Blast from the past: Luck of Irish crushes Matlala’s world title bid

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 belt, including two Matlala opponents, Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula and Mzukisi Sikali, before Moruti Mthalane would finally lift it...