Exhibition games herald return of top rugby in SA
Top-level rugby returned in South Africa on Saturday with two exhibition games involving the country’s Super Rugby teams following a six-month shutout because of the coronavirus pandemic.
There were no fans for the doubleheader at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the out-of-practice teams were allowed to use 15 replacements, and games stopped midway through each half for water breaks.
Field-side coaching staff wore masks and, in some cases, face shields and medical aprons in a country with more than 660,000 recorded cases of the virus.
The Bulls beat the Sharks 49-28 and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi scored a try to help the Stormers beat the Lions 34-21. Kolisi lay on the ground grimacing and appeared exhausted after his try at the end of the first half. Some teams made substitutions as early as 30 minutes in, reflecting how far off full match fitness are the players.
The games weren’t much more than an extended training run, with players out of action since mid-March when Super Rugby was cut short. South Africa’s strict lockdown allowed rugby teams to return to full training only at the start of this month.
‘‘[During] the lockdown, the training was so tough,’’ Kolisi said. ‘‘Training by yourself is not the same. This is probably the toughest game I’ve ever played.’’
The games had no bearing on any tournament and were organised to start South Africa’s preparations for the delayed fournation Rugby Championship in Australia in November and December.
The Bulls led 35-0 after 32 minutes against the Sharks, with a brace from centre and South Africa Sevens star Kurt-Lee Arendse the highlight of the first 40 minutes.
The Bulls’ victory also gave coach Jake White, South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning coach, a successful return to coaching in his home country.
Kolisi’s try, when he broke through a tackle and galloped over in the right corner, gave the Stormers a 20-7 halftime lead.
The Lions made 15 changes at once early in the second half. Their replacements scored twice in less than 10 minutes to scare the Stormers, who rounded out victory with a fifth try, this one between the posts from replacement back Paul de Wet.
An extended Springboks squad has been split into two teams for another exhibition game next weekend in Cape Town, the first time the Boks will come together since winning the World Cup last November.
‘‘It’s a tough year but we’re looking forward to next week,’’ Kolisi said.