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Gelant and Swiegers target strong returns at Boxer Super Run Joburg

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Gelant and Swiegers target strong returns at Boxer Super Run Joburg
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Boxer Athletics Club runners will headline the elite action at the sold-out 5km event in Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers are looking forward to testing themselves against a competitive field when the Boxer Super Run returns to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

The Boxer Athletics Club pair will tackle the 5km course, which starts on Orange Road in Emmarentia and finishes at Marks Park Sports Club.

Gelant, who is based in Potchefstroom, believes the short distance demands speed, sound tactics and careful pacing.

“The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic event for South African road running,” says Gelant. “The 5km format makes it very exciting because there is nowhere to hide; you need to be ready from the start and you have to race intelligently. I also really enjoy the atmosphere around the event and the way it brings elite athletes and recreational runners together.”

The experienced distance runner welcomes the opportunity to compete over different distances and use the 5km to assess his speed and racing form.

“I enjoy challenging myself over different distances,” he says. “The 5km is a great opportunity to test my speed and racing ability. It is a very tactical distance because it is short enough to require a high level of speed, but long enough that you can pay a big price if you get the pacing wrong. The key for me will be to race the athletes around me, stay focused and make sure I still have something left for the final kilometre.”

Swiegers, who lives in Pretoria, also regards the event as a highlight of her racing calendar. She expects the hilly route to test the field and hopes to finish in the top eight or improve her course best.

Carina Swiegers by Action Photo

“It is an amazing event,” says Swiegers. “The vibe is great, the route is challenging, and what I am most excited about is the amazing atmosphere and all the great elite athletes competing.”

She plans to build her pace as the race progresses.

“My plan is to start conservatively and build up the pace towards the end. It is a challenging route with a few hills, which I enjoy, so I hope my strength will pull through. My goal is to finish in the top eight or run a course PB.”

Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports, said the event’s inclusive format continues to attract runners across different levels of ability.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the Boxer Super Run back to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November. The event offers a unique combination of competitive racing and a fun, inclusive atmosphere, with the 5km distance appealing to everyone from elite athletes to social runners and first-time participants. The Joburg route presents an exciting challenge, and we look forward to seeing athletes like Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers make the most of the opportunity, test themselves against the course and enjoy everything the Boxer Super Run has to offer.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, head of marketing at Boxer Superstores, said the event supports the retailer’s commitment to active lifestyles and community participation.

“At Boxer Superstores, we’re proud to support an event that brings people together through a shared love of running and an active lifestyle. The Boxer Super Run is about more than the finish time; it’s about the atmosphere, the sense of community and the opportunity for everyone to be part of something special. We’re excited to welcome runners, families and supporters to Joburg and look forward to another memorable day.”

The open wave starts at 07:00, followed by the Super Social Wave between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women’s race begins at 09:45, with the elite men starting at 10:00. A 1km children’s race is scheduled for 10:30.

Entries for the Johannesburg event are sold out, with runners set to receive a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, and a finisher’s medal.

The focus will be on Gelant and Swiegers as they take on the course and pursue their respective goals over a distance where every kilometre can shape the outcome.

Race schedule

  • 07:00: Open Wave
  • 08:00–09:30: Super Social Wave
  • 09:45: Elite women
  • 10:00: Elite men
  • 10:30: 1km kids’ race

Entries: SOLD OUT

Entry package includes a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, on-route experience and finisher’s medal.

Mulaudzi stands in Masai’s way at Mangaung 10K

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, Features, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Mulaudzi stands in Masai’s way at Mangaung 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed

Kenyan distance runner Felix Masai Kibet is targeting a personal best at Sunday’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, but South African Kabelo Mulaudzi has warned his rivals they will have to work hard to deny him victory in Bloemfontein.

The race, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026, promises a compelling contest over 10km, with Masai chasing a fast time, Mulaudzi pursuing another series victory and Glenrose Xaba targeting a personal best in the women’s race.

Masai, who owns a 27:19 personal best and led a Kenyan podium sweep at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON in April, outlined his ambitions at Friday’s official race press conference alongside four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka and Mulaudzi.

“I want to run a PB on Sunday,” said Masai.

The Kenyan’s challenge will be complicated by the presence of Mulaudzi, one of the most successful athletes in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in recent seasons.

Mulaudzi is chasing an eighth series victory after winning twice in 2023, claiming four victories last year and triumphing at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last month.

