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Chase your 2026 goals as Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha and Cape Town 10K go live

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Chase your 2026 goals as Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha and Cape Town 10K go live

The road ahead is clear, flat and fast. South Africa’s premier urban road-running spectacle, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, is back in 2026, and the first strides of the journey begin this week as entries opened for the Gqeberha 10K and Cape Town 10K.

A fixture on the local and international running calendar, the series blends elite-level speed with mass participation energy, drawing everyone from podium chasers to first-time 10km runners onto courses designed for rhythm, flow and personal bests. Gqeberha and Cape Town once again lead the charge, setting the tempo for a five-city tour that celebrates the heartbeat of South African road running.

“We are excited to kick off the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by opening entries for the first two of five iconic races, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

“Since inception, Gqeberha (in 2023) and Cape Town (in 2015), both events have delivered world-class racing and an unforgettable atmosphere. As we celebrate the 4th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and 11th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, we’re committed to elevating the experience even further with more excitement, exceptional performances, and that unmistakable city vibe runners love.”

These races are tailor-made for ticking off early-season goals. Gqeberha’s coastal route offers a smooth, sea-level test where legs can spin freely, while Cape Town’s point-to-point layout delivers a dynamic run through iconic streets, backed by one of the country’s strongest running cultures. In both cities, the crowd support acts like an invisible tailwind, lifting runners through every kilometre marker.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K by Anthony Grote

“Runners can expect 10km racing at its finest,” Meyer added. “Entries sell out quickly every year, so we encourage everyone to sign up early and secure their spot to avoid missing out.”

Title sponsor Absa continues to position the series as more than a race day result.

“Gqeberha and Cape Town, the wait is over, entries for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K officially open on 11 December! This is your moment to lace up early, secure your spot, and own your streets with purpose,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing at Absa.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a race; it’s a movement inspiring real, positive change. We can’t wait to welcome you at the start line and celebrate your journey all the way to the finish.”

With Durban, Tshwane and Joburg waiting later in the season like checkpoints on a long training cycle, the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series promises another year where preparation meets opportunity – and the streets decide the story.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series – Key Race Info

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Date: Sunday, 01 March 2026
Start Time: 07:00
Start & Finish: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R30
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 23 February 2026 or once capacity is reached

Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R60
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 04 May 2026 or once capacity is reached

Later in the 2026 Series

  • Durban 10K: Sunday, 12 July
  • Tshwane 10K: Sunday, 23 August
  • Joburg 10K: Thursday, 24 September

More info:www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity

Stormers top pool but Dobson sees derby danger after La Rochelle win

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The DHL Stormers may have crossed the whitewash six times, but Director of Rugby John Dobson insists the performance that dismantled a youthful Stade Rochelais outfit would be stopped cold by South African rivals if repeated in the coming weeks.

The 42–21 Investec Champions Cup win at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Capetonians’ eighth straight victory in all competitions, lifted them to the top of Pool Three, ahead of four-time champions Leinster. Yet beneath the glossy scoreline, Dobson saw cracks that could be ruthlessly exposed in the Vodacom URC derbies that loom next.

The Stormers flew out of the blocks. Wings Dylan Maart and Leolin Zas struck inside the opening seven minutes, the hosts surging ahead as if the contest might be over before it began. Instead, composure ebbed, forced passes crept in, and an understrength La Rochelle, stacked with academy talent, were invited back into the arm-wrestle.

“I thought we were so energised at the start and so good, and it just felt like we got seduced into it being too easy,” said Dobson.

“To produce the intensity that we started that game with was really good for us. However, it was a learning experience, and we had to manage that game better at the 15-to-20-minute mark.”

That window proved pivotal. Infringements and errors disrupted Stormers rhythm, allowing La Rochelle to find a foothold and trail just 16–7 at the break – a reminder that scoreboard pressure means little without territorial and tactical control.

“It was about the outcome in the end, but it wasn’t a great process from us,” Dobson admitted.

“There’s definitely stuff we didn’t get right that we spoke about during the week, and there’s work to do before the local derbies [in the Vodacom URC]. That said, a home win in this competition is non-negotiable.”

Captain Salmaan Moerat echoed the coach’s concerns, praising the intent but demanding more from the engine room.

“But as a pack we know we could have been much better. There’s still a lot for us to improve on,” Moerat said.

