South Africa’s Weekend of Glory: Nine Tries, Penalty Drama, and a World Title

From Nelspruit to Casablanca to Rovigo, South African sports fans were treated to a weekend of spine-tingling moments, breakout stars, and proud national flags flying high.

Springboks Unleash a Storm in Nelspruit

Nelspruit doesn’t often make international headlines — but when the Springboks roll into town, it transforms. That’s exactly what happened this past Saturday, when the world champions tore through Georgia in a 55-10 masterclass that lit up the Lowveld night.

The visitors landed the first blow early, but the Boks roared back through debutant Boan Venter and Nelspruit local Marnus van der Merwe, who bagged two tries in front of a roaring hometown crowd.

The match had it all: local heroes, fireworks, and try after try. Edwill van der Merwe’s brace, including one set up by a cheeky chip from Faf de Klerk, had fans on their feet. By the time Handré Pollard sprinted in for the ninth and final try, Mbombela Stadium was shaking with gees.

This wasn’t just a Test win. It was a love letter to South African rugby and its future.

Ice in Her Veins: Dlamini Sends Banyana to the Semis

Source: CAF Womens Football on X

Over 7 000km away in Oujda, Morocco, another South African team was fighting for their place in history.

Banyana Banyana’s quarterfinal clash against Senegal wasn’t pretty — but it was unforgettable. After 120 goalless minutes, the match went to penalties, and up stepped Andile Dlamini. The 5-foot-5 keeper made two cold-blooded saves in the shootout, including one against a player subbed in just to take a spotkick.

Bambanani Mbane buried the winner, sending South Africa into the WAFCON semifinals with a 4-2 shootout win and social media into a frenzy. Fans hailed Dlamini as a national treasure. “Queen Dlamini for President,” read one post on X.

The match also brought its share of VAR controversy. After Hildah Magaia was brought down in the box, fans watched nearly five minutes of video review, only for the referee to wave it off. The South African bench was fuming, and fans at home weren’t having it either.

Next up? A colossal rematch against Nigeria. The pain of the 2018 final loss is still fresh, but with Dlamini in this kind of form, there’s real belief that Banyana could go all the way.

Junior Boks Bring It Home in Rovigo

Source: World Rugby on X

And then, as if two major victories weren’t enough, Sunday brought a moment that reminded the world why South African rugby is so deeply loved.

In the sweltering Italian town of Rovigo, the Junior Springboks fought off a brutal New Zealand attack to win the World Rugby U20 Championship 23-15. It was South Africa’s first junior world title since 2012, and it didn’t come easy.

Led by captain Riley Norton, the team showed resilience that would make any Bok legend proud. “We sweated buckets in Stellenbosch preparing for this,” Norton said. “It all paid off.”

Coach Kevin Foote was emotional after the match, reflecting on a journey that began just last December. “I love our country, and I love the Springboks,” he said. “This win is for every South African.”

Back home, fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages. From former players to proud parents, the sentiment was clear: the Bok future is alive and thriving.

A Weekend to Remember

From nine-try madness in Nelspruit, to penalty shootout nerves in Morocco, to a world title sealed in Rovigo, this weekend reminded South Africans of the magic that sport can deliver.

There’s a reason sport stirs something deep in the soul of this country. It’s not just about winning. It’s about the gees, the grit, and the pride of watching our teams carry the flag high — and win.

So, if you’re hoarse from screaming or still buzzing from those last tries, saves, or kicks — you’re not alone. South Africa showed up this weekend. And the world took notice.

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