The World Rugby Classic continued its opening weekend with a day dominated by the defending champions, Classic South Africa, who showed their ruthless intent despite the challenging conditions at the National Sports Centre North Field.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, the Classic Springboks began their title defence with a comprehensive 44-3 victory over the Classic USA.
The South Africans proved far too strong for the Classic Eagles, particularly in the attack. Debutant Charles Mayeza stole the headlines, crossing the line for a spectacular hat-trick of tries.
The champions' clinical efficiency ensured they did not concede a single try, with the only points for the United States coming via a penalty goal from Keegan Engelbrecht.
The scoring opened early, with Zane Kirchner dotting down the first try for South Africa just four minutes into the encounter. Bom Samaai quickly added another, giving the Springboks a 10-0 lead. After the US converted their penalty, Mayeza scored his first, and a conversion from Fred Zeilinga sent the South Africans into the break leading 17-3.
The second half was all Springboks, with Japie Nel, Mayeza (twice more), Andries Coetzee, and Lionel Cronje all adding to the tally, underscoring the gap in class and the champions' deep firepower.
Classic South Africa expressed satisfaction with the victory in the difficult, soggy conditions, setting a formidable standard for the rest of the week.
