SA demolishes Romania at Rugby World Cup

Damian Willemse of South Africa scores his team’s fourth try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 17, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Scrum-half Cobus Reinach and wing Makazole Mapimpi both scored hat-tricks as South Africa ran in 12 tries in a 76-0 demolition of Romania in rainy Bordeaux on Sunday. 

Reinach, 33, scored three of South Africa’s first five tries to complete his hat-trick in just 21 minutes – 10 minutes slower than the treble he scored against Canada in 2019. 

Mapimpi also dotted down in the first half, completing his own treble with two in quick succession in the second period. 

“We prepared for the rain, we knew it was coming, but the only thing we spoke about was the physicality. We needed to bring it,” said Mapimpi after the game.

“I don’t put myself in front (first), it’s all about the team. It’s not about me walking over to score the tries. A lot of guys did well – Andre (Esterhuizen), Willie (Le Roux) – and I appreciate their work.”

South Africa’s win followed