Sports

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett hopes referees will be “firm and clear” when the All Blacks push the laws to prevent maul tries during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The build-up to Saturday’s first Test at Ellis Park has been dominated by a war of words over tactics and officiating. The All Blacks have accused […]

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry on Wednesday unveiled a world first with a trophy created in two halves – yet drawn together by magnetism – to capture the unique bond between the Springboks and All Blacks. The concept was developed exclusively for the revival of rugby tours between the nations, to capture a simple truth: that as

In this special reader contribution, 12-year-old JOSHUA FOURIE explains how Rassie Erasmus inspired him to overcome adversity and dream of one day being part of the Springboks. Being a kid has it’s advantages. Like when we overhear conversations when adults don’t know we are listening. It was in one of these conversations that I heard the

Sharks XV coach Mike Vowles has made several changes to his side for Friday night’s Currie Cup clash against the Lions at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. Loosehead prop Rambo Kubheka rotates with Jaco du Toit, while Simphiwe Ngobese takes over from Lee-Marvin Mazibuko at tighthead. Deon Slabbert returns to the side at No 5 lock, with

Former All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg believes the theatre created by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is great for the game. Erasmus raised eyebrows on Monday when he brought Bok technical adviser and former Test referee Jaco Peyper to his press conference ahead of Saturday’s opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park.

The Boland Cavaliers have been sharpening up their defence in a bid to contain the threat posed by Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk ahead of their clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Fullback James Tedder believes the Cheetahs are a different proposition from the side Boland have beaten twice in their last two

Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes New Zealand have made subtle adjustments to their attacking approach ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park. The All Blacks are expected to face a ferocious defensive challenge from the Boks, but Donald says they have not abandoned the attacking philosophy that

Former Wallaby flyhalf Bernard Foley believes the All Blacks have given the Springboks a clear target ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park. While Dave Rennie’s side have impressed with their attacking play during wins over the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls, Foley believes their set-piece defence has shown signs of vulnerability.

Springbok Mobi Unit coach Duane Vermeulen says one All Blacks legend stood out head and shoulders above the rest during his international career. Vermeulen, who came up against some of New Zealand’s finest players, had little hesitation when asked to identify former All Blacks captain Kieran Read as the one he regards the highest. “I

CLICK HERE to read the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, which celebrates soon-to-be Test centurions Damian de Allende and Pieter Steph du Toit (print edition on sale Friday, 21 August). What’s in the mag: Damian de Allende’s 100th Test cap is recognition of a player who has become the world’s premier inside centre and an