Sports

Norman Laker says an unbeaten Vodacom URC season was never realistic as the Stormers bounced back with a statement win over the Bulls. The Stormers had come under pressure after three successive derby defeats ahead of the Loftus showdown, but Laker said those setbacks were never a cause for panic. “You must be naive as […]

Ruan Nortjé has identified two key areas in which the Vodacom Bulls must improve ahead of Friday night’s URC clash against Cardiff at Loftus. SIMON BORCHARDT reports. The Bulls are coming off a 32-19 defeat to the Stormers in Pretoria last Saturday that ended their three-match winning run in the competition. Despite remaining eighth on

Coach Rassie Erasmus has added two uncapped players to the group who will attend the first virtual Springbok alignment camp of the year. Former Junior Springboks, prop Carlü Sadie (Bordeaux Bègles) and lock JJ van der Mescht (Northampton Saints), are in a group of 21 overseas-based players that includes 16 World Cup winners. Back in the

Eddie Jones believes it would be “foolhardy” for the RFU to replace Steve Borthwick as England coach before next year’s World Cup. Borthwick led England into the Six Nations on a run of 11 wins and extended that to 12 in the opening game against Wales. But they then lost four matches, including a first-ever

Justin Marshall believes the Six Nations has edged ahead of the Rugby Championship in terms of quality following a thrilling 2026 tournament. The former All Blacks scrumhalf hailed the standard of rugby on display, saying the northern hemisphere showpiece is “arguably better” right now, despite the south’s dominance at the World Cup. France clinched the

Victor Matfield says he’s heard that the Springboks could field a second-string side during the November leg of the new Nations Championship. The biennial competition will see the four Sanzaar nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, as well as invitational sides Fiji and Japan, take on the Six Nations teams (England, France,

A star Vodacom Bulls player faces an extended period on the sidelines, while another is in doubt for Friday night’s clash against Cardiff at Loftus. The Pretoria-based side is set to be without in-form back Sebastian de Klerk after he sustained a suspected broken bone in his foot in the 32-19 loss to the Stormers

Eddie Jones says France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont is “a different player” since returning from a serious knee injury. Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones highlighted Dupont’s post-injury adjustment as one of his key takeaways from France’s 48-46 win against England in Paris that saw them retain the Six Nations title. “I reckon he’s still

Maties defeated Cape rivals UCT at the Green Mile on Monday, while the NWU Eagles ended Tuks’ winning start to the Varsity Cup season. Maties adapted superbly to difficult, windy conditions to secure a convincing 34-7 win. Playing into a strong gusting wind in the first half, the visitors opted to keep ball in hand

English Premiership champions Bath have bolstered their scrum with a Springbok ahead of next season. Joining from the Sale Sharks on a two-year deal, loose forward Dan du Preez brings with him a wealth of Premiership experience. Du Preez previously played for the Sharks, who had hoped to bring him back to Durban. He has