He also highlighted the side’s response after prop Neethling Fouché was yellow-carded for a high tackle.

“It’s never ideal to get a yellow card,” he said. “But what was really rewarding was seeing how the group galvanised and worked harder for each other when someone was off the field.”

If the Stormers’ structure wavered, individual brilliance helped steady the ship. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach pulled the strings, while Man of the Match Paul de Villiers hunted turnovers like a seasoned openside despite his tender years.

“It took some moments from Paul or Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] to bail us out. That was a little bit frustrating that we got ourselves in that position,” Dobson explained.

“Two years ago, we were just getting cleaned out [at the breakdowns], and now we have Paul, who is like a limpet and his decision-making is so good.

“He is very special.”

Dobson believes the result keeps the Stormers firmly in the European hunt, even as he demands sharper execution.

“We want to be part of this tournament,” he said. “South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity.

“Performances like this give us belief, but we also know we have to be better. I think we can start to dream about getting deeper into this tournament than we have got before.”

The immediate focus, however, shifts to domestic danger. The Lions arrive in Cape Town next weekend, followed by a clash with the Bulls on January 3 – fixtures where sloppiness will be punished.

“We have to get the stuff right and it is no use just talking about it in the week,” Dobson warned.

“We know that performance [in Gqeberha] doesn’t beat a fired-up Lions team in Cape Town or a Bulls team [on January 3].”

Dobson revealed the Stormers’ coaches have been studying the Lions closely, noting their threats across the park.

“We had a good look at them as coaches,” he said.

“We know that Henco [van Wyk] gets the best contact metres, we know about Quan’s [Horn] line breaks, and we know about their efficacy at the breakdown.

“They made their intentions clear that they want to rest and prepare for this game. I promise we won’t be lacking intensity.”

For the Stormers, the winning streak in Europe and Gqeberha has offered momentum, but the real examination now comes at home, where fast starts mean nothing without the patience to finish the job.

Featured Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images

Chad le Clos Makes Waves With 8-Mile Midmar Mission for SA Water Safety

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Chad le Clos is ready to trade the starting blocks for the wide-open waters of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, diving head-first into the gruelling 8-Mile Charity Challenge next February as he throws his weight behind swimmers fundraising for the Chad le Clos Foundation.

The 2012 Olympic champion has spent most of the past decade slicing through chlorinated lanes rather than the wind-ruffled Midmar Dam. But in 2026 he returns not just as a guest on the shoreline, but as a swimmer plunging back into the tide.

“I’m very excited. To be honest, I haven’t swum much at Midmar,” Le Clos admitted.

“I’ve always been there whenever I could… I’ve always supported the Midmar Mile long before my foundation was involved, but I just really love to be there. I think it’s a great day… from the Thursday through to the Sunday, it’s just a great weekend.”

A Champion Embracing the Current

Chad le Clos

Now 33, Le Clos said Midmar’s ever-growing wave of participation is what keeps pulling him back.

“I think what’s quite unique about Midmar is that it seems to grow every year, and the fact that it just gives everybody of all ages the opportunity to compete. You know, you can be in your 80s… it’s incredible. Swimming is a great sport for everybody.”

Fresh from a long layoff to recover from stubborn injuries, Le Clos is wading carefully back toward elite racing with the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifiers as his first checkpoint. But before the competitive whirlpool resumes, Midmar offers a different kind of challenge—one that matters beyond medals.

“In terms of the foundation, it’s been a huge blessing to be a part of Midmar. Last year we raised a decent amount of money for charity, which is really, really great,” he said.

Swimming for Something Bigger

Founded in 2018, the Chad le Clos Foundation focuses on drowning-prevention programmes, water-safety education and pathways for young swimmers from disadvantaged communities. Its outreach ranges from introducing children to the water safely to supporting promising athletes with coaching and competition access.

And in 2026, Le Clos will be shoulder-to-shoulder in the dam with the very people swimming for his cause.

“For me personally, I’m really excited to swim the eight miles. I’m going to be doing a mile with each of the people who are swimming for my foundation,” he explained. “So I’ll be swimming a mile with each and just trying to lend my name and try to be the best I can, for the kids, to be honest.”

Like a seasoned marathoner pacing alongside novices, Le Clos will be both teammate and tide-breaker, helping charity swimmers navigate the long, choppy journey.

