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MI Cape Town Ready to Defend Newlands Betway SA20 Fortress

Adnaan MohamedCricket, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on MI Cape Town Ready to Defend Newlands Betway SA20 Fortress
By Adnaan Mohamed

MI Cape Town will begin their Betway SA20 Season 4 campaign on familiar ground, returning to a Newlands venue that proved impenetrable during last season’s title run.

The defending champions were unbeaten in five home matches in Season 3, turning the historic stadium into a fortress on their march to the trophy.

Champions open SA20 Season 4 against star-studded Super Giants

Led by captain Rashid Khan, MI Cape Town boast a squad brimming with firepower. Proteas stars Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are joined by international standouts Rashid Khan, Trent Boult and explosive new recruit Nicholas Pooran.

Rashid believes the pressure has eased following last season’s breakthrough title after two difficult campaigns.

“There was more pressure last year than this year, you know we came at the bottom twice in a row and to come up from that and win the trophy was a big thing for us as a team,” Rashid Khan said.

“I think what we did right was we played collectively as a team and we took the responsibility at certain points of the game.

“Every player is well experienced, and they will adjust themselves with the condition and the position of the team quite quickly.

“Everyone is so professional, they have played so much cricket around the world, and I think it won’t be that difficult for them to acclimatise.”

Pooran set to add power and energy

All eyes will be on Nicholas Pooran, with Rashid backing the West Indian to make an immediate impact in his new colours.

“He (Pooran) is going to bring lots of energy to the game,” Rashid said. “We know how dangerous and how good a cricketer he is.

“He is a kind of like a person who comes in smashing lots of sixes you will see. He’s a guy full of energy and entertainment and I am sure he is going to love his time here.”

Super Giants arrive with pedigree and punch

Durban’s Super Giants arrive with a revamped squad and a new leader in Aiden Markram, a two-time SA20 winner with Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Markram brings a proven winning mentality to a side packed with international quality.

Durban Super Giants captain Aiden Markram during the Betway SA20 Captain’s day prior to the start of season 4. Held at the Westin Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa on the 23rd December 2025 Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

England’s former T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler headlines a powerful batting unit that also includes New Zealand great Kane Williamson and Proteas star Heinrich Klaasen.

While West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine is not yet available, the Super Giants have strengthened their spin resources with Proteas Test hero Simon Harmer, joining Afghanistan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad.

Markram believes the group has the right balance as they begin a new chapter.

“There is a really nice balance in the set-up and we have a nice group of guys. We have some really good all-rounders, mixed with 2-3 world class players with the likes of Buttler, Klaasen and co,” Markram said.

“I think a lot of it comes down to finding our strength as a team and our identity and what gives us the best chance to play good cricket and win games of cricket, so it’s obviously a new and exciting challenge for us in a competition with a lot of new faces.”

Sold-out Newlands set for festive opener

Cricket fever has gripped the Mother City, with the opening match completely sold out. Fans will be treated to a festival atmosphere, headlined by a live performance from award-winning DJ and GQ Man of the Year Shimza before the first ball.

With entertainment on and off the field and two star-studded teams ready to set the tone for the season, Newlands is primed for a blockbuster start to Betway SA20 Season 4.

Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession

Adnaan MohamedCricket, Event Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s summer blockbuster is ready for its opening scene. Betway SA20 Season 4 strides to the crease on Boxing Day at Newlands, where cricket royalty and fearless young guns will collide in a festive showdown packed with promise.

The countdown gathered pace in Cape Town as League Commissioner Graeme Smith addressed the media alongside a who’s who of SA20 captains: Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs. The message was clear: the league is no longer finding its feet, it’s sprinting between the wickets.

“I’m very excited. I think from our perspective, it has been three great seasons building up to where we are now,” Smith said.

“We are really looking forward to a great summer of cricket. The players on my left and right, having spoken to them this morning, are also really looking forward to performing well over the next coming weeks.”

Smith believes SA20 has become fertile ground for South Africa’s next wave of talent.

