Blast from the past: Van Niekerk gives a glimpse of things to come

Today in SA sports history: June 14

1960 — The batting line-up collapses as SA lose the first Test against England by 100 runs in Birmingham. Roy McLean failed to add to his overnight score of 68 as the visitors lost their last seven wickets for 89 runs. John Waite was the only one to offer some resistance on the final fifth day, scoring an unbeaten 56. 

1980 — The Springboks go 2-0 up in the Test series against the British and Irish Lions, beating them 26-19 in Bloemfontein. Gerrie Germishuys and Rob Louw, both try-scorers in the first Test, go over again, as do Theuns Stofberg and home favourite Gysie Pienaar, the fullback. The tourists scored two tries.

2003 — The Springboks and Scotland score one try apiece in Johannesburg, but flyhalf Louis Koen slots six penalties and a drop to secure a 28-19 victory in the second Test and seal a 2-0 series triumph.

2013 — The Proteas and the West Indies tie their rain-shortened Champions Trophy match in Cardiff. Opener Colin Ingram top-scored with 73 off 63 balls as SA made 230/6 in 31 overs. The Windies were 190/6 after 26.1 overs when the rain fell again, with Ryan McLaren having just dismissed a swinging Kieron Pollard with what turned out to be the final ball of the match. The result meant SA advanced to the semifinals.

2014 — Wayde van Niekerk runs 44.38 sec in New York to break the 44.59 sec SA 400m record jointly held by Arnaud Malherbe (1999) and Hendrick Mokganyetsi (2000). Competing in a Diamond League meet, Van Niekerk finished second behind American LaShawn Merritt.

2014 — Bryan Habana scores two tries as the Springboks beat Wales 38-16 in Durban to take a 1-0 lead in a two-match series.