Greatest Springbok Comebacks of All Time  

The Springboks have played 512 Test matches since 1995. Of these 512 Test matches, they have won over 320 of them. Some matches were easy wins. But others were incredibly difficult wins that were looking like losses. It was within these matches that what it meant to be a Springbok was redefined, and the greatest Springbok comebacks were identified.  

These great Springbok comebacks are some of the most memorable moments in rugby union history. From the 1995 Rugby World Cup win to the 2024 Rugby Championship match against New Zealand, the Springboks have produced some unbelievable wins over the last 31 years.  

Each of these matches showed why South Africa is the number one ranked team in the world. Here’s a look at the greatest Springbok comebacks of all time.  

Why Springbok Comebacks Are So Special 

The Springboks have been in the number one spot on the World Rugby log for over 2000 days (since 2019). During this time, they have played 80 matches and won 64 of them. This is an 80%-win rate. However, two of these matches stood out as exceptional wins due to the fact that they were losing badly for most of the match.  

This trend has been ongoing since 1995. Six matches stand out as comebacks. These comebacks are defined by determination, tactical discipline, and a never-ending belief in winning. Not only this, but these comebacks are special, as they were played against other top-ranking nations.  

As such, these victories highlight what South African rugby is about – physical dominance, world-class defence, clinical goal-kicking, and composure in high-pressure moments.  

Springboks 16-15 England (2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final) 

Seen as the greatest comeback under Rassie Erasmus, the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final between the Springboks and England is still spoken about. This is because England dominated the match 15-6 with less than 15 minutes remaining.  

RG Snyman scored a crucial converted try before Handré Pollard kicked a long-range penalty. This locked him into the ultimate XV for life, as the penalty came minutes before the match was over. South Africa won 16-15 in a dramatic finish.  

The Springboks went on to play against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final, where they won their fourth world title.  

Springboks 24-23 New Zealand (1998 Tri-Nations) 

The All Blacks looked to be in complete control of this match as they led 23-5 with just 15 minutes remaining. But then the Springboks did the impossible and secured their first ever Tri-Nations title.  

Joost van der Westhuizen scored a try before Bobby Skinstad added another. As the clock reached closer to the 80-minute mark, James Dalton drove a powerful driving maul over the try line. This completed one of the greatest try finishes in Test rugby history.  

Springboks 42-39 England (2018) 

This match is remembered for two reasons. Firstly, this was Siya Kolisi’s first cap as captain. Secondly, the Springboks were down 24-3 during the first half. They found their feet near half-time as Faf de Klerk scored them a try.  

After this there was no stopping South Africa as they recovered with a 29-27 halftime lead. South Africa continued to dominate the second half. This unexpected domination led to a 42-39 win for first-time captain Siya Kolisi and new coach Rassie Erasmus.  

Springboks 31-27 New Zealand (2024 Rugby Championship) 

Few matches spark the level of drama and intensity of a Springbok versus All Black game. This rivalry is deep-rooted and everlasting. In the 2024 Rugby Championship, the Springboks were losing 27-17 with 12 minutes remaining. A win seemed impossible.  

But the Springboks had other plans where impossible wasn’t in their dictionary. Three tries were scored by Bongi Mbonambi, Kwagga Smith, and Grant Williams. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed 16 points with his boot. Their late comeback made this a match to remember.  

Springboks 31-30 Wales (2014) 

The Springboks-Wales rivalry is deep-seated. South Africa have enjoyed an 82% match win. However, this match is 2014 was almost a loss. The Springboks were losing 17-0 for a long while. Wales led the match until the final 2 minutes when South Africa was awarded a penalty try. If Wales had won, this would have been their second win over the Springboks.  

Springboks 15-12 New Zealand (1995 Rugby World Cup Final) 

The 1995 Rugby World Cup final was historic for a number of reasons. Firstly, South Africa defeated the All Blacks 15-12 in a comeback win. Joel Stransky scored the decisive drop goal during extra time. This victory also marked South Africa’s first Rugby World Cup title.  

More than anything, it represented the coming together of South Africa after years of division. This moment remains one of the greatest sporting moments in South African history.  

What Makes a Great Rugby Comeback? 

Great rugby comebacks are about more than just scoring quick points. The greatest Springbok comebacks have been defined by patience, discipline, and relentless pressure. These factors, along with dominant forward play, a powerful bench (“bomb squad”), clinical goal kicking, defensive resilience, and mental strength, have become the benchmark of Springbok rugby.  

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