Category: News

‹ Back

SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SA sprint duo make 100m history, but medals prove elusive in Tokyo final

Akani Simbine and Gift Leotlela ensured South Africa had two representatives in the 100m final for the first time in World Athletics Championships history in Tokyo on Sunday. But a medal was not to be for the duo, with Leotlela finishing fifth in 9.95 seconds and Simbine seventh in 10.04. By Karien Jonckheere

After a false start from Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who was then disqualified, it was Jamaica’s Oblique Seville who outgunned the pack to take gold in a speedy 9.77 seconds, with his compatriot Kishane Thompson second in 9.82 and defending world champion and Olympic gold medallist Noah Lyles settling for bronze in 9.89 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, Simbine explained he had suffered cramp at the beginning of the race – something he wasn’t able to overcome to perform at his best.

“I cramped up a bit at the start and just couldn’t recover from that,” he said. “We’re just going to reassess how the body is and hopefully I’m good to go for the [4x100m] relay.”

Unlike Simbine, who has now featured in seven major championship finals, Leotlela was competing in his first after an impressive two days, which included running a blistering 9.87 seconds in the heats.

“It was amazing, I don’t want to lie, starting from last night, and I got a lot of confidence from the heats… I ran three sub-10s in two days, so I’ll take that as a big win.”

Adriaan Wildschutt finished in 10th spot in the 10,000m final earlier in the evening after losing touch with the leaders with just under a lap to go. He finished in 28 minutes 59.47 seconds, with the gold going to Frenchman Jimmy Gressier in 28:55.77 seconds.

“I just had to stay connected and conserve as much energy as possible and see how hard I could close. I didn’t quite have it towards the end, but I was there with 300m to go and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Wildschutt.

Earlier in the evening, both Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay eased through their respective heats to book places in the 400m semifinals. Current world leader Nene won his heat in 44.34 seconds with Pillay second in his heat in 44.73.

“Not a lot of athletes can say they’ve gone into world championships as world leader and that’s an achievement on its own that one should be proud of. So I’m wearing my bib with pride, I’ve got a target on my back, but I’m ready to defend it,” he said of the special blue numbers reserved for those who have run the fastest times of the year in each event. 

The other South Africans to impress on Sunday were Marioné Fourie, who finished second in her 100m hurdles heat in 12.86 seconds to book a spot in Monday’s semifinals, while Tshepo Tshite finished sixth in his 1500m heat in 3:36.36 to also progress to the next round.

Steyn sharpens, Mosiako shines at Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Steyn sharpens, Mosiako shines at Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets turned into a purple battleground on Saturday as South Africa’s finest lined up against East African pace at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K.

Elite start of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

The second edition of the well-organised race started and finished at the historic Wanderers Club. The popular 10km and 5km sold-out event attracted a whopping 8000 participants, who enjoyed the warm, windless, conditions over a challenging hilly route through the streets of Illovo and Sandton.

Kenya’s Frida Ndinda claimed the women’s crown in 35:18. The 24-year-old Kenyan just managed to hold off off the fast finishing 35-year-old South African ultra-marathon queen, Gerda Steyn, who clocked 35:52 for second. Tuks youngster Karabo Mailula, 23, completed the podium in 36:12.

For Steyn, a four-time Comrades and six-time Two Oceans Marathon champion, the Joburg10K was less about silverware and more about sharpening speed ahead of next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“The race went off so fast, I decided to hold back early,” she said.

“I worked my way through, got into second, and could see the leader, but ran out of road. I’m very happy with how strong I felt.”

The men’s race was a very different story. Thabang Mosiako, South Africa’s half-marathon champion, blasted from the gun and never looked back, storming to victory in 29:45.

National marathon champion Bennet Seloyi (30:00) was second, with the evergreen Stephen Mokoka (30:04) in third.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Hollywood AC

“I told myself I’m going from the start,” Mosiako said.

“With guys like Stephen, you can’t wait … this madala doesn’t want to get old. Breaking 30 here was a surprise, but it shows my shape is coming back.”

For Steyn, it was a steady tune-up. For Mosiako, a statement of intent. And for Joburg, another reminder that the city’s streets remain a proving ground for champions.