“We’re starting to see an influx of talent performing well. It’s an incredible opportunity for those youngsters to be exposed to the quality of the game, to learn and to use the League as a platform for them.

“It’s not just the 15 players that play for South Africa in the year, but another 60-odd players that have developed.”

A new chapter begins for Aiden Markram, who swaps Sunrisers Eastern Cape success for fresh challenges at Durban’s Super Giants.

“It’s exciting being with the new team,” Markram said. “The competition is such a great time of year in South Africa. I’ve said it now quite a few times, but guys really enjoy it. The fans love it.”

No player embodies SA20’s growth more than Tristan Stubbs. Once a Rising Star, the Gqeberha local now captains Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“I’m really excited and just keen to get going. We sort of followed a similar blueprint to the first year. A lot of the team is based around local boys who know PE, live in and around PE. Just being a PE boy brings that culture and that extra fight to play for the team in front of a home crowd,” Stubbs said.

At Joburg Super Kings, Faf du Plessis is embracing a youthful revolution.

“I feel there was a shift in his (Fleming) style when it comes to looking at younger players and backing younger players,” Du Plessis said.

“This year especially we have a very young squad… That’s the nature of the beast of SA20.”

David Miller expects raw hunger to be the difference-maker.

“There’s going to be a lot of energy, enthusiasm from the youngsters… This is the month to enjoy the season and have a lot of fun and play extremely competitive cricket at the same time.”

New leadership also arrives in Centurion, where Keshav Maharaj eyes Highveld challenges.

“Every novel opens with a new chapter, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Maharaj said.

Defending champions MI Cape Town, meanwhile, lean on chemistry as Kagiso Rabada sharpens the attack.

“Familiarity is a key thing. You need to bond with your teammates,” Rabada said.

With opening-night tickets already sold out, SA20 Season 4 is shaping up as a summer where every ball matters, and the future of South African cricket swings freely.

Springboks Brace for Brutal Torino Clash With Resurgent Italy

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Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has warned that Italy are no side to stroll past, likening Saturday’s showdown in Torino to a scrum where one wrong step can send you skidding backwards.

The Boks face the Azzurri at Allianz Stadium at 14:40 (SA time), live on SuperSport. And Stick made it clear the visitors aren’t treating this as a gentle warm-up jog.

“It’s a tough week because we are facing a team that comes off a good game against Australia,” said Stick.

“A few other players are getting an opportunity to play, and that motivates us immensely.”

Stick said the squad’s hunger runs deeper than selection rotation:

“The players have been working very hard and waiting for their opportunity, such as Handré (Pollard) and Canan (Moodie), among others.

“For us, whoever gets a chance to represent the country, it’s not just about playing for yourself, but close to 60 million South Africans at home. This Test is a massive game for us.”

He also brushed aside whispers that the matchday group lacked bite.

“There’s no such thing as a trial match when it comes to the Springboks,” Stick insisted.

“We need to respect the players who are receiving an opportunity to play. We all know Italy are in a good space as a team, and improving week in and week out.

“In Pretoria, they posed big challenges in the second half, so they are a side you can never underestimate. That said, we’ll be prepared, and the players are excited and looking forward to the match.”

Kolisi: Breakdown will be the battleground

Captain Siya Kolisi who is set to notch his 101st Test cap, expects the breakdown to be the heart of the contest, the place “where matches are won and lost like turnovers at a street fight.”

“It’s been one of the big areas we looked at this week, just as we did when we played against them in South Africa,” said Kolisi.

“We struggled in the first match against them back home, and that was one of the main reasons we had to work so hard to win that match.

“We know how good they are there, so we’ve worked hard this week to ensure we look after the ball properly. The pack will be important this weekend. We know what we have to do, and we have to make sure we are up for it.”

Kolisi dismissed concerns about cohesion within the fresh-faced forward unit:

“We’ve done the work on the field during the week, and that’s where we get to know one another. The coaches have been crucial in that regard. The senior guys obviously need to lead by example, but we feel good as a group in general.”

Van Staden’s hooker switch “a long-term project”

With Marco van Staden named as the reserve hooker, Stick revealed this is no spur-of-the-moment gamble.

