Stormers loose forward Paul de Villiers’ stock keeps rising after yet another standout performance in the Vodacom URC on Saturday. The gritty ball jackal proved to be a handful as the Stormers overturned a 21-6 halftime deficit to beat Munster 27-21 and remain the competition’s only unbeaten team. In accepting his Man of the Match […]
De Villiers lauds unbeaten Stormers’ belief Read More »
The Springboks end 2025 as World Rugby’s No 1-ranked team, retaining the position they held at the start of the year. A 73-0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff wrapped up the Bok season in emphatic style, but the victory did not deliver any ranking points due to the gulf between the sides. Still, the Boks’
Springboks gaze down on rugby world Read More »
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann lamented his team’s decision-making and inaccuracy after a costly 43-33 defeat to the Lions at Loftus on Saturday. The Bulls scored five tries but repeatedly squandered scoring chances and handed the Lions momentum through soft turnovers and unforced errors. The bonus-point win took the Lions above their Gauteng rivals on
Ackers: Bulls own worst enemy Read More »
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth faces a long ban for making eye contact with Wales flank Alex Mann. The ugly act, as the match was drawing to a close, marred a record Bok win against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. After reviewing the footage in consultation with TMO Eric Gauzins, referee Luc Ramos produced a permanent
How many games Eben could miss Read More »
The Welsh may still be reeling from the Cardiff mauling, but they can take pride in helping shape a Springbok star. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu produced another masterclass as he orchestrated a record 73-0 win over the Dragons at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Behind the most dominant pack in world rugby, the 23-year-old left the field
How Welsh school helped shape Sacha Read More »
Former Sharks and Cheetahs fullback Rhyno Smith needs special permission to play Test rugby for Italy. The 32-year-old has been one of Benetton’s most influential performers since arriving in Treviso, and by July 2026 he will have completed five years in Italy – the residency period required to represent his adopted nation. However, Smith played
Azzurri eye Saffa fullback Read More »
Italy have reportedly set their sights on one of the Sharks’ talented flyhalves. According to Rapport, Smith – son of former Springbok pivot and current Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith – is on Benetton’s radar and could join the club after the Vodacom URC season. Because he was born in Treviso, the young playmaker does
Italy extend tentacles towards Sharks rising star Read More »
John Dobson has praised the Stormers’ second-half forward dominance for the miracle in Limerick on Saturday. The Cape side overturned a 21-6 half-time deficit in an impressive comeback to beat Munster 27-21 and remain the Vodacom URC’s only unbeaten team. REPORT: Stormers upset Munster, remain unbeaten Dobson admitted the Stormers were outplayed by their hosts
Dobbo hails Stormers’ fight, forward firepower Read More »
Northampton Saints’ South African enforcer JJ van der Mescht has become one of the English Premiership’s most destructive forwards. At 2.00m and 145kg, Van der Mescht cuts an unmistakable figure, but the former Junior Boks and Sharks lock told The Telegraph he has always been huge. “I was 6ft 3 and 130 kilos at 13,”
Giant JJ: I only eat once a day! Read More »
South Africa’s three Investec Champions Cup entrants must shift mindset and selection strategy if they want to compete with Europe’s elite, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says South Africa’s participation in the tournament is a privilege earned, not a box ticked – but unless the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Stormers change
SA sides must step up in Europe Read More »
