The final night of the Bermuda World Rugby Classic unfolded under a canopy of stars at the National Sports Center, the balmy 72°F weather setting the stage for a thrilling climax to this international rugby spectacle.
Plate Final
Classic Lions 61 Classic Irish 17
The Classic Lions roared to a resounding victory in the Plate Final, unleashing a point-scoring frenzy that left the Classic Irish reeling in a 63-17 demolition.
From the first whistle, the Lions were on the prowl, with Rhys Ruddock crashing over for an early Try, swiftly converted by the sharpshooting Steve Shingler. The Irish responded with a Try of their own, but their missed conversion left them trailing 7-5.
What followed was a breathtaking display of attacking rugby. The Lions, with their claws sharpened and hunger insatiable, embarked on a Try-scoring rampage. Jasson Hill, Sean Lamont, Simon Hunt, Dan Evans, and Dave McGregor all crossed the whitewash in a devastating blitz, with Shingler maintaining his perfect record with the boot. The scoreboard groaned under the weight of the Lions' dominance as they surged to a commanding 43-5 lead.
The Irish, battered but not broken, showed a flicker of defiance. Paddy Phelan powered his way to a Try, converted by Billy Pardis, and Alex Brown added another five points to narrow the gap to 43-17.
But the Lions were far from finished. James Stokes added his name to the Try-scoring sheet, and Shingler continued his flawless kicking display. Damien Hudd and Jason Hill then delivered the final blows, each securing a Try and triggering a chorus of roars from the Lions' faithful. With Shingler adding the extras, the referee brought an end to the Irish suffering, signaling the end of a truly one-sided encounter.
Classic Final
South Africa 45 Canada 10
The Classic Final lived up to its name, delivering a thrilling spectacle of rugby prowess as South Africa emerged victorious against a valiant Canadian side, 45-10.
The Canadians drew first blood, Mike Moloney slotting a penalty to give them an early 3-0 advantage. But South Africa, with their trademark power and tenacity, roared back into contention. Jamie Leveridge crashed over for a Try, and although the conversion attempt sailed wide, South Africa seized the lead, 5-3.
The momentum swung further in favor of South Africa when Jeremiah Nikkel touched down for another Try. Despite a second missed conversion, South Africa extended their advantage to 10-3.
Just before the halftime whistle, Neil Irwin delivered a crushing blow, slicing through the Canadian defense to score a Try and then adding the extra two points with a successful conversion. South Africa headed into the break with a commanding 17-3 lead.
The second half began with a South African onslaught. Trevor Higalson, Leveridge claiming his second try of the match, and Marco DiGirolamo all crossed the whitewash in quick succession, each Try punctuated by Gerhard Munro's accurate boot. The scoreboard reflected South Africa’S dominance as they surged to a 38-3 lead.
Canada, refusing to surrender, mounted a spirited response. Zane Kircher's Try, complemented by Moloney's Conversion, injected a glimmer of hope, narrowing the deficit to 38-10.
But South Africa, determined to seal their triumph, delivered the final blow. Huw Grundy's try, followed by Munro's conversion, extinguished any remaining Canadian hopes, bringing the curtain down on a captivating encounter.
Despite the final scoreline, Canada's unwavering spirit and determination earned them the respect of the roaring crowd. South Africa, however, with their blend of power, precision, and relentless attack, proved to be a force too formidable to overcome, claiming the Classic Final crown in a match that will be etched in the annals of Bermuda rugby history.
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