36 matches in 42 days: South African chases Guinness World Record at Rugby World Cup

By Jarrett Bellini, CNN
Updated 4:37 AM EDT, Fri September 27, 2019
South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
Matthew Childs/Reuters
Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
AFLO/Reuters
Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
Aaron Favila/AP
Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.
Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Kieran Read of New Zealand acknowledges the fans following his final appearance for the All Blacks.
Kieran Read of New Zealand acknowledges the fans following his final appearance for the All Blacks.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Wales takes on South Africa in the second semifinal in Yokohama Sunday. Welshman Aaron Wainwright (right) tackles Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
Wales takes on South Africa in the second semifinal in Yokohama Sunday. Welshman Aaron Wainwright (right) tackles Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
Charley Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' Dan Biggar passes the ball as he is tackled by Du Toit during the Rugby World Cup semifinal.
Wales' Dan Biggar passes the ball as he is tackled by Du Toit during the Rugby World Cup semifinal.
Christophe Ena/AP
South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk on the prowl during the semifinal against Wales.
South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk on the prowl during the semifinal against Wales.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Wales' full back Leigh Halfpenny on the attack against South Africa.
Wales' full back Leigh Halfpenny on the attack against South Africa.
Odd Anderson/AFP/Getty Images
South Africa's RG Snyman wins a high ball against Wales.
South Africa's RG Snyman wins a high ball against Wales.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
South Africa triumphs 19-16 thanks to a late penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi (center) gestures after booking a spot in the final against England.
South Africa triumphs 19-16 thanks to a late penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi (center) gestures after booking a spot in the final against England.
Charley Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
England's Manu Tuilagi scores after a powerful start from his side in the semifinal against three-time champion New Zealand.
England's Manu Tuilagi scores after a powerful start from his side in the semifinal against three-time champion New Zealand.
Eugene Hoshiko/AP
England teammates celebrate a try -- ultimately ruled out -- from Ben Youngs against the All Blacks.
England teammates celebrate a try -- ultimately ruled out -- from Ben Youngs against the All Blacks.
Aaron Favila/AP
New Zealand's TJ Perenara passes the ball before he hits the ground during the semifinal against England.
New Zealand's TJ Perenara passes the ball before he hits the ground during the semifinal against England.
Aaron Favila/AP
England wing Johnny May takes flight past the outstretched hand of New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga.
England wing Johnny May takes flight past the outstretched hand of New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
New Zealand's centre Jack Goodhue is tackled by Courtney Lawes as a dominant England trounces New Zealand 19-7 to reach its first World Cup final since 2007.
New Zealand's centre Jack Goodhue is tackled by Courtney Lawes as a dominant England trounces New Zealand 19-7 to reach its first World Cup final since 2007.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
South Africa's Faf de Klerk runs to score a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and the Springboks. South Africa won 26-3.
South Africa's Faf de Klerk runs to score a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and the Springboks. South Africa won 26-3.
Mark Baker/AP
Japan's Shota Horie is tackled by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth.
Japan's Shota Horie is tackled by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Fans react during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and South Africa.
Fans react during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and South Africa.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Lukhanyo Am (C) of South Africa jump for the balls during a lineout.
Lukhanyo Am (C) of South Africa jump for the balls during a lineout.
Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images
Yutaka Nagare looks dejected after Japan's defeat.
Yutaka Nagare looks dejected after Japan's defeat.
Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images
Michael Leitch of Japan acknowledges the crowd whilst walking down the tunnel after the Brave Blossoms' defeat.
Michael Leitch of Japan acknowledges the crowd whilst walking down the tunnel after the Brave Blossoms' defeat.
Richard Heathcote/World Rugby/Getty Images
Aaron Wainwright celebrates with teammates after Wales' 20-10 quarterfinal win over France.
Aaron Wainwright celebrates with teammates after Wales' 20-10 quarterfinal win over France.
Peter Cziborra/Reuters
France's Gael Fickou battles for possession with Wales' Owen Watkin during quarterfinal at Oita Stadium.
France's Gael Fickou battles for possession with Wales' Owen Watkin during quarterfinal at Oita Stadium.
Ashley Western/AP
France's lock Sebastien Vahaamahina (black cap) elbows Wales' flanker Aaron Wainwright (L). Vahaamahina was red carded and his dismisall proved key as Wales took control of the match.
France's lock Sebastien Vahaamahina (black cap) elbows Wales' flanker Aaron Wainwright (L). Vahaamahina was red carded and his dismisall proved key as Wales took control of the match.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
France fans are pictured during the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarterfinal against Wales.
France fans are pictured during the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarterfinal against Wales.
Dave Winter/Icon Sport/Getty Images
Wales' lock Alun Wyn Jones (C) catches the ball.
Wales' lock Alun Wyn Jones (C) catches the ball.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' Dan Biggar takes selfies with fans at the end quarterfinal.
