Sweden end Japan run to set up World Cup semi-final with Spain
Football![Sweden end Japan run to set up World Cup semi-final with Spain](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/daa1797104260455.webp?v=1)
South Africa are on the right track to defending the Rugby World Cup title.
The Springboks head off to France for the tournament on the back of a big win against New Zealand, laying down a marker of what’s to come.
The game, hosted at Twickenham in London, was the last friendly for both sides before the tournament and a chance to secure bragging rights before the showpiece in France.
It was the Boks who claimed bragging rights at the end of 80 minutes, and the Qatar Airways Cup, as they dominated the All Blacks.
Sweden end Japan run to set up World Cup semi-final with Spain
FootballThe Boks spent the majority of the first fifteen minutes in their opposition’s half, and forced the New Zealanders to make a host of errors.
The All Blacks gave away numerous penalties in the first half and had two players sent to the sin bin in the opening stages as Scott Barrett and Sam Cane were both shown yellows.
The Boks got their first points on the board thanks to their captain, Siya Kolisi. Kolisi powered over the line before Manie Libbok successfully kicked the conversion.
Kurt-Lee Arendse then grabbed the second try of the game before Libbok converted once more.
New Zealand were once forced to play the game with a man down as Barrett received his second yellow card just before half-time.
The lock was caught on camera going shoulder-first into Malcolm Marx’s face.
As a result of receiving a second yellow, he was shown a red and had to leave the field. The All Blacks did score a try just before halftime, but it was chalked off for a knock-on in the build-up.
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FootballThe Boks used the man advantage as they scored two more unanswered tries in the second half. Marx scored two minutes after the restart before Bongi Mbonambi crossed over the line less than 20 minutes later.
The Boks also had a try ruled out after Canan Moodie scored a beautiful try. The youngster sidestepped a few All Blacks players before crossing the line, but the try was ruled off due to an offside.
The Boks added insult to injury when Kwagga Smith scored their fifth, and with ten minutes to go, they led 35-0.
Cam Roigard then saved his side’s blushes as he scored New Zealand’s only try of the game. The conversion was successful, but they still trailed 35-7.
While they did put the South Africans under pressure at the end, they were unable to score any more points and the Boks won the game and the Qatar Airways Cup.