His credentials include a 27:41 personal best, set while winning the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.

“I’m feeling very good and I’m ready for Sunday. The competition is tough, but I will try my best. The field will have to work hard to win,” said Mulaudzi.

The men’s contest will test whether Masai can convert his ambitions into a fast performance against a South African rival who has repeatedly delivered on the series circuit.

Xaba eyes personal best

Glenrose Xaba Photo: Pule Mogorosi

Xaba heads into the women’s race in strong form after winning the Boxer Super Run 5K in Durban on 18 October and becoming the first athlete to secure four SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Series titles.

The South African came within striking distance of her 31:12 personal best at last month’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha, clocking 31:16.

A flat, fast course in Mangaung could provide the opportunity she needs to improve that mark.

“I heard the course is flat and fast, and I’m looking forward to giving my best as I always do. I’m in good form and hoping to have a great race. I came close to my PB in Gqeberha, so I would be happy to set a new PB on Sunday,” said Xaba.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala will also arrive with confidence after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on 18 October.

Khatala will be looking to improve her national record of 32:01, setting up another important test against a competitive women’s field.

A new challenge for Mangaung

Michael Meyer (Stillwater Sports Managing Director & Series Founder), Dirk Mokgele (Regional Segment Head, Absa Group), Glenrose Xaba (South Africa), Mrs Odessa Swarts (Athletics Free State Acting President), Hon Ketso Makume – MEC DEDT (Department of Economic Development and Tourism) and Filex Masai (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: Pule Mogorosi

The inaugural event adds Bloemfontein to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series calendar, giving elite athletes another opportunity to chase fast times and compete for honours on South African roads.

With Masai targeting a personal best, Mulaudzi determined to extend his winning record and Xaba eyeing a breakthrough, Sunday’s race will provide an early measure of the course’s potential.

The stopwatch will ultimately decide whether Mangaung delivers the fast times the athletes are seeking.

Young gun takes aim at established stars at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Young gun takes aim at established stars at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed

A rising star, a seasoned campaigner and a defending champion will bring three very different ambitions to the starting line when the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km unleashes 12,000 runners at Nasrec on Sunday morning.

Twenty-two-year-old Sibusiso Msibi is hungry to announce himself on the big stage, Hollywood Athletics Club veteran Stephen Mokoka is chasing another strong finish, and Nedbank Running Club speedster Thabang Mosiako must decide how much his body has left after a demanding marathon in Germany.

The third edition of the race starts at 07:30, with the winner’s prize climbing to R40,000, making it the richest-paying 10km race in South Africa. With the stakes rising and the field packed, the road to glory promises to be anything but a Sunday stroll.

Rising Star: Sibusiso Msibi

For Msibi, the race represents a golden ticket to a bigger stage.

The University of Johannesburg athlete, who won the 2025 ASA 4km cross-country title, has spent much of his development focusing on track and cross-country. His speciality is the 1,500m and 5,000m, and he is now stretching his ambitions onto the road.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-race media conference in Hyde Park, the Tembisa-born runner made no secret of his intentions.

“I feel if I do good on Sunday, it will open opportunities for me. This is special for me. I am going all out and I am expecting a podium finish.”

Msibi has watched Mokoka and Mosiako from afar, drawing inspiration from the very athletes he will now measure himself against. A 10km encounter with Mokoka at a Region 5 event last year left a lasting impression.

“I remember watching them on TV and wishing to be like them,” he said. “He actually spoke to me during the race, but at the time I was ‘suffering’. That told me to go back and work harder at training.”

His focus remains on cross-country and University Sports South Africa competition next year, while bigger road races are firmly on his horizon. Balancing studies and athletics adds another layer to his challenge, although he says he is coping.

Mosiako, meanwhile, arrives with a title to defend and tired legs to manage.

Defending champion Thabang Mosiako

The former South African half-marathon champion pocketed R37,500 for winning last year’s race. However, his marathon outing in Cologne, Germany, two weeks ago has complicated his Johannesburg campaign.

The 31-year-old is still assessing his recovery and rates his chances at 50/50, wary of pushing too hard and risking injury. His usual end-of-year peak has also been disrupted by bringing his marathon plans forward.

He has even identified Msibi as a serious threat.

“I don’t think I’m going to defend this title with this young man next to me because I saw he can sprint that final 5km,” Mosiako said. “I’m still in my marathon mindset so I’m going to go with the flow and then we’ll see how the race unfolds.”

