[imagesource: Getty Images]

To brighten your spirits this Monday, here’s your reminder that today is day 674 of 1 449 as rugby world champions.

The Springboks have safely touched down in Australia, and are gearing up for Sunday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies.

Mark this down so you don’t miss out – the match kicks off on Sunday, September 12, at 12:05PM South African time.

Just after midday, which means a guilt-free beer as the anthems are belted out.

The All Blacks take on Argentina before that, with kick-off at 9:05AM our time.

See the full list of fixtures here.

So you came for some great tries, and let’s get down to business.

As was to be expected, the All Blacks gave the Wallabies a decent hiding, despite having Jordie Barrett sent off in the first half.

There are those who argue that it shouldn’t have been a red, and they would be wrong:

contact to head ✔️
dangerous ✔️
karate ✔️
red ✔️ pic.twitter.com/NXnMAO3SKw

— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) September 5, 2021

Before he was sent off, Jordie did score a lovely try after a grubber from his brother, Beauden.

Watch from 40 seconds in and you’ll see Jordie touch down:

I think Beauden’s classic ‘one finger to the sky’ salute as he runs a support line is what makes it for me.

For our second try, I apologise to the purists as we head to rugby league, and Australia’s NRL.

MenStuff calls it “one of the greatest 100-metre tries of all time”. Quite a claim, but tough to argue against it.

Here’s Tom Trbojevic finishing off a superb long-ranger for the Manley Sea Eagles against the North Queensland Cowboys:

A timely reminder that we are blessed to no longer be forced to listen to Ozzie commentators when we play down under.

Finally, we have a wonderful try from round one of France’s Top 14, as Racing 92 defeated Parisian rivals Stade Francais 36-21:

A brilliant try from Racing 92, look at that pass from Volavola 🤤 #SFPR92 #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/GEFHpgojSS

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 4, 2021

Stade Francais’ defence may have been left wanting, but it’s always lovely to see the ball being tossed around.

That being said, I will take a Springbok Rugby Championship title by any means necessary, because the salt in the wounds of some particularly bitter pundits will more than compensate for playing ‘boring rugby’.

[source:menstuff]