Wales' Dan Biggar takes selfies with fans at the end quarterfinal.
David Davies/PA/Getty Images
New Zealand's full back Beauden Barrett (C) looks to pass the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against Ireland. The All Blacks won 46-14.
New Zealand's full back Beauden Barrett (C) looks to pass the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against Ireland. The All Blacks won 46-14.
Odd Anderson/AFP/Getty Images
Ireland's centre Robbie Henshaw scores a try.
Ireland's centre Robbie Henshaw scores a try.
Odd Anderson/AFP/Getty Images
Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand stretches for a lineout ball.
Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand stretches for a lineout ball.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Ireland's prop Tadhg Furlong (L) is tackled.
Ireland's prop Tadhg Furlong (L) is tackled.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Jordie Barrett of New Zealand scores his team's seventh try.
Jordie Barrett of New Zealand scores his team's seventh try.
Richard Heathcote/World Rugby/Getty Images
Sam Underhill of England looks to tackle Will Genia of Australia their quarterfinal match. England won 40-16.
Sam Underhill of England looks to tackle Will Genia of Australia their quarterfinal match. England won 40-16.
David Rogers/Getty Images
Jonny May of England takes on Kurtley Beale of Australia.
Jonny May of England takes on Kurtley Beale of Australia.
David Rogers/Getty Images
Reece Hodge of Australia claims a high ball under pressure from Jonny May of England.
Reece Hodge of Australia claims a high ball under pressure from Jonny May of England.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Kurtley Beale of Australia evades Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly of England.
Kurtley Beale of Australia evades Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly of England.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Maro Itoje of England claims a lineout ahead of Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda of Australia.
Maro Itoje of England claims a lineout ahead of Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda of Australia.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Japan's Kenki Fukuoka evades Scotland's Chris Harris and Greig Laidlaw during the Group A game between Japan and Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday.
Japan's Kenki Fukuoka evades Scotland's Chris Harris and Greig Laidlaw during the Group A game between Japan and Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Japan's players line up for a minute of silence for the victims of Typhoon Hagibis prior to their match against Scotland. At least 15 people were killed and 140 are missing after Japan's worst storm in decades.
Japan's players line up for a minute of silence for the victims of Typhoon Hagibis prior to their match against Scotland. At least 15 people were killed and 140 are missing after Japan's worst storm in decades.
Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images
Japan's Michael Leitch misses the lineout ball. Japan will face South Africa in the semi-finals.
Japan's Michael Leitch misses the lineout ball. Japan will face South Africa in the semi-finals.
Jae Hong/AP
Japan's Yutaka Nagare grabs the ball against Scotland's Jamie Ritchie.
Japan's Yutaka Nagare grabs the ball against Scotland's Jamie Ritchie.
Jae Hong/AP
Scotland's wing Tommy Seymour is tackled. Japan beat Scotland 28-21 on home soil to reach their first ever World Cup quarterfinal.
Scotland's wing Tommy Seymour is tackled. Japan beat Scotland 28-21 on home soil to reach their first ever World Cup quarterfinal.
Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' back row James Davies catches the ball above back row Ross Moriarty during the Pool D match between Wales and Uruguay at the Kumamoto Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, on Sunday.
Wales' back row James Davies catches the ball above back row Ross Moriarty during the Pool D match between Wales and Uruguay at the Kumamoto Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, on Sunday.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Wales' centre Hadleigh Parkes is tackled.
Wales' centre Hadleigh Parkes is tackled.
Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images
Wales winger Hallam Amos runs with the ball as Uruguay's prop Juan Echeverria goes to tackle.
Wales winger Hallam Amos runs with the ball as Uruguay's prop Juan Echeverria goes to tackle.
Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images
Hallam Amos of Wales and Gaston Mieres of Uruguay jump for a high ball. Wales beat Uruguay 35-13, qualifying them for a quarterfinal match against France.
Hallam Amos of Wales and Gaston Mieres of Uruguay jump for a high ball. Wales beat Uruguay 35-13, qualifying them for a quarterfinal match against France.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
The Tonga players perform the Sipi Tau prior to the Group C game between USA and Tonga at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan on Sunday.
The Tonga players perform the Sipi Tau prior to the Group C game between USA and Tonga at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan on Sunday.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
United States' Cam Dolan catches the ball. The United States led the game 12-7 at half-time.
United States' Cam Dolan catches the ball. The United States led the game 12-7 at half-time.
Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images
Tonga's Malietoa Hingano runs at the United States defense.
Tonga's Malietoa Hingano runs at the United States defense.
Kyodo News via AP
Tonga came back in the second half for a final score of 31-19, marking the team's first win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and fourth spot in Pool C.
Tonga came back in the second half for a final score of 31-19, marking the team's first win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and fourth spot in Pool C.
Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images
Ireland's Keith Earls runs past the Samoan defense during the Rugby World Cup Pool A game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between Ireland and Samoa, in Fukuoka on Saturday.
