Home » No Try for Habana, Against Argentina…as South Africa Wins Bronze

No Try for Habana, Against Argentina…as South Africa Wins Bronze

So close and yet so far. South Africa took bronze tonight in the Rugby World Cup (RWC). A mighty achievement, better than dreamed of after that Japan loss,  but not quite the Finals that the Springboks and their fans had hoped for. And sadly, no world-breaking try for Bryan Habana. The Springboks beat Argentina at Olympic Stadium […]

By SAPeople
30-10-15 23:24
in Fab South African Stuff

So close and yet so far. South Africa took bronze tonight in the Rugby World Cup (RWC). A mighty achievement, better than dreamed of after that Japan loss,  but not quite the Finals that the Springboks and their fans had hoped for. And sadly, no world-breaking try for Bryan Habana.

South Africa vs Argentina
The Springboks at London Olympic Stadium for the match vs Argentina. Springboks won bronze in the RWC.

The Springboks beat Argentina at Olympic Stadium with a score of 24-13.

Bryan Habana
Bryan Habana wanted a try so badly. The whole team and country wanted it for him too.

Although Bryan Habana tried so desperately hard to score a record-breaking try – and there was a sense that the team had been prepped to help set it up for him – the pressure was too intense, and with at least one very close – almost, almost – try, it was not to be. Habana remains tied with former New Zealand wing Jonah Lomu with a record 15 RWC tries.

South Africa vs Argentina

Unfortunately Heyneke Meyer chose to replace Habana 13 minutes before the final whistle, rather than allowing him to stay on the field and keep trying until the last minute!

Heyneke Meyer
Heyneke Meyer’s decisions to take Habana off the field, and to give Rudy Paige so little field time are being questioned.

Perhaps Meyer had a good reason which will be revealed within the next 24 hours, but for now – many fans are outraged (especially since even World Rugby had a Twitter poll going on whether Habana would score or not, showing just how many people were watching and waiting for that moment).

There has also been an outcry over the short three minutes that Rudy Paige was given on the field, with his name now trending on Twitter in South Africa.

South Africa vs Argentina
Pat Lambie came on towards the end, his 50th Test.

JP Pietersen and Eben Etzebeth scored the tries for the Springboks and Handre Pollard made up the rest of the score with penalty kicks, scoring a whopping total of 92 points in this RWC (second only to top scorer Nicolas Sanchez).

South Africa vs Argentina
Victor Matfield (left) ends his Springboks career with 127 caps

The crowds cheered for Habana as he left the field, as well as for Victor Matfield who ends his Springbok career with 127 caps, and for Schalk Burger who received a standing ovation (and left the field twice!).

Some Highlights

Bryan Habana – Fingertips away from making history…

Bryana Habana – So near, yet so far…

 

Victor Matfield leaves the field…

Schalk Burger leaves the field…

 

Respect between RSA and Argentina

#RSAvARG #RWC2015

South Africa vs Argentina