“It was always the plan for him to be a backup hooker in the squad,” said Stick.

“At the 2023 World Cup, he was always training and working on extra skills in that position to ensure he was ready when the opportunity arose. So, it’s a project we’ve been working on for the last few years.

“He’s a tough guy who always plays with his heart on his sleeve, and he’s a breakdown specialist, which will be valuable against a side like Italy. It’s great that we can move him to hooker later in the game.”

Italian backline “will punish you” if given space

Stick also flagged Italy’s dangerous midfield and backline, a unit he describes as sharp enough to slice through any defensive line that drifts for even a moment.

“If you look at the Italian centres, they are probably one of the best centre partnerships in the country at the moment, and they have great players all around at the back,” he said. “They are also playing really well, so it’s going to be a tough game with ball in hand.

“If you give the Italian players time and space, their backline players will punish you.”

Teams:

Italy: 15 Ange Capuozzo, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex (captain), 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 6 Ross Vintcent, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolò Cannone, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Riccardo Favretto, 21 David Odiase, 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Tommaso Allan.

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Gerhard Steenekamp, 17 Wilco Louw, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.

Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Kick-off: 13.40 (14.40 SAST; 12.40 GMT)
Expected weather: There will be some drizzle and light winds with a temperature around 14°C
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Jérémy Rozier (France)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

SOURCE: SA RUGBY

How Rugby Saved Siya Kolisi and Continues to Save a Nation

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, RugbyLeave a Comment on How Rugby Saved Siya Kolisi and Continues to Save a Nation
By Adnaan Mohamed

For Siya Kolisi, rugby wasn’t just a game, it was a way out. A lifeline. A field of hope that pulled him from the dusty streets of Zwide to the world’s grandest rugby stage.

Now, as the Springbok captain runs out for his 100th Test against France in Paris on Saturday night, his story stands as living proof of what sport can do for a young boy who could so easily have been lost to circumstance.

“I’m very proud and honoured, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s played a part in my life because I wouldn’t be here without my community,” Kolisi said ahead of his milestone.

“The foundation of who I am is from Zwide and the wider community. The people there parented me, and the teachers at school believed in me.”

Rugby as Redemption

Kolisi’s journey, from barefoot kid to Bok centurion, mirrors that of countless young South Africans who have found direction, purpose, and family through rugby. It’s a game that has replaced street corners with scrums and despair with discipline.

“Coach Rassie gave me my first contract,” Kolisi recalled.

“Then there was coach Heyneke (Meyer), Allister (Coetzee), Jacques (Nienaber), and all my club coaches. I’ve taken lessons from them all. They could have chased me away, but they backed me.”

That faith didn’t just build a player; it built a man.

“I carry all my teammates, from childhood to now, into each game, along with all the South Africans who expect so much from this team,” Kolisi said.

“Because they’ve seen what we’re capable of.”

A Game Bigger Than the Man

Kolisi’s 100th Test will be shared with his children, his community, and his country. But he’s quick to shift the focus from himself to the collective, to the game that gave him everything.

“It’s been a relaxed week,” he said.

“I’ve had my kids here and people who’ve supported me over the years, so that’s been special. But the team comes before the individual in our setup. If we do well as a team, the milestone will be special anyway.”

The match against France also marks Rassie Erasmus’s 50th as head coach — another figure who understands that rugby in South Africa isn’t merely about trophies. It’s about transformation, both personal and national.

Still Fighting for Every Inch

On Saturday, Kolisi will once again lead his team into battle, not just against a French side seeking revenge for last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal loss, but against the very odds he’s defied all his life.

“This game is like a knockout,” he said.

“We know how big it is for rankings and pride. But for us, it’s always about purpose, to represent our people, to make South Africans proud, and to keep building something that lasts.”

He knows the fight will be brutal.

“Games against France are always big because it’s two powerful packs facing one another,” Kolisi said.

“Physicality will be key; winning the gain line and the breakdowns. The team that uses their opportunities best will win.”