Mokoka brings a wealth of experience to the contest. The 41-year-old improved from eighth in the inaugural edition to third last year and wants to maintain that upward trajectory.

Accomplished veteran: Stephen Mokoka

“My target this year is to be able to maintain being in the top six from last year in Durban,” he said, reflecting on his recent results.

Mokoka also has reason to feel satisfied with his season after clocking 2:10:48 at the Cape Town Marathon, where he finished 13th.

At Nasrec, youth, experience and endurance will collide over 10 kilometres. Msibi wants a breakthrough, Mosiako hopes his marathon-weary legs can still deliver a title defence, and Mokoka has the experience to read every twist in the race.

The stopwatch will have the final say. For Msibi, though, Sunday could be the morning his name moves from the margins of South African distance running into the spotlight.

  • Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre NASREC.
  • Start Times: The 10km race starts at 07h30. The 5km fun run follows at 08h00.
  • Race Pack Collection: Today (Saturday, 17 October) is the final day to collect your race number and pack. Collections are open at NASREC until 18h00. Note that there are strictly no race-day entries or number collections tomorrow morning.
  • Strict Rules: Running with headphones, earphones, or pets is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
  • Cut-off Times: The 10km route has a hard cut-off at 09h00 (1 hour 30 minutes course time), and the 5km cut-off is at 09h30.

38 Springboks, Two URC Derbies, One Massive Saturday

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on 38 Springboks, Two URC Derbies, One Massive Saturday
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African rugby is rolling out the heavy artillery on Saturday, with 38 Springboks spread across two United Rugby Championship derbies promising a feast of collisions, bruising set pieces and simmering provincial pride.

The Stormers host the Sharks at DHL Stadium Cape Town, while the Bulls welcome the Lions to Loftus Versfeld for the latest chapter in the Jukskei rivalry. With 24 Springboks involved in the coastal showdown and another 14 at Loftus, the domestic stage will resemble a Test-match shop window with provincial colours.

The scene is set for the strongest exhibition of South Africa’s locally based Test quality this season.

The Cape derby carries extra theatre. The Stormers revive their famous Men in Black jersey, welcome 50 former players and their families, and celebrate Siya Kolisi’s return to familiar territory.

Sentiment will fill the stands, but the scoreboard will demand hard currency.

Kolisi’s presence adds leadership and emotional weight to a Stormers side featuring 11 Springboks in its match-day squad. Wilco Louw returns to the Cape franchise for the first time since 2020, setting up a heavyweight scrum engagement with Sharks prop Ox Nché.

Their duel deserves a prize-fight billing. One dominant shove, one mistimed bind or one costly penalty could swing territory, momentum and the match. In the front row, reputations are built one brutal reset at a time.

The Sharks arrive with a dangerous memory: their 30-19 victory in Cape Town on 24 January and two wins over the Stormers last season. JP Pietersen’s side knows the coastal road can be travelled successfully, making the derby a stern examination of John Dobson’s returning Springbok contingent.

Dobson has selected his strongest available team, while the Sharks bring their own international firepower, including Nché and Eben Etzebeth. The aerial contest and forward exchanges could turn DHL Stadium into a pressure cooker where every loose ball carries the threat of an explosive counterattack.

The Jukskei derby brings its own combustible ingredients. The Bulls and Lions have contrasting provincial identities and plenty of incentive to seize bragging rights in Pretoria. Last season, the Lions won at Loftus, while the Bulls triumphed at Ellis Park, proof that familiar surroundings offer no guaranteed shelter.

Beyond the established Springboks, both derbies give members of South Africa’s successful Under-20 teams a valuable measuring stick against players who have conquered the international arena. For Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff, the evidence will be found in the details: decision-making under pressure, physical resilience, tactical discipline and the ability to deliver when the contest tightens.

The next generation will have to earn every centimetre. Reputation might open the door, but performance determines who owns the jersey.

Saturday’s double bill is a celebration of local rugby’s depth and a reminder that provincial loyalty remains a powerful force. The Stormers want their black strip to become a symbol of renewed authority; the Sharks will arrive eager to spoil the homecoming. At Loftus, the Bulls and Lions will fight for control of a rivalry that rarely travels quietly.

Thirty-eight Springboks provide the star power. Two derbies supply the combustible atmosphere. The rest is up to the players, the pressure and the occasional referee’s whistle that will send an entire stadium into a philosophical debate.

