformations, even though they were in the corner!
The velodrome stadium made no mistake in cheering the Tongan captain when he left in the 54th minute. He practically carried his team alone for almost an hour. Impressive charges, judicious decision-making, author of the first try, he creates the advance which will lead some time later to the second try of Ikale Tahi. With five tackles and 18 meters gained with the ball in hand, it was huge!
CLAW STRIKES
They certainly did not deserve to attack the match with flying colors. They also scored the first points of the match. But the step was once again too high for the men of the Pacific. Supported by a velodrome stadium entirely committed to their cause, the Tongans proved too imprecise, too sterile to make South Africa doubt. Having fallen into a particularly difficult group, they have one match left to end this World Cup on a good note, against a much more affordable team, Romania, who are coming off three defeats with 80 points conceded on average.
Like the Toulouse player, Pita Ahki, author of a crude forward in these 22 m which will lead to the 5th South African try, the pair of centers that he forms with Malakai Fekitoa, yet so tempting on paper , will never have worked. Clumsy in attack, absent in defense, the two former All Blacks did not manage to play the rugby that should be expected of them.