With the game tightly contested, South Africa led by two points going into the final quarter, following a barnstorming break from Damian de Allende. Breaking through the double tackle of England’s Ben Earl and Henry Slade, de Allende found himself in open space. A spectacular pass over the top sent the ball into the hands of Springbok danger man Cheslin Kolbe.
The trademark fleet-footed brilliance of Kolbe, is familiar to English fans with shades of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final coming to the fore. The 31-year-old sensation stepped inside leaving Ollie Sleightholme trailing in his wake. Putting his foot on the gas, Kolbe proved unstoppable for the England defenders. Handré Pollard’s conversion extended South Africa’s lead to nine points, breaking English hearts once again and effectively sealing the victory.
Kolbe’s try, which was named ‘Try of the Week’, marked his fourth of 2024 and the Springboks’ 50th of the season—the most South Africa have scored in a non-Rugby World Cup season since 1997.
