USA Hawks Sweep South Africa Series with Thrilling 44-32 Win

The USA Hawks closed out their South African tour in style, defeating the SARL Rhinos 44-32 in a thrilling second match at Grizzlies Rugby Club in Pretoria. With the win, the Hawks completed a clean sweep of the two-match series, showcasing grit, creativity, and explosive talent across the field.

First Half: Hawks Strike Early, Rhinos Fight Back

The Rhinos started strong, with winger Craig Pienaar crossing in the opening five minutes to put the hosts ahead. However, the Hawks quickly responded when Daniel Vidot powered over from two meters out after a short pass from Mason McCrory.

At the 13th minute, veteran playmaker Peter Lupton showcased his class with a perfectly weighted cross-field kick to a leaping Ulice Gillard, who touched down just as he was tackled. It was Gillard's first international try, but it wouldn’t be his last.

Minutes later, Lupton orchestrated another brilliant play, sending the ball wide to Vidot, who drew in two defenders before offloading to Gillard. The winger sidestepped and dove over for his second try in just eight minutes, putting the Hawks in command.

Lupton wasn’t done, as the savvy halfback sliced through South Africa’s defense with a dummy pass from 17 meters out, scoring a veteran’s try to extend the lead. On the stroke of halftime, Lupton placed another pinpoint kick into the corner. Gillard soared between two defenders and, while airborne, tapped the ball down to Vidot, who completed his second try of the match.

Half-Time Score: USA Hawks 24-14 South Africa Rhinos

Second Half: A Battle for Supremacy

The Hawks came out firing after the break. Following a breakaway by Vidot and Ryan Burroughs, Gunnar Johnson found Vidot, who delivered a no-look offload to Gillard. Gillard sidestepped one defender and blasted through two more to secure his hat trick at the 43rd minute.

Just three minutes later, Ryan Bannerot added another try, sprinting through the line from 10 meters out to give the Hawks a commanding 32-14 lead.

As the game wore on, the heat and altitude began to take their toll on the Hawks, and the Rhinos capitalized with tries from Heinrich Rademeyer and Jean Coetzer, narrowing the score to 32-22.

Closing the Game

The Hawks regained momentum when forward Tevita Bryce bulldozed through four defenders off the back of a quick play-the-ball, spinning off tacklers to score under the posts. McCrory’s conversion stretched the lead to 38-22.

The Rhinos, refusing to give up, scored twice more through James Campbell and Dylan Venter, pulling within six points at 38-32. However, the Hawks held firm, and in the dying moments, Bryce struck again. The powerhouse forward crashed through the line for his second try, sealing the Hawks' victory at 44-32.

Full-Time Score: USA Hawks 44-32 South Africa Rhinos

Match Summary

USA Hawks 44

• Tries: Ulice Gillard (3), Daniel Vidot (2), Tevita Bryce (2), Peter Lupton (1), Ryan Bannerot (1)
• Goals: Mason McCrory (4/9)

South Africa Rhinos 32

• Tries: Craig Pienaar (3), Heinrich Rademeyer (1), Jean Coetzer (1), James Campbell (1), Dylan Venter (1)
• Goals: Jason Makhari (1/6), James Campbell (1/1)

Key Takeaways

The Hawks’ right-side attack, led by Gillard, Vidot, and Lupton, caused nightmares for the Rhinos’ defense. The forward pack, particularly Bryce and Gunnar Johnson, laid a solid platform, while Burroughs and Lupton steered the team with precision. Despite the heat and a determined Rhinos side, the Hawks held firm to finish the series unbeaten.

Next Up

The USA Hawks now turn their attention to their next challenge: a clash with Greece on February 28th in Las Vegas as part of the NRL Kickoff Weekend.