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
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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
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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
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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 »
Springbok wing Ethan Hooker says his rapid rise in Test rugby has been fuelled by several factors. MORNÉ ESBEN reports. Hooker dotted down in the Boks’ 73-0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, capping a glittering season that includes a World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination. But the 22-year-old insists the recognition belongs
Hooker wants more after standout 2025 Read More »
Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach celebrated his 50th Test appearance in fitting style on Saturday. The Boks capped a memorable 2025 season with a record-breaking 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff. Reinach came off the bench as part of the “Nuclear Squad”, with Bok coach Rassie Erasmus bringing on all eight subs in one go in
50-cap Cobus hails ‘unreal season’ Read More »
