Greatest Springbok Tries of the Professional Era 

To be defined as a great try means more than just putting five points on the scoreboard. It means redefining South African sporting history with insane, career-defining moments.   

These five unforgettable tries happened on the biggest stages. From the Rugby World Cup to fierce Test matches, these moments are replayed for rugby fans around the world. Here are the top five tries that have won championships and trophies for the Springboks. 

What Is a Try in Rugby? 

A try is scored when the ball is grounded on or over the try line by the opposition. It’s scored by finding a break in the opposition’s defence. This is achieved by sustaining attacking pressure through many phases. But it can also happen as a result of individual brilliance, such as many of the tries mentioned below.  

A try is the highest-value scoring action in rugby union, especially with its potential for a two-point conversion. For this reason, tries commonly happen throughout the match.  

The excitement that comes with scoring a try is unmatched. This is because the memorable tries are the ones that combine vision, teamwork, speed, and composure under pressure.  

Why Are Tries So Important? 

The importance of a try goes beyond points and winning the match. Great tries are remembered for changing the momentum of the match, lifting a team, and silencing an entire stadium.  

Tries have a way of changing the dynamics within a match and putting pressure on a team. Look at Round 1 of the Nations Championship between the Springboks and England. The Springboks scored a try within the first two minutes of the game, and the crowd went wild. This momentum continued with a 17-0 lead within just 12 minutes.  

But by half time the score was close, 17-14. It was within the second half of the game where the momentum shifted, and more tries were scored. The Boks ended with a 45-21 victory over England. This match is just one of many that shows how important tries are to shifting the momentum of a game.  

5. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Springboks vs Argentina, 2025) 

The scores were tiied 16-16 just before half-time when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu found space to produce one of the greatest tries in recent years. He perfectly executed a chip kick and then chased it himself.  

He won the race to the ball and managed to score. This moment redefined what it means to be a great fly-half. He had the vision and the speed. Not only that, but he also executed perfectly under pressure and scored with confidence. This try was one of the highlights of the 2025 season.  

4. Cheslin Kolbe (Springboks vs England, 2019 Rugby World Cup Final) 

Any list consisting of the greatest modern Springbok tries would be incomplete without Cheslin Kolbe’s unforgettable try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. His speed, footwork, and ability to create something out of nothing make him an exceptional player.  

With the Springboks clinging to the late lead in the match, Kolbe managed to blow through the defensive line. He produced his signature sidestep to beat England captain Owen Farrell. Once in the open space, there was no stopping him.  

This try sealed South Africa’s third Rugby World Cup and set off celebrations throughout the country. As a result of the impact of this try, it has been rewatched by millions. In fact, it remains one of the most replayed moments in rugby history.  

3. Cheslin Kolbe (Springboks vs the British & Irish Lions, 2021) 

It’s no surprise that Cheslin Kolbe appears twice on this list. He has scored 20 tries for the Springboks in 44 games. This exceptional record has placed him in third and fourth positions on this list.  

Scoring against the British & Irish Lions is no easy task. They put on one of the toughest shows in the league. But in this match Kolbe showed them what he was made of. After the British & Irish Lions kicked for possession, the Springboks launched a counterattack.  

Kolbe spotted space out wide, and the ball found him. He had to get through plenty of defenders, but his footwork and speed proved too much. He scored a try in the 56th minute, giving the Springboks the lead. The Springboks went on to win this match 19-16.  

2. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Springboks vs England, 2022) 

A counter-attacking try as beautifully executed as Kurt-Lee Arendse’s against England is a rare thing. The Springboks collected the English kick and moved the ball quickly through the backline. Arendse had room to run and score a try.  

His timing, tempo, and impressive side-stepping skills gave the Boks the edge going into the second half. This try was evidence of the Springboks’ growing ability to combine their traditional physical power with attacking rugby.  

1. Makazole Mapimpi (Springboks vs England, 2019 Rugby World Cup Final) 

The greatest try of all time came just before Cheslin Kolbe’s try that sealed the 2019 Rugby World Cup final for the Springboks. This try is remembered for its skill, awareness, timing, and execution. The try belongs to Makazole Mapimpi.  

The attack began with a chip kick before Mapimpi chased after the ball. England also chased after the ball, but Lukhanyo Am created one of the greatest moments in rugby history with his “no-look” pass.  

Mapimpi effortlessly caught the ball before diving over the try line. Not only was this try phenomenal, but it was the first Springbok try in a Rugby World Cup final. The brilliance behind this try was the outstanding teamwork it involved.  

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The greatest Springbok tries all have something in common. They happened during high-pressure moments and combined individual skill with teamwork. Most importantly, they have since become some of the greatest moments in Springbok history.  

So, with six uncapped Springboks being named for the Nations Championship and many more on Rassie Erasmus’ radar, a new generation of Springboks is starting to form. But, for now, these five moments are up there with the greatest Springbok tries ever scored in the modern era.  

Watching a try being scored is exciting. Betting on rugby enhances this excitement by being able to bet on a first try scorer or anytime try scorer. So, Bet on Rugby with Bet.co.za and experience this excitement firsthand.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is considered the greatest Springbok try? 

Many regard Makazole Mapimpi’s try against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final as the greatest Springbok try. This is because of its build-up, Lukhanyo Am’s iconic no-look pass, and the fact that it was the first Springbok World Cup final try.  

Who scored the first Springbok try in a Rugby World Cup final? 

Makazole Mapimpi became the first Springbok to score a try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England.  

Why is Cheslin Kolbe’s try against England so famous? 

Kolbe’s 2019 Rugby World Cup final try sealed South Africa’s third World Cup victory. He sidestepped around Owen Farrell. This became one of the most iconic moments in Rugby World Cup history.