Triple Blow: Proteas, Springboks and Du Plessis All Suffer Defeat

Rethabile Nyelele18 August , 2025

2 1 minute read

Triple Blow: Proteas, Springboks and Du Plessis All Suffer Defeat — Image: Middle Easy

It was a bruising weekend for South African sport, with three of the nation’s biggest hopes the Proteas, Springboks, and UFC star Dricus du Plessis all suffering painful defeats on the international stage. What was billed as a weekend of triumph ended in collective heartbreak.

Proteas Lose Out to Australia

The weekend opened with the Proteas men’s cricket side facing Australia in the deciding T20 International on Saturday morning. South Africa posted a respectable 172, thanks largely to a dazzling 53 from just 26 balls by rising star Dewald Brevis. His explosive knock briefly raised hopes. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered.

Australia’s reply looked shaky when the Proteas reduced them to 122/6, with Corbin Bosch starring with the ball, producing an impressive 3/26. Yet Glenn Maxwell proved the difference by smashing 62 from 36 deliveries. He steered the hosts home in the final over.

Springboks Stunned at Ellis Park

Later that day, the Springboks seemed destined for a routine victory. They raced to a 22-0 lead after 19 minutes against the Wallabies at Ellis Park. It is a ground where Australia had not tasted victory since 1963.

But the match took a shocking turn. The Wallabies mounted a spirited comeback, dominating the second half. They ran in unanswered tries to claim a famous 38-22 victory. What started as a celebration quickly dissolved into disbelief. This happened as the Boks let history slip through their fingers.

Du Plessis Overpowered in UFC Title Defence

If South African fans thought their fortunes might change in the octagon, disappointment awaited again. Defending UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis stepped into the cage against Khamzat Chimaev in the early hours of Sunday morning.

From the opening round, Chimaev imposed his will with relentless takedowns and control. Du Plessis battled bravely but found no answers. Ultimately, he lost a unanimous decision as the judges scored it 50-44 for the Chechen-born contender.

A Weekend to Forget

With the Proteas outclassed, the Springboks stunned, and Du Plessis dethroned, South African sports fans were left gutted. What should have been a weekend of national pride ended instead with the bitter taste of defeat: no DNA, just tears.