Male

View All Male

Pos Name Time
1 Thabang MOSIAKO 00:29:44
2 Bennett SELOYI 00:29:59
3 Stephen MOKOKA 00:30:03
4 Namakoe NKHASI 00:30:09
5 Chris MHLANGA 00:30:25
6 Simon SIBEKO 00:30:32
7 Tsietse SELLO 00:30:33
8 Pakiso MTHEMBU 00:30:35
9 Lebenya NKOKA 00:30:37
10 Cwenga NOSE 00:30:43

Female

View All Female

Pos Name Time
1 Fridah NDINDA 00:35:17
2 Gerda STEYN 00:35:51
3 Karaboá MAILULA 00:36:11
4 Dikeledi MAJARA 00:36:31
5 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:37:06
6 Nobukhosi TSHUMA 00:38:32
7 Rutendo NYAHORA 00:39:03
8 Melinda JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:39:09
9 Ntsoaki MOLAHLOEÁ 00:39:14
10 Melissa JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:40:03

FULL HOLLYWOODBETS JOBURG 10K 2025 RESULTS

Around 8000 participants painted the streets of Sandton, Illovo and Melrose purple at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Gift blazes to personal best as Team SA set relay record in Tokyo

Gift Leotlela got South Africa’s campaign at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo off to a speedy start on Saturday, blazing to a new personal best time in the 100m heats and booking a place in Sunday’s semifinal. By Karien Jonckheere

The 27-year-old has struggled with injury throughout his career, and even in the buildup to these championships, struggled with a tendon issue behind his knee. But there was no sign of that as he tore down the Tokyo track, finishing in 9.87 seconds to record the fastest time of the night – something he admitted afterwards, he wasn’t specifically targeting.

“I was just focused on executing my race and focusing on myself, and it came so I was really happy with that,” said Gift afterwards.

“It felt really good. I haven’t been putting my races together this season, so I actually put it together and everything clicked, the body was feeling good, and it was really a good run.”

Also comfortably through to the semifinals was a confident-looking Akani Simbine, who won the final heat of the night in 10.02 seconds.

“Very comfortable, very controlled. I think today was just about getting into the stadium and feeling the energy, and also controlling the race and controlling the pace of the race,” said Akani. “I think that was the whole plan – not spending too much energy today so that tomorrow I have a full tank to go into the semifinals and the final.”

Earlier in the day, the South African quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Miranda Coetzee, Leendert Koekemoer and Zenéy van der Walt combined to set a new national and continental record in the 4x400m mixed relay. They finished third in their heat in 3 minutes 11.16 seconds to not only set the new mark, but also book a place in the final later in the evening.

“We were very happy. Our main goal was just to get into that final and running an area record is just a bonus,” said Zenéy afterwards. Speaking about his impressive leg of 44.14 seconds, 18-year-old Leendert added: “I basically just stuck to my race. I ran my own race, didn’t focus on other people and then when I executed what my style fits, it all worked out at the end.”

Just one race later, the Kenyan team eclipsed the new record in their heat, but the time didn’t stand as they were disqualified for a lane infringement.

Later in the final, Coetzee was replaced by Shirley Nekhubui in the SA team, who finished in sixth spot in a time of 3:11.89 while the United States took the gold in a championship record of 3:08.80.

Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan Mohamed

Wellington has always been a theatre of drama for the Springboks. From that famous 36-34 ambush in 2018 to the nail-biting 16-16 draw a year later, the Cake Tin has witnessed South Africa’s grit under the fiercest spotlight.

On Saturday morning, Siya Kolisi and his men return to the capital with the Rugby Championship title race wide open, the Freedom Cup on the line, and pride at stake against their oldest foes.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick knows exactly what it will take.

“Last week we had two soft moments early in the game, and it cost us,” he reflected on the 24-17 defeat in Auckland.

“This time, we need to be at our best for the full 80 minutes. We must be clinical, execute with precision, and turn opportunities into points.”

It is a simple equation against the All Blacks: blink, and you bleed.

Kolisi, who will lead the Boks for his 96th Test, echoed Stick’s call for composure. The chatter around South Africa’s new-look backline being too young, too raw, too untested, doesn’t faze him.


“There’s a good mixture of players in this team,” he said.

“Some have been here before, some have lifted two World Cups. It’s not a completely new side. The new faces bring something different, and that excites me.”

For Kolisi, the challenge feels familiar yet fresh.

“It’s going to be intense, like a World Cup final in the way you need to stay calm and composed. But this is its own battle. There’s enough motivation to win this game and to make our country proud.”

The Freedom Cup adds its own layer of symbolism. South Africa claimed it last year for the first time since 2009, and defending it on New Zealand soil would be another statement of intent.

More importantly, a win would keep them in reach of both the Rugby Championship title and the No 1 world ranking.

