Zelim Nel

Most read: Rassiegate melted the internet

Three of the five most read stories on SARugbymag.co.za in 2021 were related to the fallout following Rassie Erasmus’ controversial video.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Eben Etzebeth of South Africa breaks during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Boks dominate 2021 Team of the Year

SA Rugby magazine writers picked their world team of the year and, though the backline is loaded with unanimous selections, the pack highlights the world champions’ wealth of talent.

Most watched: Mapimpi leaves Rassie in his dust

Makazole Mapimpi’s speed wasn’t only showcased on the field this year as a clip featuring the rapid Springbok flyer sped past two entries from Rassie Erasmus in the Top 5 videos in 2021.

Magic Moment: Am blitzes the Lions

In celebrating the best rugby moments of 2021, ZELIM NEL remembers how Lukhanyo Am set the tone in the British & Irish Lions tour opener.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Players of England celebrate after winning a penalty during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Loss at Twickenham hurt Bok fans the most

The 27-26 reverse at Twickenham is the Springbok defeat of 2021 that SARugbymag.co.za readers would most like to erase from the record books.

Bosch linked with Premiership move

Bath’s recent appetite for South African stock appears to be as yet unsatisfied as Sharks playmaker Curwin Bosch has been linked with a move to the English Premiership club.

epa09594473 Handre Pollard of South Africa lines out a penalty during the Rugby Union Autumn International Test match between England and South Africa in London, Britain, 20 November 2021. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

Watch: Perfect Pollard punishes Pumas

Handre Pollard was dialled in when the Springboks hosted Argentina in Round 2 of the Rugby Championship, converting all seven of his shots at goal to contribute 19 points to a 29-10 victory against the Pumas.

Trevor Nyakane of South Africa reacts as Lions concede penalty, Kyle Sinckler of BI Lions reacts in disappointment during the Third Test of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 07 August 2021 ©BackpagePix

Magic Moment: Nyakane sinks Sinckler to deny Lions

In the next instalment of a series looking at memorable moments from 2021, AP CRONJE applauds the Springbok scrum that repelled the British & Irish Lions to help secure the series.

Stransky: Pollard ‘hating’ Bok plan

Joel Stransky is excited for Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard to join Leicester Tigers where he’ll “flourish” after being confined to a Bok game plan that “he must be hating”.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 07: Morne Steyn of South Africa kicks the winning penalty in the match with South Africa captain Siya Kolisi and South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus looking on during the Castle Lager Lions Series 3rd Test match between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Magic Moment: Steyn déjà vu for Lions

Looking back on memorable moments from 2021, OLIVER KEOHANE watches Morne Steyn go full circle in his Springbok career to kick South Africa to victory over the British & Irish Lions in the decisive final Test.