Dream debut for Hendrikse in SA success

THE Springboks started their 2021 Rugby Championship campaign with a solid, if unspectacular 32-12 victory over Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Boks had led 21-9 at halftime after tries from Cobus Reinach and Aphelele Fassi before Jaden Hendrikse scored his side’s third in the second half to mark a dream Test debut off the bench.

It was a particularly good day at the office for Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies, who kicked 17 points in a polished display that included an inch-perfect crosskick to set up Fassi’s try.

Hooker Joseph Dweba was also impressive on his Bok debut before being substituted early in the second half, but it was Hendrikse who stole headlines with his try.

The Boks, once again, played to their familiar strengths and favoured a kick-heavy approach, dominating the aerial contests.

Argentina did look to move the ball around, but they were outmuscled by the Springbok defence and were also let down by their illdiscipline.

Springboks’ No.8 Jasper Wiese was also a standout player with his carries, defence and work at the breakdown contributing.

The Boks thought they had scored their third try through Fassi on 71 minutes, but it was disallowed after replays showed that Malcolm Marx had been guilty of crawling with the ball on the ground.

The Boks now take on Argentina again next Saturday before heading off on the Australasian leg of their campaign.

SOUTH AFRICA: Tries: C

Reinach, A Fassi, J Hendrikse. Con: E Jantjies. Pens: Jantjies (5).

ARGENTINA: Pens: N Sanchez