The All Blacks will be ready, the crowd baying, the weather unpredictable. But as Kolisi leads his men out one truth remains: matches in Wellington are rarely forgotten.

Teams

New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.

South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.

Springbok Team Photo in Wellington Credit: SA Rugby

Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 09.05 SA time
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets are about to become a purple river of determination as 8,000 runners lace up for the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on Saturday.

At the front of this human tide will be two giants of the long road, Comrades champions Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana, swapping ultra-endurance for the short, sharp burn of 10 kilometres.

Gerda Steyn Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and six Two Oceans crowns, will don the purple of the host club, Hollywood Athletic, as she tests her mettle against speed merchants like Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula and Ntsoaki Mohlahlu.

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k Women’s Elite Field Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

For her, this race is less about medals and more about sharpening her blade for October’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“This course isn’t flat as a pancake, it’s more like a stack of flapjacks with some tricky layers in between,” Steyn smiled.

“It teaches you to manage effort, race dynamics and strategy rather than just staring at your splits. Those are the lessons I’ll carry into Cape Town.”

On the men’s side, three-time Comrades Down Run winner Tete Dijana admits he’ll be running on foreign turf. Against the jet-heeled Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Cwenga Nose, the Mafikeng marvel is realistic:

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Male Elite Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I don’t have their speed, 10km is their playground. My time is only 32 minutes, slower than Glenrose Xaba! But racing them gives me strength. If they ever come to Comrades territory, I’ll show them who’s boss,” he chuckled.

At a lean 38kg, Dijana carries more grit than bulk, his focus firmly fixed on defending his Comrades throne.

“Among men, you can’t dance between marathons, Two Oceans and Comrades in one season. Only someone like Stephen Muzhingi managed that. I won’t gamble, I’ll always choose Comrades.”

Saturday’s 10K may be a sprinter’s stage, but with distance icons Steyn and Dijana on the line, the city will witness two ultra-legends trading their long-distance strides for shorter, sharper tactical duels.

The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Soweto Athletics Clubs are ready to host South Africa’s biggest one-day race

Johannesburg, 11 September 2025 – The 30 th edition of “The People’s Race” is ready and will take place
on Sunday 30 November 2025. Entries are open, and the race is thrilled to confirm that entries received are
already into the thousands.
The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics
Clubs and has confirmed that all is on track with the race organising team, race office, partners and
sponsors remaining committed as per the hugely successful 2024 Soweto Marathon – the country’s biggest
one day road race.

Returning to Nasrec, Soweto, and hosted by The City of Johannesburg; the African Bank Soweto Marathon
route remains unchanged, treasuring the eight significant heritage sites on the marathon route; including
the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital; Walter Sisulu Square; the Regina Mundi Catholic Church; Credo
Mutwa Cultural Village; Morris Isaacson High School and June 16 Memorial Acre; Vilakazi Street and the
Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that the Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race and that
the job of the NPC is to execute another remarkably run iconic event that is unrivalled in passion, spirit,
unity and celebration; just like they did in both 2023 and 2024.
“We are grateful to once again have the trust of the athletics clubs of Soweto. The support given to us from
all our other partners, clubs, governing bodies and runners has been nothing short of extraordinary. We
know the standard our community expects and promise you nothing short of exceptional from start gun to
finish line.”

It is noted with concern, that Mr Ishe / David Sathikge was expelled by Athletics South Africa on 01 July
2023 and he is not allowed to address any meeting relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity. Both
Mr. Benjamin Khunou and David Sathikge are also precluded from holding any administrative position in
the sports of athletics, as expressed by general counsel of ASA, who have unanimously resolved to expel
them from the sport. Finally, Stan Itshegetseng has also been placed on indefinite suspension by the CGA
Board, pending a disciplinary hearing, so he too is not allowed to address any correctly constituted meeting
relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity.
Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the
retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km. To enter,
runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the
male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home
R250 000.

The Soweto Athletics Clubs look forward to hosting every single participant.

Date: Sunday 30 November 2025.
Venue: Start & Finish: Nasrec Stadium, JHB.
Categories: Standard Marathon (42.2 km): 05:30; Half Marathon (21.1 km): 06:30; 10 km run: 07:30.

For more information, please visit www.sowetomarathon.com
Issued on behalf of The Soweto Marathon NPC, by Caroline Malan – [email protected]

Boks Shuffles Deck for Wellington Gamble

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks Shuffles Deck for Wellington Gamble

By Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown his cards on the table, unveiling a reshuffled Springbok backline for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in Wellington. This is a duel doubles as the decider for the Freedom Cup.

