Today in SA sports history: September 7
1963 — The Springboks bounce back to thump Australia 22-6 in the final Test at the Boet Erasmus Stadium in Port Elizabeth and draw the series 2-2. Centre John Gainsford, captain Abie Malan and debutant lock Tiny Naude scored tries, with flyhalf Keith Oxlee converting two and adding two penalties. Naude also slotted a penalty.
1991 — Baby Jake Matlala goes into his first world title challenge, taking on Irishman Dave McAuley for the IBF flyweight crown in Belfast. But his bid ends in the 10th round after he is dropped and then counted out. Three more South Africans would lose bids for that very same belt, including two Matlala opponents, Hawk Makepula and Mzukisi Sikali — before Moruti Mthalane would finally lift it.
2001 — Opening batsman Gary Kirsten scores a double century on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Harare. He ended on 220, with the other opener, Herschelle Gibbs, making 147 and No.3 Jacques Kallis 157 in SA’s total of 600/3. Zimbabwe replied with knocks of 286 and 391, Andy Flower making 142 and an unbeaten 199. SA went on to win by nine wickets on the fifth day.
2005 — Lukas Podolski scores a hat-trick as Germany beat Bafana Bafana 4-2 in a friendly played in Bremen. Shaun Bartlett had converted from the spot in the 28th minute to level the match at 1-1, but two goals within two minutes just after the restart, one by Tim Borowski and the other Podolski, gave the hosts a 3-1 advantage. Benni McCarthy made it 2-3 when he scored in the 50th minute, but six minutes later Podolski struck again.
2012 — Bafana Bafana hold Brazil for 75 minutes in front of 65,000 fans in Sao Paulo until striker Hulk scores to give the hosts a 1-0 victory.
2013 — The Springboks run in four tries to beat Australia 38-12 in a Rugby Championship match in Brisbane.
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