Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett believes South Africa’s next generation made a powerful statement in the 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians in Gqeberha. The world champions ran in 12 tries at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but according to Mallett, the contest shifted decisively when the bench was unleashed in the second half. “The influx of […]
Mallett hails Bok bench, worries about defence Read More »
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named Ardie Savea as captain and included four uncapped players in his first 34-man squad. Rennie promised “optimistic” rugby ahead of Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland in July. The 62-year-old has returned to New Zealand after coaching Japanese side the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, replacing Scott
Savea captains Rennie’s All Blacks Read More »
A Stormers back has signed a two-year deal with Investec Champions Cup winners Bordeaux Bègles. According to RugbyPass, midfielder Dan du Plessis will join the French Top 14 club on 1 July after a decade in Cape Town. The 31-year-old has been one of the Stormers’ longest-serving and most dependable performers, earning 87 caps, although
Stormers star to join French giants Read More »
The Barbarians have called up two Springboks for Saturday’s clash against Wales at Twickenham. Cheetahs scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and Sharks prop Vincent Koch had been part of the extended Springbok group for the recent training camp. However, they were not included in the 46-man Bok squad for the Nations Championship that was announced on Saturday
Discarded Bok duo bolster Baa-Baas Read More »
The Griffons and SWD Eagles remain unbeaten after round two of the Currie Cup First Division, which also saw Eastern Province claim a first win of the campaign. In Welkom on Saturday, the Griffons held on for a dramatic 39-38 victory over the Leopards. The Leopards led 26-12 at half-time after tries by Siniothando Tshontsyi,
Griffons, Eagles set First Division pace Read More »
Coach Johan Ackermann believes the Vodacom Bulls can remain a force in the URC despite the departure of several key players and Springbok call-ups. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports. The Bulls suffered a fourth URC final defeat in five seasons, against Leinster in Dublin on Friday night, which Ackermann said highlighted just how difficult the tournament
Ackers insists Bulls future is bright Read More »
St Stithians fought back against rivals St John’s, while Michaelhouse and Dale were both victorious. Hosts St John’s appeared to be in complete control when openside flank Shane Dalton, winger Ethan Francke and fullback Lwandile Khupe all dotted down in the first half for a 21-0 lead. But the visitors responded after the break through
Schools wrap: St Stithians secure dramatic draw Read More »
Ireland will be without two influential players as they head off to Australia and New Zealand for the start of their Nations Championship campaign. Inspirational captain Caelan Doris and wing Tommy O’Brien were withdrawn from the 36-player squad after both were injured in Leinster’s 36-7 win over the Vodacom Bulls in Friday night’s URC final.
Ireland hit by double injury blow Read More »
The Vodacom Bulls’ URC final collapse against Leinster has again raised questions about their ability to deliver on the biggest stage, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says Johan Ackermann’s side arrived in Dublin with momentum and belief after a superb second half of the season, only to produce a performance that
Bulls’ big names froze in final Read More »
Ruben Love has thrown himself firmly into the race for the All Blacks No 10 jersey after inspiring the Hurricanes to a crushing Super Rugby title triumph on Saturday. The 25-year-old flyhalf delivered a player-of-the-match performance as the Hurricanes dismantled the Chiefs 60-5 in the final, scoring two tries and setting a new Super Rugby
Love makes All Blacks statement Read More »
