Mapimpi is Boks’ big success story
Makazole Mapimpi, the first South African to score a try in a World Cup final, is the Springboks’ most-improved player over the past two years, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.
Watch: Boks’ World Cup final tries
Relive the moments when wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored the Springboks’ two tries against England in the World Cup final on Saturday.
Boks win: 9 things you need to know
Nine interesting facts about the Springboks and their World Cup history after they claimed their third title by downing England 32-12 in Yokohama.
Faf: Mapimpi try the watershed
Faf de Klerk says the Springboks started to believe that the World Cup title was in the bag after Makazole Mapimpi scored late in the second half. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.
Rassie: Willie’s ‘calm head’ is needed
Rassie Erasmus says the calming influence of Willie le Roux is crucial for the Boks’ back three despite the criticism the fullback has received recently.
Watch: Mapimpi’s tries with Xhosa commentary
Watch Makazole Mapimpi’s two tries for the Springboks with Xhosa commentary in their quarter-final victory over Japan on Sunday.
Recap: Your weekend in rugby
A look back at some of the biggest stories in the world of rugby over the past weekend. Catch up with the news here.
Can Boks block out the noise?
The Eben Etzebeth saga, as well as the social-media reaction to the ‘bomb-squad’ celebration, are distractions that the Springboks could do without, writes JON CARDINELLI in Kobe.
Erasmus: Steyn did not shoo Mapimpi away
Rassie Erasmus says it’s sad that some people saw something ‘negative’ and misread the situation involving Makazole Mapimpi and a celebration huddle for bench players after Friday’s match against Italy.
Mapimpi clarifies celebration ‘exclusion’
Bok wing Makazole Mapimpi has explained that he was not part of a post-match celebration huddle due purely to the fact that it was a ritual for the bench players known as the ‘bomb squad’.