A Ripple Becoming a Wave

With the 8-Mile and 16-Mile Charity Challenge already raising millions for causes nationwide, organisers expect another year of deep-water generosity when the 53rd aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 5–8 February 2026. Charity events run on the first two days; the main races follow over the weekend.

What to Expect as the Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Run Returns in 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, TrailLeave a Comment on What to Expect as the Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Run Returns in 2026

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run returns on 10 April 2026, offering ±16km and ±24km routes starting from the University of Cape Town calling runners back to the mountain where every climb feels like a conversation with the Cape’s ancient, wind-worn ridges.

“We’re proud to celebrate the 13th running… selling out within minutes and reigniting the enthusiasm of runners across the country,” says Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, reflecting on a race restored after its pandemic pause.

From the historic UCT steps, runners slip into the cool hush of Newlands Forest where pine needles soften the footfall and the air smells like beginnings. Then comes the stern, stone-backed ascent of Devil’s Peak, a reminder that beauty on the trail is earned, never given.

“Every runner will face a challenge that’s as achievable as it is exhilarating,” says General Manager Wade Bromfield, promising an adventure framed by panoramic views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Peninsula’s blue sweep.

Limited to 500 runners per distance, the event remains an intimate pilgrimage more than a mass movement.

Trail Running enthusiasts enjoying the beauty of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route in 2025 by Devin Paisley

Exclusive T-shirts and TTOM-branded Versus socks adding touches of ceremony to the climb.

When entries open, the rush will be as fierce as a downhill sprint. For those who secure a spot, the mountain waits steady ready to write another chapter under Cape Town’s autumn light.

Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00 (first-come, first-served)

Date: Friday 10 April 2026

Venue: University of Cape Town

Distance & Entry Fee: +- 16km / R750.00 +- 24km / R950.00

Trail Running enthusiasts enjoying the beauty of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route in 2025 by Tobias Ginsberg

Stormers Reinforced by Nine Springboks for High-Stakes Champions Cup Battle in Gqeberha

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Adnaan Mohamed

The DHL Stormers will take the field at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday with a formidable array of national talent, as nine Springboks have been named in the starting lineup for their Investec Champions Cup clash against two-time champions Stade Rochelais.

The match, scheduled for 15:30, is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the pool stage, and the Stormers fresh off a 26–17 away win over Bayonne, are bolstering their ranks with returning stars.

Warrick Gelant’s recovery from illness restores stability and counter-attacking quality to the backfield. He is joined by wings Dylan Maart and Leolin Zas, who continue to offer pace and finishing ability. Damian Willemse has been rested due to a slight hamstring niggle but is expected to return next week.

The midfield sees experienced centre Ruhan Nel reunited with Jonathan Roche, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach form a halfback pairing capable of dictating tempo and territorial pressure.

Evan Roos, influential off the bench last week, returns to the No. 8 jersey. Alongside Ben-Jason Dixon and Paul de Villiers, the loose trio is expected to play a crucial role in both breakdown intensity and defensive organisation.

In the tight five, locks JD Schickerling and captain Salmaan Moerat provide continuity and lineout strength. André-Hugo Venter starts at hooker, flanked by Springbok props Ntuthuko Mchunu and Neethling Fouché.

The bench offers significant depth, with JJ Kotzé, Connor Evans, Ruan Ackermann, Imad Khan and Wandisile Simelane, all starters in Bayonne, joined by experienced forwards Oli Kebble, Sazi Sandi and Marcel Theunissen.

Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasised the challenge ahead:

“It was great to win away from home, but we have to back that up now and we know that it will take a big effort against a highly physical Stade Rochelais team. We always get such fantastic support in Gqeberha… we’re looking forward to a match with Test match intensity.

The final squad list will be officially confirmed by EPCR at 14:00 on Friday, with changes still permitted before the deadline.

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

A Five-Year Stride: Totalsports and Two Oceans Chart a Bold New Road

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Totalsports has extended its title sponsorship of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) for a further five years, and will also sponsor the Trail Run from 2026 securing long-term backing for one of South Africa’s premier road-running events

“Totalsports’ decision to extend their Title Sponsorship for another five years is a powerful endorsement of the direction in which the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is heading,” said Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, describing a partnership that has become as familiar as the sea breeze that greets runners along the coastline.

TTOM General Manager Wade Bromfield echoed that sense of renewed momentum.