Ireland's Keith Earls runs past the Samoan defense during the Rugby World Cup Pool A game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between Ireland and Samoa, in Fukuoka on Saturday.
Aaron Favila/AP
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong reacts after scoring a try against Samoa. The Irish led the game 26-5 at halftime.
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong reacts after scoring a try against Samoa. The Irish led the game 26-5 at halftime.
Aaron Favila/AP
Jordan Larmour of Ireland runs with the ball towards Alapati Leiua of Samoa. The game took place in the west of Japan as a typhoon battered Tokyo some 1,100 kilometers away.
Jordan Larmour of Ireland runs with the ball towards Alapati Leiua of Samoa. The game took place in the west of Japan as a typhoon battered Tokyo some 1,100 kilometers away.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
Chris Vui of Samoa wins the line-out from Iain Henderson of Ireland but it was the Irish who got the better of most duels despite having a player red carded.
Chris Vui of Samoa wins the line-out from Iain Henderson of Ireland but it was the Irish who got the better of most duels despite having a player red carded.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Larmour scored his side's fifth try of the game as Ireland -- which has never won the World Cup -- advanced to the quarterfinals.
Larmour scored his side's fifth try of the game as Ireland -- which has never won the World Cup -- advanced to the quarterfinals.
Adam Davy/PA/Reuters
Australia's Izack Rodda runs at Georgia's Mamuka Gorgodze, left, and Beka Saginadze during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka, Japan on Friday.
Australia's Izack Rodda runs at Georgia's Mamuka Gorgodze, left, and Beka Saginadze during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka, Japan on Friday.
Christophe Ena/AP
Georgia's Beka Gigashvili reacts as a scrum collapses to the ground during the game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka.
Georgia's Beka Gigashvili reacts as a scrum collapses to the ground during the game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka.
Christophe Ena/AP
Marika Koroibete of Australia breaks through to score his side's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia and Georgia.
Marika Koroibete of Australia breaks through to score his side's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia and Georgia.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Australia's Will Genia reacts after scoring a try against Georgia.
Australia's Will Genia reacts after scoring a try against Georgia.
Christophe Ena/AP
Australia's full back Kurtley Beale (C) runs with the ball during the match between Australia and Georgia.
Australia's full back Kurtley Beale (C) runs with the ball during the match between Australia and Georgia.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Argentina confirmed its spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France with a 47-17 win over USA, ensuring it finished third in Pool C.
Argentina confirmed its spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France with a 47-17 win over USA, ensuring it finished third in Pool C.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
But following some poor results early in its group matches, the Pumas have failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2003.
But following some poor results early in its group matches, the Pumas have failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2003.
Odd Anderson/AFP/Getty Images
The USA's third defeat of the World Cup didn't stop its fans turning out with their usual energy and noise.
The USA's third defeat of the World Cup didn't stop its fans turning out with their usual energy and noise.
Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
The 17 points the USA scored against Argentina more than doubled its total at this year's World Cup.
The 17 points the USA scored against Argentina more than doubled its total at this year's World Cup.
Koji Ito/The Yomiuri Shimbun/Reuters
Scotland continued its push for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a bonus-point 61-0 win over Russia in Shizuoka.
Scotland continued its push for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a bonus-point 61-0 win over Russia in Shizuoka.
Christophe Ena/AP
It was Russia's fourth defeat from four games and it has now lost its four games in the competition with an aggregate score of 160-19.
It was Russia's fourth defeat from four games and it has now lost its four games in the competition with an aggregate score of 160-19.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
Scotland's win sets up a titanic clash against hosts Japan Sunday, with Scotland needing another bonus-point win to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Scotland's win sets up a titanic clash against hosts Japan Sunday, with Scotland needing another bonus-point win to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
Two first-half tries from Adam Hastings handed Scotland an early lead and a George Horne hat-trick helped it extend its lead. Horne became the fifth player to score a hat-trick for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup.
Two first-half tries from Adam Hastings handed Scotland an early lead and a George Horne hat-trick helped it extend its lead. Horne became the fifth player to score a hat-trick for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup.
Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Russia struggled with its set-pieces all afternoon, but Ryan Wilson (right) couldn't quite intercept this one as Russia's Andrey Ostrikov (left) catches the ball.
Russia struggled with its set-pieces all afternoon, but Ryan Wilson (right) couldn't quite intercept this one as Russia's Andrey Ostrikov (left) catches the ball.
Christophe Ena/AP
In a physical game in Oita, Wales booked its place in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup with a 29-17 victory over Fiji.
In a physical game in Oita, Wales booked its place in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup with a 29-17 victory over Fiji.
Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images
Wales fell behind by 10 points early in the first half, but a hat-trick from Josh Adams helped it recover.
Wales fell behind by 10 points early in the first half, but a hat-trick from Josh Adams helped it recover.
Peter Cziborra/Reuters