18.08.25 Weekend Sports Wrap: A Mixed Bag for South African Sporting Heroes
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This past weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions for South African sports fans, with some highs and a few tough losses. From the football field to the rugby pitch and the UFC Octagon, here's a roundup of the biggest stories.
Rugby: Springboks Stunned in Rugby Championship Opener
The Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign got off to a difficult start as they fell to a resurgent Australia. In a match that saw the Wallabies come out on top, the Springboks will be looking to regroup and analyze their performance before the next game.
Closer to home, the Currie Cup saw some thrilling encounters, with the Boland Kavaliers continuing their impressive form with a win over the Blue Bulls, and the Golden Lions edging out the Pumas in a close contest.
Combat Sports: Chimaev Dethrones Dricus
In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC 319, South Africa's Dricus du Plessis lost his middleweight title to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev dominated the fight with his superior grappling and wrestling, earning a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 50-44.
Despite the loss, Du Plessis showed immense heart, and his fiancée, Vasti Spiller, offered a touching message of support on social media, reminding fans that this is "just the beginning" for the South African fighter.
Cricket: Proteas Eye ODI Series After T20 Defeat
The Proteas wrapped up their T20 series against Australia with a narrow loss in the final match, giving the hosts a 2-1 series win.
While the T20 series is behind them, the team is now shifting its focus to the upcoming three-match One-Day International series, which starts this week. According to spin bowler Keshav Maharaj, the series will be an opportunity for new coach Shukri Conrad to test combinations and build a squad for the next 50-over World Cup.
Football: Local and International Updates
The football world was buzzing with the return of the Premier League. Arsenal secured a victory over Manchester United in a thrilling match, while Manchester City kicked off their campaign with a dominant win.
In South Africa, the MTN8 semi-finals provided some gripping action, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates playing to a thrilling draw in their first-leg clash. Stellenbosch FC also secured a crucial home win against Sekhukhune United, putting them in a strong position for the second leg.
