Sports

Dave Rennie’s elevation to All Blacks coach should worry Springbok fans, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane argues that Rennie’s appointment is not just another change in New Zealand’s coaching box but a reminder of a career pattern in which his teams have consistently dismantled South African opposition. His record, from junior […]

Rassie Erasmus says senior players left out of the Springboks’ first alignment camp are not out of the national picture. However, he added that those who have been part of one of the most successful periods in Springbok history also should not expect a farewell Test send-off when their careers do end. Several experienced players

The Waratahs have been dealt a major blow with star Wallabies back Joseph Suaalii ruled out with a hamstring injury. The powerful outside centre suffered the injury during the team’s warm-up ahead of Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes in Sydney – a match the Waratahs went on to lose 59-19. Scans have

The Blitzboks beat New Zealand at the Vancouver Sevens on Saturday to finish top of Pool A. South Africa, who had defeated Great Britain (21-5) and Spain (28-7) earlier in the day, scored three tries through Impi Visser, Shilton van Wyk and Siviwe Soyizwapi to take a 17-12 half-time lead against New Zealand. The Kiwis

Rassie Erasmus has revealed that veteran Springbok prop Frans Malherbe considered retirement last year. The double World Cup winner was struggling with persistent back problems. “I had a meeting with him last year and Franna was close to retiring,” Erasmus told Rapport. “Not because he thought he wouldn’t be able to play again, but because

Rassie Erasmus and Johan Ackermann both value Marco van Staden’s versatility in a match 23. The 30-year-old Bulls loose forward has increasingly filled in as a backup hooker for the Springboks – a role that could grow. According to Rapport, Van Staden has been training regularly at hooker during Springbok training camps. Speaking at the

The Vodacom Bulls have fought off a major raid from the Stormers to secure the long-term future of a Springbok forward. After weeks of negotiations and strong interest from the Stormers, Rapport claims the Pretoria-based club has managed to keep Cobus Wiese in blue for another three years. The 28-year-old had been a prime target

Italy captain Michele Lamaro praised his side’s dogged defence as they earned a first-ever win over England on Saturday. Italy hit back from 18-10 down early in the second half of the Six Nations match to beat England 23-18 in front of almost 69,000 fans in Rome. Tries from Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, plus

Italy claimed a famous first-ever victory over England in a tense Six Nations thriller on Saturday. The Azzurri triumphed 23-18 in Rome having trailed 12-10 at half-time. Centre Tommaso Menoncello and replacement Leonardo Marin scored tries while flyhalf Paolo Garbisi kicked 13 points as Italy finally earned a victory over England at the 33rd attempt,

England have slipped further down the World Rugby rankings after a historic defeat to Italy in Rome on Saturday. Coach Steve Borthwick’s men, whose opening Six Nations win against Wales had lifted them to third in the rankings, have now fallen to sixth after suffering a first-ever loss to the Azzurri in 33 Test meetings.