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The Springbok Green team beat their Gold opponents 25-19 in a wrestling contest in Newlands. DYLAN JACK Pick nine players who risked to impress Bok’s coaches.
Gianni Lombard
In a stop-and-go start that was by no means made for running backs, the Lions’ young Lombard looked safe under the ball high and dangerous on the fast break. The 22-year-old effectively paired with scrum-half Sanele Nohamba for the first penalty shootout, producing a wonderful volley after taking the ball out of a cross kick and passing a pair of tacklers. Unfortunately, Lombard’s debut season in 2019 ended prematurely due to injury, but this display should give him the confidence to start when he returns to the Lions.
Yaw penxe
The most impressive of the three defenders of the green team. Penxe pursued each kick as if his life depended on it and was unlucky not to attempt it when he pursued Nohamba’s kick, but instead being obstructed by Damian Willemse. Penxe has been one of the most impressive running backs on a troubled Kings side in recent years. Hopefully one of the unions can stop him. He’s just too good not to play in the Currie Cup.
Elton jantjies
A guaranteed performance by the Lions captain, where he showed his composure and leadership ability alongside Nohamba. Jantjies generally stayed very flat early in the match and attacked the win line and looked to put his teammates in space. However, as the game progressed and it became clear that it was going to be a close competition, he sank a little deeper and used his boot to good effect. He accurately kicked at goal and out of control. Defensively, he stood up well and intercepted a pass when his team was under pressure early in the second half.
Sanele nohamba
A contender for the player of the match, if the award was awarded after the game. Nohamba showed the kind of maturity behind the ruck that belied his youth. While his passes weren’t always accurate, he delivered with precision after a rusty comeback in a Sharks jersey last weekend. Nohama also kicked very well from the breakdown and managed to relieve some pressure when Green was on the back foot. He set up the first penalty attempt by reaching the end of Lombard’s volley and passing the ball for Penxe to chase after. A nice display from the 21 year old.
ALSO READ: Green punishes Gold in the Bok confrontation
Duane Vermeulen
The current Springbok No. 8 looks like he hasn’t even experienced a crash, picking up where he left off with the green jersey. Vermeulen covered very well under the high ball and carried hard. It also put Gold’s lineout under a lot of pressure. If it continues in this form, there will be doubts as to whether it could continue beyond the British & Irish Lions series and into the next World Cup in 2023.
He is a school
Another solid showing from the Springbok captain, who played well into the second half as he continues his comeback from a knee injury suffered in February. Kolisi made great tackles on defense and scored a try behind a maul. It was an impressive display of his fitness, given that he only played around 40 minutes last weekend.
Hyron andrews
Andrews faced a difficult task against a more experienced opponent in the Lions’ crafty blocking, Marvin Orie. However, the Sharks player had a very efficient game and did his best to cause Gold some trouble at the lineout. The 25-year-old has shown some workhorse displays for the Sharks and much of what he does goes unnoticed, but it was nice to see him replicate his early season form on a bigger stage.
Ox safety
Judging from this game, the Springboks will not lack depth in the loose-headed pillar, despite the retirement of the legendary Tendai Mtawarira last year. Nche won an early scrum penalty against Ruan Dreyer and his confidence grew from there. The Sharks player initially struggled when Carlu Sadie came off the bench, but it wasn’t long before he got over his man.
Steven Kitshoff
Easily the most impressive player on Team Springbok Gold. The World Cup winner was initially impressively contained in the scrum by Cheetahs rookie Luan de Bruin, but as the game progressed, Kitshoff’s dominance also increased and eventually took control against the junior. Beyond that, Kitshoff covered as much ground as he could for his team and showed good skill in open play. Defensively, Kitshoff against showed an impressive work rate and earned some turnover penalties in the break.
Photo: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images
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