“This unprecedented five-year commitment demonstrates Totalsports’ belief in the event, the team, the runners, and the sport itself… we are committed to ensuring every touchpoint provides a seamless, joyful, and unforgettable experience.”

Runners enjoying the on-route beauty of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon in 2025 Photo Credit: Luigi Bennett

It was the kind of promise that lands softly but carries far, like the light, confident footfall of a runner cresting Constantia Nek.

From 2026, Totalsports will also become title sponsor of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run, a move that expands the event’s footprint into the rugged, untamed terrain where trail runners find their heartbeat.

“We are excited… the Trail Run embodies the same spirit of adventure, community, and love for the sport that defines Totalsports,” said Totalsport’s Jonathan Stein.

The 2026 weekend will unfold across three days, the trail, ultra and half making it a festival of endurance stitched into Cape Town’s autumn glow.

Entrants across all distances will receive an exclusive race T-shirt and limited-edition Versus socks, small souvenirs of a journey far bigger than the garments themselves.

The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon now steps into its next chapter with a long, confident stride buoyed by partnership, driven by purpose, and carried forward by the thousands who chase its winding, ocean-kissed kilometres each year.

Blitzboks Defend Cape Town Crown in Sevens Thriller

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Blitzboks needed every ounce of heart, hustle and hard-headed defence to cling onto their HSBC SVNS Cape Town title on Sunday with a 21–19 comeback classic victory over Argentina.

In a match that swung like a loose pass in a gale, South Africa and Argentina traded three tries each, but it was one final defensive stand, the kind that rattles ribcages and rewrites scripts, that lifted a heaving DHL Stadium crowd of 31,941 to its feet.

With time up, Argentina launched one last assault. The Blitzboks didn’t blink. They smashed, scrambled and suffocated until the whistle sounded and the hosts became the first team to defend the Cape Town title.

Blitzboks Roar Back to Stun Argentina in the final

Argentina struck first, slicing from a midfield scrum as Luciano Gonzalez dotted down for 7–0. But the Blitzboks hit straight back: Zain Davids intercepted deep inside the South African 22, the ball was whipped wide, and Donavan Don burned the touchline to level at 7–7 after Ricardo Duarttee’s conversion.

Then came the Marcos Moneta show. The Pumas’ speedster pounced from the restart to make it 14–7, and early in the second half he tore away again for a 19–7 lead that quietened the stadium.

South Africa’s reply? Guts, grit, and the kind of chaos rugby that Cape Town loves.

Debutant Nabo Sokoyi dipped, darted and danced from 50 metres out to drag the Blitzboks within five (19–14), before replacements cranked up the tempo. When a turnover popped loose, Christie Grobbelaar streaked under the uprights to give South Africa a 21–19 lead with just 30 seconds left.

The restart went out on the full handing Argentina one last chance. But the Blitzboks’ defensive wall slammed shut with a series of bruising hits before winning the penalty that sealed a famous, unbeaten home weekend.

“We had to dig deep,” said coach Philip Snyman afterwards.

“But this team thrives when their backs are against the wall, and the crowd carried us. Cape Town was unbelievable.”

Semi-Final: Blitzboks Survive French Scare

Their 22–17 semi-final victory over France earlier on Sunday was a rollercoaster of its own. It was a match rich in momentum swings and sprinkled with individual magic.

Shilton van Wyk continued his hot streak with a first-minute try, before Tristan Leyds showed quick wits and quicker feet with a tap-and-go effort for 10–0.

France hit back through Jordan Sepho, but Van Wyk pounced on a fortunate bounce from the restart to sprint 60 metres for his second, Duarttee converting for 17–5.

The French replied through Josselin Bouhier either side of halftime, levelling at 17–17 as he chased down a bouncing ball reminiscent of Van Wyk’s effort.

But Ryan Oosthuizen produced the decisive blow, crashing over after a turnover in the French 22 to seal the Blitzboks’ place in the final.

“We stayed calm and trusted our system,” said Snyman. “The boys showed great composure when it mattered.”

FULL SCORERS

Semi-final: South Africa 22 (17) – France 17 (12)

Blitzboks tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Tristan Leyds, Ryan Oosthuizen
Conversion: Ricardo Duarttee
France tries: Jordan Sepho, Josselin Bouhier (2)
Conversion: Stephen Parez Edo Martin

Final: South Africa 21 (7) – Argentina 19 (14)

Blitzboks tries: Donavan Don, Nabo Sokoyi, Christie Grobbelaar
Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (3)
Argentina tries: Luciano Gonzalez, Marcos Moneta (2)
Conversions: Santiago Vera Feld (2)

Springboks opponents for third consecutive RWC title defence in Australia revealed

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup title will unfold against familiar opponents after the defending champions were drawn into Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania for the 2027 tournament in Australia.