Ethan Hooker, 22, barely two caps old, is thrust into the spotlight for his first Test start, joining a back division brimming with new combinations.

Cobus Reinach links with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, Damian Willemse partners Canan Moodie in midfield, while Cheslin Kolbe and Aphelele Fassi provide the familiar fizz out wide.

Up front, Rassie leans on trusted muscle. Siya Kolisi resumes his captain and flank duties alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit, with Jasper Wiese charging back from suspension like a pent-up bull. Malcolm Marx anchors a front row unchanged, while Lood de Jager’s return adds heft beside Ruan Nortje in the engine room.

The Bok coach has again gone with a 5–3 bench split, deploying RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith as his impact forwards, while Manie Libbok and Andre Esterhuizen wait in the wings to add late spark.

“This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side,” Rassie insisted, well aware that last week’s lapse in Auckland gifted New Zealand the upper hand.

“We’ve maintained consistency in selection to a large degree in the last few matches, but apart from what we feel some of the players selected can add to our attack, we’d like to see what some of the players can do against the top-ranked team in the world.

“This is a vital match for our Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result.”

Rassie added: “Every player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them, and this will serve as a great occasion for them to show us what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks.

“They have all done the job for us against some of the top teams in the world earlier this year, and others over the last few years, and we know they’ll relish this opportunity to face New Zealand in their backyard.”

History frowns on South Africa in Kiwi stadiums, but Sky Stadium has served up tight battles before, including a 16–16 draw in 2019.

With the Freedom Cup dangling as both carrot and crown, Erasmus’ men will chase redemption in the capital, banking on fresh legs to unsettle the world’s No.1 side.

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 André Esterhuizen.

All Blacks punish Butterfinger Boks

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on All Blacks punish Butterfinger Boks

By Adnaan Mohamed

Eden Park remains rugby’s most impregnable fortress, and on Saturday the All Blacks once again proved why.

Their 24–17 Rugby Championship win over South Africa was less a spectacle of champagne rugby and more a ruthless masterclass in doing the basics with the precision of a locksmith turning a well-worn key.

For the Springboks, it was a night of buttered fingers, creaky set-pieces and coach-killing errors. Coach Rassie Erasmus’s men were not so much beaten as “out-Bokked” by New Zealand at their own game.

The weight of history

Fifty-one matches now, and still no opponent has left Eden Park smiling since 1994. For the Springboks, that ledger stretches further back to 1937. That’s when their last victory here came in an age of leather balls and long boat journeys. Saturday’s contest was meant to be a fresh chapter, yet the script followed a familiar arc: mistakes punished, momentum squandered, and the All Blacks grinning at the end.

Early jitters, costly gifts

The match began with the Boks wobbling like toddlers learning to walk. Within two minutes, Handré Pollard spilled a pass, gifting the All Blacks field position. From the ensuing ruck, Beauden Barrett floated a kick-pass that found Emoni Narawa, who skipped past Willie le Roux’s flailing arms and sold Cheslin Kolbe with a dummy. Eden Park roared, the scoreboard blinked 7–0, and the Boks had set the tone for a self-sabotaging half.

More wounds followed. Malcolm Marx, normally so reliable, threw three crooked darts and missed a tackle that allowed Will Jordan to slice through untouched for the All Blacks’ second. At 14–0 after 17 minutes, the Boks looked less like world champions and more like tourists fumbling with a foreign map.

Their lineout creaked, their scrums buckled, and Thomas du Toit folded under Ethan de Groot’s weight, while Ox Nché made Fletcher Newell look like a folding deckchair, but cohesion was absent.

The half-time riddle

By the break, the All Blacks led 14–3. It wasn’t champagne rugby with rain squalls turning the ball into a bar of soap, but New Zealand’s economy of effort shone.

Small margins were decisive. Every Springbok error was a black jersey opportunity. Every black jersey misstep was smothered before it became fatal. South Africa, in contrast, trudged into the sheds with just a Pollard penalty to show for their sweat.

A glimmer, then another stumble

The second half began with a flicker of green hope. The Boks finally rumbled into the All Blacks’ 5m zone, only for Nché to be held up by Rieko Ioane. Soon after, Damian McKenzie slotted a penalty to push the lead to 17–3, a cold shower on any Bok momentum.

At last, in the 62nd minute, the visitors’ famed scrum punched a hole in New Zealand’s armour, Marx crashing over to bring life to their challenge.

