Senior International Matches (Men) : Men's International

Sat 7th December 2024   - KO  16:00 - Grizzlies Stadium, Pretoria , South Africa

South Africa

32

FT

44

United States of America

Tries

Goals

USA Hawks Arrive to take on South African Rhinos

 

The stage is set for an exciting international rugby league clash as the USA Hawks, the national rugby league team of the United States Rugby League Federation, arrive in South Africa on Monday 2 November 2024 at Oliver Tambo International Airport. The Hawks will face the South African Rhinos in two test matches that promise thrilling action and a showcase of top-tier domestic rugby league talent as both teams are playing non-heritage players in a clear move to develop the game amongst domestic clubs and players. The Rhino’s last faced off against the USA in October 2011 in Philadelphia, a match the US won convincingly 40 points to 4. This will be the first time that South Africa plays host to the USA on African soil. Currently South Africa is ranked 28th and the USA Hawks 31st on the IRL World Rankings.

 

The Hawks are led by team manager Billy Neilson and head coach Sean Rutgerson, while the Rhinos are guided by coach Fanie Bredenhann and team manager Andre Coetzer. Fans can expect a fierce contest as both teams are eager to leave a lasting impression before the 2025 IRL World Series.

“We are excited to welcome the USA Hawks and look forward to what promises to be a competitive and high-quality series of matches,” said Andre Coetzer, the Rhinos’ team manager. “This is an incredible opportunity to test ourselves on the international stage.”

 

South Africa is also in the spotlight since they announced their intention to bid to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup, the second longest running World Cup Competition in the world.

 

Tickets for both matches are available at the venues. Don’t miss your chance to witness this historic moment in rugby league! Both matches will also be streamed live via www.sarugbyleague.co.za in another first of the sport in South Africa, with SA Rugby League getting ready to launch their own streaming platform.

 

The first test match takes place at Centurion Rugby Club in Pretoria on Wednesday, December 4th, with a kick-off time of 18:00. The second test will follow on Saturday, December 7th, at Grizzlies Rugby Club in Pretoria, starting at 16:00.

 

26 November 2024

The USA Hawks completed a clean sweep of their two-match series against South Africa with a gripping 44-32 triumph in Pretoria.

The SARL Rhino’s came out strongly trying to avenge their 38-18 loss in the first match, and crossed for the opening try within five minutes by winger Craig Pienaar.

However, the USA Hawks scored four tries in 20 minutes through standout former NRL player Daniel Vidot, a double to NFL convert Ulice Gillard and ex-Super League playermaker Peter Lupton, with Mason McCrory converting twice.

The Rhino’s got a late surge before halftime, taking advantage of the stifling heat as rookie Craig Pienaar went over twice to complete his hat trick.

Vidot powered over for USA’s fifth try, taking the scoreline to 24-14. The heat eased a bit and a battle broke out for supremacy in the second half.

Gillard completed his hat trick early in the second half, followed quickly by Ryan Bannerot. Both conversions were unsuccessful and the Rhino’s responded with a tries to Heinrich Rademeyer and Jean Coetzer, two of the more experienced players on the field.

After a period of sustained attack, Tevita Bryce crashed over under the posts for the Hawks and Mason McCrory converted, taking the score to 38-22.

The Rhinos showed tremendous grit and determination and were rewarded with tries to James Campbell and Dylan Venter.

However, just as the match seemed over, Bryce powered over after the horn and Mason McCrory converted, taking the final scoreline to 44-32 in favour of the Hawks.

The USA Hawks finished the series unbeaten and the USA coaching staff can be very happy with their performance.

South Africa 32: Craig Pienaar (3), Heinrich Rademyer (1), Jean Coetzer (1), James Campbell (1), Dylan Venter (1) tries; Jason Makhari (1/6), James Campbell (1/1) goals. 

United States 44: Ulice Gillard (3), Daniel Vidot (2), Tevita Bryce (2), Peter Lupton (1), Ryan Bannerot (1) tries; Mason McCrory ( 4/9) goals.

7 December 2024