The return of the Springboks to franchise duty had a massive impact on round six of the Vodacom URC, but who was most influential?
The winless Sharks needed their world champions the most and the Boks delivered in grand fashion, contributing half of the scores in a 10-try victory against the Dragons as Eben Etzebeth dotted down to go with a brace each for Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams.
🦈🦈🦈 EBEN ETZEBETH FANS, COMMENT HOW YOU FEEL? 😍😍😍@SharksRugby & @Springboks ‘The Enforcer’ is back 💥@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvDRA pic.twitter.com/Qjgk8QLVsj
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
The Vodacom Bulls welcomed back Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie, but all eyes were on new signing Willie le Roux, who made an instant impact in blue, scoring on debut in front of the Loftus faithful as the hosts crushed Connacht 53-27.
🏆@Springboks #RWC2023 Champion Willie le Roux scores in his first try on debut for the Vodacom@BlueBullsRugby since lifting the World Cup trophy 🏆@Vodacom #URC | #BULvCON pic.twitter.com/DCmegr7XF7
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images