But as quickly as it arrived, it was undone. Ruan Nortjé’s obstruction at the restart handed momentum straight back, Kwagga Smith saw yellow, and Quinn Tupaea finished off the punishment to make it 24–10.

Cobus Reinach darted through late to set up a nervy finale, but when the Boks sniffed a steal in the dying minutes, Ardie Save, celebrating his 100th Test, swooped like a hawk for the game-sealing turnover. Eden Park roared once more, a citadel unbreached.

Execution vs. errors

The difference was not in ambition but in execution. The All Blacks were serrated in their precision: three tries born directly from Springbok mistakes.

They didn’t overcomplicate, didn’t gild the lily. They kicked, chased, tackled, and played territory like a chess master nudging pawns into position.

The Boks, in contrast, stumbled from one unforced error to the next. Their set-piece, normally their strong point, turned into a blunt instrument. Their backline offered little beyond blunt-force charges, reverting to type when invention was required.

A flattering scoreline

In truth, the seven-point margin flatters South Africa. The All Blacks had more than enough buffer, their victory rarely in doubt. Eden Park remains their canvas, and though this was no masterpiece, it was another brushstroke in a mural of invincibility which is now painted with the inscription “51 unbeaten.”

Erasmus’ headache

For Rassie Erasmus, the takeaways are stark. His side were dominated in the very arenas they pride themselves on: set-piece, physicality, and ruthlessness. New Zealand’s defence coach Scott Hansen promised a direct, aerial, physical approach during the week. The All Blacks delivered it with the cold efficiency of craftsmen.

Next week in Wellington, with the Freedom Cup on the line, Erasmus will demand sharper execution, calmer heads, and a return to their true DNA. Because in Auckland, the Boks were hunted, harried, and ultimately humbled in rugby’s Garden of Eden, where the fruit remains forbidden.

Scorers
New Zealand (24): Tries – Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea. Conversions – Jordie Barrett, Damian McKenzie (2). Penalty – McKenzie.
South Africa (17): Tries – Malcolm Marx, Cobus Reinach. Conversions – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalty – Handré Pollard.

Latsha’s Troops Ready for French Fire at Franklin’s Gardens

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, RugbyLeave a Comment on Latsha’s Troops Ready for French Fire at Franklin’s Gardens

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women march into Northampton on Sunday with their scrum set like a fortress wall and their backline primed like a slingshot, ready to test themselves against France in a Pool D decider that feels more like a quarterfinal dress rehearsal.

At the heart of it all stands Babalwa Latsha, the iron anchor of the Bok front row, now entrusted with the captain’s armband. Like a general forged in the trenches, she will lead South Africa into battle for the first time at a Rugby World Cup, her experience as the most capped prop in national history providing both shield and sword.

There’s fresh blood in the ranks. Mary Zulu, the flyhalf debutant, has the playmaking instincts of a chess master who suddenly finds herself on the biggest board of all. Alongside her, towering lock Anathi Qolo earns her maiden start, a new pillar of green and gold muscle tasked with turning French lineouts into shaky scaffolds.

Coach Swys de Bruin has rolled the dice with bold squad rotation. With quarterfinal qualification already secured, he’s handed debuts to several bench warriors such as Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nomsa Mokwai, and Faith Tshauke. They will all be eager to stamp their names into the Bok folklore. It’s not a gamble, though, but more like resting heavy artillery while unleashing new cavalry to test their mettle.

France, ever the flamboyant juggernaut, are as unpredictable as a gust of Parisian wind. Their flair can cut through defences like a rapier, but De Bruin has his eyes on the scrum, that darkened colosseum of eight-on-eight where South Africa believe they can draw French blood.

Add to that a clever kicking strategy designed to turn Les Bleues’ structure inside out, and the Bok Women may just find cracks in their armour.

“Every player in our 32 has now had skin in this World Cup,” De Bruin reminded.

“That unity is our sharpest weapon.”

For veterans like Tayla Kinsey, sharpening her arrows for a 41st Test cap, this clash is about composure and craft. For the new faces, it’s about showing that the jersey sits on their shoulders as naturally as it does on legends.

The French will bring firepower; the Bok Women will bring grit. At Franklin’s Gardens, expect collisions as heavy as iron gates slamming shut, with Latsha’s warriors looking to prove that South African steel doesn’t bend easily, even against one of the most polished teams in world rugby.

What’s at Stake in Pool D

The Springbok Women have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, a historic achievement in itself. But this clash with France will decide the finishing order in Pool D, and with it, the calibre of their next opponent.