“Rugby Saved Me” and It Still Saves Others

For many young South Africans, Kolisi’s 100th cap is more than a personal achievement, it’s a symbol of hope. Proof that the sport can still be a bridge out of poverty, a classroom of character, and a safe haven from the dangers that lurk beyond the touchline.

Kolisi’s story isn’t just about how he reached 100 Tests, it’s about how rugby gave him 100 reasons to bel

And on Saturday night in Paris, as the Springbok skipper leads his team onto the field, every step he takes will echo with the footsteps of those boys still chasing the same dream, one pass, one tackle, one life at a time.

Source: SA Rugby

Altitude Duel: Munnik and Mphahlele Set to Ignite Joburg’s Boxer Super Run

Adnaan MohamedBoxer Super Run, Features, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Altitude Duel: Munnik and Mphahlele Set to Ignite Joburg’s Boxer Super Run
By Adnaan Mohamed

The heartbeat of Jozi is about to quicken. When the Boxer Super Run Joburg makes its debut at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November, South Africa’s two premier speed merchants, Luan Munnik and Ryan Mphahlele, will line up for what promises to be a blistering 5K duel under the highveld sun.

It’s the kind of matchup that makes road running fans lean forward. Munnik, the 2024 Tshwane champion, meets Mphahlele, the 2025 Durban victor, in a head-to-head that could light up the streets of the City of Gold.

“The 5K is where speed and endurance collide,” says Munnik, whose 13:50 win in Tshwane confirmed his versatility as a middle-distance star who can handle the heat of the road.

“It’s where a 1500m track specialist like me can mix it up with the longer-distance road runners. It’s fast, tactical, and tests complete fitness.”

For Munnik, the Joburg race, with its challenging altitude and brand-new course, brings both excitement and opportunity.

“Joburg has such a strong running culture, and racing at altitude adds an extra layer of challenge. It’s great to see the series expanding, it keeps things fresh and exciting.”

The R147,000 combined prize purse, he says, is a “massive boost for South African running.”

“It encourages professionalism and shows that the event values the effort it takes to compete at the top level.”

And what about facing Mphahlele, one of SA’s most in-form athletes?

“Ryan ran a great race in Durban, his range from track to road has been impressive. We had a close finish at a street mile recently, so I’m looking forward to giving him a run for his money over 5K. Joburg’s altitude makes pacing tricky, but a smart race should bring a strong time.”

For Mphahlele, though, there’s no overthinking the challenge, just one clear mission: win.

Ryan Mphahlele and Elroy Gelant in action in Durban by Anthony Grote

“The 5K distance requires serious speed endurance to sustain the high tempo,” says the Durban champion, who clocked a sizzling 13:37 in October.

“I really enjoy the Boxer Super Run, and the prize purse is exciting. My goal is simple, I’m going for the win. The hills of Joburg will make it interesting!”

He’s also looking forward to soaking up the event’s trademark spirit.

“I love the energy around these runs, from the elites to the social runners, everyone brings great vibes. I can’t wait to run in Jozi and enjoy the atmosphere before and after the race.”

Also chasing glory is Chris Mhlanga, the ever-consistent Boxer Athletics Club standout who’s been a fixture in the top five of every Super Run he’s contested.

“The Boxer Super Run is the best and biggest 5K event in the country right now,” he says. “I run it for the love — the vibe, the people, the energy. In Joburg, I’ll be aiming for that podium again. A low 14-minute time would be great.”

For event organisers, this elite showdown marks another high point in the Boxer Super Run’s growing legacy.

“It’s going to be extra special to see two champions like Luan and Ryan go head-to-head,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.

“With Chris Mhlanga also in the mix, and plenty of other contenders, we’re expecting world-class racing in Joburg. It’s going to be a day to remember.”

From the fast pack chasing gold to the social runners out for fun and finish-line selfies, the Boxer Super Run Joburg captures what South African road running is all about: community, competition, and pure, unfiltered passion for the sport.

Because in Jozi, even the air feels faster.