The announcement, made during Wednesday morning’s draw, confirmed that South Africa will face three teams they know well from past World Cup encounters: Romania in 1995 and 1999, Georgia in 2003, and Italy in 2019.

The format, guided by world rankings for the 2025 season, sorted the 24 teams into four bands before randomised placement into six pools. This is the largest RWC structure to date.

Rassie Erasmus: “We are pleased… but this is a World Cup”

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the draw but emphasised the unpredictability of tournament rugby.

“We are pleased with the pool we have been drawn in, but this is a World Cup, and every team will go out there with great passion and do their utmost to represent their nations with pride,” said Erasmus.

“There have been surprises in the tournament before, so we’ll need to be up mentally and physically for every match.”

Erasmus offered a measured breakdown of each opponent, noting how deceptive world rankings can be.

“Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but they showed us what they are capable of when they hit their straps earlier this season, even though the scorelines may not have reflected that.

“Georgia and Romania are also extremely physical and passionate teams, and we’ve faced them before, so we know how tough they can be on the day if we give them space and opportunities to play to their potential.”

His remarks frame Pool B as a group where familiarity offers preparation advantages, but no shortcuts — a reminder that even routine fixtures can turn into tactical ambushes if approached casually.

Tournament Format: Six Pools, New Pathways

With the RWC expanding from 20 to 24 teams and the fixture list increasing to 52 matches, 2027 will introduce a modified playoff pathway.

  • Winners of Pools A–D will face the four best third-placed teams.
  • Winners of Pools E and F will meet the runners-up from Pools B and D.
  • Runners-up in Pools A and C draw the second-placed teams from Pools E and F.

This structural shift increases the importance of pool-stage consistency and squad rotation which is a key component of Erasmus’s historically successful World Cup strategies.

The Full 2027 Pools

  • Pool A: New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
  • Pool B: South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
  • Pool C: Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
  • Pool D: Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
  • Pool E: France, Japan, USA, Samoa
  • Pool F: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Australia will host matches from 1 October to 13 November 2027 across seven cities in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Townsville.

The full matchday schedule will be released on 3 February 2026, with a two-week presale window for fans opening 18 February 2026.

A Favourable yet Demanding Pool

While South Africa avoided a heavyweight Tier 1 rival in Pool B, the draw offers strategic depth:

  • Italy present a risk profile based on tempo and moments of tactical unpredictability.
  • Georgia bring scrummaging power and collision dominance – a stress test for any forward pack.
  • Romania remain physical and combative, although rebuilding.

For Erasmus, the pool provides space to calibrate combinations, manage player load, and sharpen tactical identity, the essential building blocks for a three-peat campaign. Pool B offers stability, but only if executed with precision.

Blitzboks Seek Pride and Payback in Cape Town Sevens Showdown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The early Cape Town light had just begun dissolving the mist over Table Mountain when the Blitzboks filed through the airport doors, the weariness of a long Dubai flight etched into their shoulders. But in the middle of the group, Ricardo Duarttee walked with the quiet intent of a man who’d already circled one date in bold red: Cape Town Sevens weekend.

Dubai may have left them with a fifth-place finish and a few unwelcome scratch marks, but the sweepers and speedsters of South Africa’s Sevens squad are not known for dwelling on bruises. The moment their plane hit the tarmac, the city’s salty summer breeze felt like a second chance.

“We regrouped on Sunday already after the disappointment of Saturday, as one could see on our day two results,” Duarttee explained, the memory of a tough pool still lingering.

“It hurts that we dropped results to Fiji and Argentina in our pool, but we came back on Sunday to get some belief back.”

Belief – South African rugby’s most renewable resource – will matter again this weekend when the Blitzboks step into DHL Stadium, a venue Duarttee speaks of the way some speak of childhood playgrounds.

“Cape Town is just such a special place to play at. There is a massive feeling of excitement for the weekend.”

The Blitzboks hoisted the Cape Town trophy last year, only the second time since the tournament moved south in 2015, and no one in green and gold is in the mood to wait another eight years for the next.