  • A victory over France would be a statement win, catapulting the Boks into the knockouts with momentum and belief, possibly avoiding a clash with the tournament’s heavyweights in the very next round.
  • A loss would still see them progress, but likely on the tougher side of the draw, where giants like England or New Zealand lurk.

For South Africa, the stakes are as much about sending a message as they are about scoreboard math: that they belong not just in the knockouts, but in the conversation among the world’s elite.

Springbok Women Team to Face France

Starting XV
15. Byrhandré Dolf – 24 caps, 57 points
14. Jakkie Cilliers – 21 caps, 106 points
13. Eloise Webb – 18 caps, 30 points
12. Chumisa Qawe – 23 caps, 20 points
11. Maceala Samboya – 5 caps, 20 points
10. Mary Zulu – 15 caps, 40 points
9. Nadine Roos – 20 caps, 45 points
8. Aseza Hele – 30 caps, 85 points
7. Catha Jacobs – 24 caps, 5 points
6. Lerato Makua – 17 caps, 20 points
5. Anathi Qolo – 9 caps, 5 points
4. Vainah Ubisi – 20 caps, 15 points
3. Babalwa Latsha (captain) – 38 caps, 30 points
2. Micke Gunter – 15 caps, 5 points2. Micke Gunter – 15 caps, 5 points

1.Yonela Ngxingolo – 37 caps, 15 points

Replacements
16. Luchell Hanekom – 9 caps
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo – 8 caps
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki – 7 caps
19. Nomsa Mokwai – 13 caps
20. Faith Tshauke – 3 caps, 15 points
21. Sinazo Mcatshulwa – 40 caps, 60 points
22. Tayla Kinsey – 40 caps, 53 points
23. Aphiwe Ngwevu – 29 caps, 65 points

Clash of the Titans at Eden Park

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Clash of the Titans at Eden Park

Auckland’s Eden Park stands like an impregnable fortress, its walls echoing with a 31-year unbeaten symphony with 50 Tests without a South African win since 1994, and only a single draw breaking the Kiwis’ dominance on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

The Clash of the Titans between the All Blacks and the Springboks is arguably the most iconic rivalry in the game of rugby.

The Springboks, back-to-back World champions and hunters of history, arrive not with fear but with fire, determined to shatter the legend with brilliance and hard steel.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus:

“Facing New Zealand away from home is always a challenge, and doing so at Eden Park makes both teams desperate… It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams.”

He also dismisses the “Eden Park hoodoo” as media myth: “It’s a 70 × 100 m field… there is a passionate crowd, but that’s about it.”

And in a rare statistical flourish: “History has shown you must score 28 points against New Zealand … if you want to beat them… you have to score tries.”

All Blacks coach Scott “Razor” Robertson:

“It’ll be a hell of a fiery Test… South Africa played beautifully for a period of time… discipline and accuracy… you can force errors, and things can change quickly.”

His side, on the hunt for a renewed identity, is leaning on their creativity, tactical nous, and renowned ability to play the situation … as part of a longer-term plan to match the physicality of reigning world champions South Africa.”

Historical Canvas

Since 1921, this has been rugby’s most fervent rivalry. Eden Park holds a mythical edge for New Zealand. The last South African win here came in 1937, and only scattered visits since have challenged the narrative.

The modern Springboks, steered by Erasmus since 2018, have reasserted dominance, winning four straight against the All Blacks, including the 2023 RWC final

This clash smolders like two wildfire fronts colliding in a storm. South Africa’s forwards are iron-clad, a green tsunami crashing through scrums. Their backs glide like predators on the hunt with the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, and general Handre Pollard ready to pounce on any creaking gap.

Across the park, the All Blacks are coiled springs, massive, muscular and methodical. With Robertson’s “big bodies,” they’ll smash the breakdowns and let momentum ripple through their ranks.

Eden Park’s record looms like a dragon’s claw, but Erasmus’s men come not to worship that legend; they’ve sharpened their blades in smaller skirmishes and now march to conquer it. They believe that, with 28 points, they can tame the beast.

This test match is seen by both sides as a battleground where history, pride, and modern mastery intersect.

Will the Springboks’ raw power, chiselled precision and try-line ambition breach Eden’s walls? Or will the All Blacks, backed by homefield gravity and athletic brilliance, repulse them with ruthless accuracy and unpredictability?

Teams:

New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Stated, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacement: 16 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 SA time; 07.05 GMT)
Expected weather: Clear and breezy, with wind gusts of 40+ km/h. Real Feel: 6°C
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)