Event Details: Boxer Super Run Joburg 2025

Date: Sunday, 9 November 2025
Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Johannesburg
Distance: 5KM (plus 1KM Kids Race)

Start Times:

  • 07:00 – OPEN WAVE: All runners welcome
  • 08:00–09:30 – SUPER SOCIAL WAVE: Fun runs, dress-ups, charity teams
  • 09:45 – ELITE WOMEN
  • 10:00 – ELITE MEN
  • 10:30 – 1KM KIDS RACE

Entry Includes:

  • Boxer Super Run Performance Tee
  • Goodie Bag & Race Number with Timing Chip
  • Finisher’s Medal
  • On-route entertainment & refreshment stations

Prize Purse: R147,200 Total

  • Elite Race: Top 8 men and women share the prize pot
  • Winners: R20,000 each
  • Open Wave: Category prizes for Junior, Open, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 & 70+

Follow & Enter

Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superrun5k
Queries: [email protected]

Speed Queens Set to Blaze Through Joburg at Boxer Super Run Debut

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The women’s elite field is locked, loaded, and ready to fly as the Boxer Super Run makes its high-altitude Joburg debut at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, 9 November 2025.

With the R147 200 prize purse up for grabs, the women’s race promises to be a fast, fiery showdown on the city’s rolling roads.

Leading the charge is Glenrose Xaba, a two-time champion of the Boxer Super Run (Durban 2023 and Tshwane 2024. She now has her sights set on completing a rare golden hat-trick.

“What I really love about the Boxer Super Run is that it brings great competition and amazing energy wherever it goes,” says Xaba.

“The event is well organised, the atmosphere is electric, and it always feels like a celebration of running.”

Victory in Joburg, she admits, would be more than just another win, it would complete a perfect streak across all three debut host cities.

“Winning in Joburg would complete a special streak. Taking gold at all three debuts would be something I’m really proud of,” she says.

“Each race has its own challenges, so to come out on top again would be a great reward for all the hard work and consistency my team and I have put in.”

Xaba also praised Boxer’s continued investment in the sport.

“The event’s R147K combined prize purse is amazing! It shows that Boxer truly values and invests in athletes. That kind of prize money motivates us to give our absolute best and helps us continue building our careers.”

For Xaba, race day is all about strategy:

“My goal is to run my best race, to stay focused, control my pace, and finish strong. I’ll be aiming for the win, but I also want to execute my race plan well and see how far I can push myself.”

Running stride for stride with her training partner is Karabo More, the Boxer Super Run Durban 2024 champion, who says the Joburg leg is a celebration of local running culture.

“Hosting the race in Joburg is exciting. The city has an incredible running energy,” says More.

“It gives more athletes and fans the chance to be part of the experience and to showcase talent from this region on a bigger stage.”

More believes the R147K purse “is an amazing incentive. It shows how serious and prestigious the event is. My goal is to run strong, stay consistent, and execute my plan with focus, and hopefully chase a personal best.”

Also toeing the elite line is Zanthe Taljaart, eager for her Boxer Super Run debut.

“The 5km distance is fast, exciting, and highly competitive,” says Taljaart.

“It requires both endurance and speed. My goal is to run a strong, consistent race and aim for a sub-17-minute finish.”

Making her comeback from injury, Cian Oldknow sees the race as a vital stepping stone.

“The 5km distance is quite challenging, especially for someone like me who comes from the longer distances,” says Oldknow.

“This race will be a great way to test my fitness, it’s a building block, not a PB chase. I’m just keen to get back on the start line.”

According to Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, the women’s elite wave is always a crowd favourite.

“You never quite know what will happen on the day. The elite races almost always end in a nail-biting sprint finish,” says Pillay.

“We encourage all runners to stick around after their events to cheer on the elites and soak up the incredible atmosphere. It’s going to be an exciting day of running and celebration for everyone involved.”

With four of South Africa’s finest women athletes lining up, the Boxer Super Run Joburg is set to deliver a sprint-finish spectacle through the City of Gold where speed, strategy, and heart will decide who breaks the tape first.

Photo Credit: Anthony Grote

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

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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

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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)