“We certainly do not want to wait that long again, in fact, the squad will be very determined to right the wrongs from Dubai,” he said.

For Duarttee, statistics and score tallies don’t define their mission. Emotion does. Connection does. And the home crowd with the sea of flags, the hum of vuvuzelas, the familiar roar matters more than any number on the scoreboard.

“We play for the love of the game, for the passion we have for it and this weekend, we get to play in front of family, friends and loyal supporters.”

Pool of Death

This year’s pool is ruthless: New Zealand first, then the familiar bruises of Fiji, rounded off by Great Britain. But to Duarttee, that’s the perfect storm.

“What an opportunity this will be for us to rectify the mistakes and show what we are capable of, especially in front of a proper crowd to cheer us on. I cannot wait for Saturday, it is going to be a huge day.”

He didn’t end the conversation so much as issue a call to arms.

“We need to put some pride back in the Springbok Sevens jersey and where better that right here. There is no place like DHL Stadium on the weekend of the Cape Town Sevens.

“We need our supporters to come and celebrate our only opportunity to play at home with us. See you there.”

Source: SA Rugby

Eben Etzebeth Red-Card Fury Overshadows Bok Brilliance in Cardiff Rout

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks’ 73–0 evisceration of Wales in Cardiff should have been remembered purely as a victory of ruthless precision, a night when Rassie Erasmus’ men turned the Principality Stadium into a eleven-try scrapyard.

Instead, the Test has been plunged into global debate after Eben Etzebeth, the most-capped Springbok in history, was shown a red card for alleged eye-gouging. This incident that happened just before the final whistle to mercifully end the Welsh carnage, has dominated headlines from Cape Town to Cardiff.

While the Boks celebrated an unbeaten season and a flawless November tour, the image of Etzebeth leaving the field cast a long, uncomfortable shadow. Critics, former internationals, fans and pundits have fired up social platforms, arguing everything from “stone-cold red” to “unintentional and harsh.”

The timing was especially jarring: a night designed to honour Springbok milestones became a night consumed by disciplinary outrage.

Coach Rassie Erasmus did not try to sugar-coat it.

“It didn’t look good, and I thought it was a justified red card,” he admitted.

A rare moment where Erasmus openly conceded a fault on an evening when everything else went right.

Reinach Reaches 50: A Milestone Deserving More Light

Lost beneath the Etzebeth storm was a story that deserved to headline the night: Cobus Reinach finally reaching his 50th Test, a feat 11 years in the making.

The 35-year-old Bok scrumhalf, who buzzed around the breakdown like a hornet with a fresh battery pack, called the honour a dream fulfilled.

“It’s always special just to put on the Springbok jersey… If it’s cap one or cap 140 like Eben, it’s special.

But playing my 50th Test was definitely great,” he said.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play for the Springboks and having done that 50 times is unreal. It’s a privilege and something I’ll always be thankful for.”

That this milestone arrived during a historic win, and in a season where the Boks finished world No.1, made it sweeter.

“It wasn’t just about the end-of-year tour. It was about the whole season,” Reinach reflected.
“We learned and adapted more than previously, and I think we grew immensely as a team.”

The veteran scrumhalf, still as sharp as a new studs-on-soft-ground boot, even dared to dream further.

“I definitely want to play another one or maybe two World Cups,” he smiled.

“I feel good… it’s just my hairline moving back a little, and my beard getting thicker.”

His gratitude extended to the beating heart of Bok rugby: the supporters.

“From London to Wales, France, Ireland… thank you. We are one. We can’t do what we do without you.”

A Night of Dual Narratives: Dominance and Disruption

The Etzebeth incident ignited a worldwide rugby firestorm precisely because the Test was so lopsided. At 73–0, the Springboks were in full command. The back-to-back World Champions were ruthless, clinical, and controlled, suffocating Wales like a python tightening with every carry.

But the red card, shown late in the second half, shifted the conversation from dominance to controversy. Analysts have already begun dissecting angles, freeze-frames and intent, with disciplinary hearings expected to become the next battleground.

Yet, amid the noise, Reinach’s golden milestone, the Boks’ unbeaten tour, and their world No.1 finish remain significant markers of a team still evolving and still hungry. Reinach himself summed it up best:

“The way we work for each other and how tight-knit we are is special. If we keep that, there’s a lot more in the tank.”