19  September 2019, by: Quintin van Jaarsveld

GOLDEN SPRINGBOK MOMENTS – RWC 2015

The Springboks have enjoyed many magical moments on the biggest stage of them all since they shook up the world in their triumphant maiden appearance in the global showpiece in 1995, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

As excitement continues to build for the 2019 Rugby World Cup that kicks off in Japan on September 20, we take a trip down memory lane in a six-part series in which we highlight the Springboks’ most memorable World Cup moments.

The 2015 World Cup, hosted by England, started on the worst possible note for the Springboks as they crashed to a first-ever defeat to Japan in Brighton. The Brave Blossoms’ 34-32 win is widely regarded as the greatest upset in rugby history and had Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and captain Jean de Villiers scrambling to steady the ship.

They did so admirably, topping Pool B and beating a determined Wales in the quarterfinals before succumbing 20-18 to the defending champion All Blacks in a classic semi-final at Twickenham. They ended their odyssey on a positive note as they beat Argentina 24-13 at the Olympic Stadium to bag bronze.

JP Pietersen joined a select group of Springboks to score a World Cup hat-trick in the pool game against Samoa in Birmingham. After the shock loss to Japan, it looked like the Springboks were in for another long day as Samoa led 6-3 before the right-winger intercepted inside his own half and cantered in for a momentum-shifting try in the 15th minute.

Pietersen then strolled over from close range, first after quick hands by Willie le Roux and De Villiers and then after receiving a pass from an unselfish Pat Lambie as South Africa secured a 46-6 win.

Not to be outdone, Bryan Habana scored a hat-trick of his own in the Springboks’ next match against Scotland in Newcastle. Immediately after half-time, Habana grabbed his first as he ran onto a clever grubber by scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

Inside centre Damian de Allende then sliced through from a lineout and linked up with the left-wing for his second before Habana pounced on a loose ball from a maul to complete his hat-trick. In so doing, the Springbok icon equalled All Blacks great Jonah Lomu’s all-time World Cup record of 15 tries and drew level with Wallaby legend David Campese on 64 Test tries, a tier-one record.

As was the case in their pool match four years prior, the Springboks were pushed to the limit by Wales when they faced off in a tense quarterfinal clash at Twickenham. The hard-fought battle saw the lead change hands several times and with six minutes remaining, the Welsh led 19-18.

The greats make key plays at key times and two of the Springboks’ best combined from an attacking scrum inside the Welsh 22 to save the day. No.8 Duane Vermeulen picked up from the back, drew two defenders and threw a beautiful behind-the-back offload to Du Preez who sprinted and dived over in the corner. The Springboks won 23-19 and set-up a semi-final showdown with the All Blacks.

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