Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi recreate historic Rugby World Cup final try
Springboks and Sharks stars Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi.
Springboks backs Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi combined yet again for a Sharks score that was eerily similar to the first try of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
The pair famously linked up in the 2019 final against England, with Mapimpi becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final. South Africa won the 1995 and 2007 finals without scoring a five-pointer.
Mapimpi and Am link up again
In the 32-12 victory over England in 2019, Mapimpi received the ball on the wing before chipping over the English defence with Am regathering before unselfishly passing back to his winger to go over for the try.
It’s close enough to make you feel nostalgic pic.twitter.com/8NkgefuVEi
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 13, 2024
During the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh in Durban, the two stars recreated the try in the 36-30 win.
Am sent Mapimpi tearing down the wing again and the Springbok flyer once again put in the chip and chase.
Where this try differs slightly from the score in 2019 was that Mapimpi regathered his kick himself and passed back to his teammate who went over for the Sharks’ first try of the match.
Quiz: Can you name every Rugby World Cup Final try-scorer?
This is basically the 2019 RWC final try with roles reversed! 🔥🔥
Mapimpi x Am is LETHAL! 😮💨#SHAvEDI pic.twitter.com/X5rbJU7JCi
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 13, 2024
Sharks hold off Edinburgh to set up date with Clermont in Challenge Cup semi-finals
Sharks seal semi-final spot
Sharks fly-half Siya Masuku converted the try to give his side a 7-6 lead with James Venter crossing the whitewash soon after to extend the home side’s advantage.
Edinburgh fought back before half-time to reclaim the lead as they went into the break leading 16-14.
However, the Sharks would secure their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals after a try from Bongi Mbonambi and 14 points from Masuku’s boot.
Replacement back Curwin Bosch added a further three points when he came onto the pitch to earn his 100th international competition cap for the Sharks as they racked up a healthy lead, claiming a 36-30 win despite a late Edinburgh comeback.
The Sharks will now face Clermont during the first weekend of May at the Twickenham Stoop in London.