South African rugby has cleared the stage. Now the derbies must deliver the fireworks.

JUKSKEI DERBY

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Kick-off: 13.30

Teams: 

Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Hanro Liebenberg (captain), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Cheswill Jooste

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Henco van Wyk, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne (captain), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

Referee: Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa), Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)

COASTAL DERBY

DHL Stadium, Cape Town – Kick-off: 16.00

Teams: 

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi,7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Eduan Swart,1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Stephan Lewies, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Ivan van Zyl, 23 Gianni Lombard

Referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Mphahlele returns to defend Boxer Super Run Durban title

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Mphahlele returns to defend Boxer Super Run Durban title
By Adnaan Mohamed

Ryan Mphahlele will defend his Boxer Super Run Durban 5km title on 18 October knowing he is not at the fitness level that powered him to victory a year ago.

The Tembisa-based runner won both Durban and Johannesburg in 2025, but says this year’s race will serve as a measure of where he stands against a strong elite field.

“Whenever I line up at a race, I want to win,” Mphahlele said. “But my fitness isn’t anywhere near where it was at this time last year. I’ll definitely compete for the win, but I’ll also use the race to see where my fitness is now and how I compare with the other athletes.”

Mphahlele returns to a fast, flat Durban course he favours, although his previous victory offers little comfort ahead of another fiercely contested race.

Last year’s win required a fight to the finish, and the defending champion expects the competition to be tougher this time.

“I enjoy the fast, flat course and expect the tactics to be similar to last year,” he said. “The standard was already very high, and the win didn’t come easily.”

The attractive prize purse adds another incentive to an elite race that has already attracted a sold-out field.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Mphahlele’s return would add further intrigue to the contest, particularly given his candid assessment of his preparation.

The elite women’s race starts at 09:45, with the elite men following at 10:00 at Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park.

For Mphahlele, the race offers two targets: another title and an answer to a more immediate question about his form.

The stopwatch will provide the answer.

The Boxer Super Run Johannesburg takes place on Sunday, 15 November, with entries also sold out.

Gqeberha could make or break Glenrose’s historic title chase

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Gqeberha could make or break Glenrose’s historic title chase
By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba’s Spar Grand Prix dream is heading into dangerous territory.

The Boxer Athletics Club star has a shot at becoming the first woman to win four SPAR Grand Prix titles, but Saturday’s penultimate race in Gqeberha could send the championship race into overdrive.

Xaba currently shares the record of three Grand Prix crowns with fellow South Africans Rene Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl, and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

A victory in this year’s series would put her alone at the top.

But the road to history is littered with potholes.

Cacisile Sosibo, Xaba’s Boxer teammate, leads the standings on 80 points, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh on 60 and Xaba third.

Kavanagh will miss Gqeberha after staying in Europe following the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, where she smashed Elana Meyer’s South African 5km record with a sensational 14:51.

That absence has opened the door for the chasing pack.

And they are coming.

Ethiopian Selam Gebre, currently fourth, will be among those hunting points, while Karabo Mailula, sixth, arrives after finishing fifth in Thursday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K in 34:44.

Irvette van Zyl, another three-time Grand Prix champion, clocked 34:51 in Joburg and sits 10th overall.

Neheng Khatala, Cian Gerber (Oldknow) and Karabo More are also expected to throw themselves into the points battle.

Xaba, meanwhile, is carrying serious form into Gqeberha.

She finished 13th in the Copenhagen half marathon in 1:07:49, the second-fastest 21km time of her career.

Sosibo was 70th in 1:14:00 and will be determined to protect her championship lead.

Then there is the course.

SPAR Grand Prix technical consultant Brad Glasspoole says the new route could produce a furious finish.

“The new Gqeberha route starts at Pollok Beach and avoids the city centre. This reduces traffic, turns and twists,” Glasspoole told Modern Athlete

“There is a 550m climb on 10th Avenue, followed by a 450m descent. The final 2.5km is flat and fast.”

That final stretch could become a sprinting lottery, with tired legs and championship points fighting for the same piece of road.

About 6,000 runners are expected, with wet and windy conditions forecast.

Glasspoole believes the new qualification rule could make Saturday even more important.

“This is a new rule we introduced this year to make the series more competitive. With Johannesburg as the final leg after Gqeberha, Saturday’s points could be decisive.”

Athletes must complete at least three races to qualify for the Grand Prix title.

The five-race series visits Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, with R1,967,500 in total prize money and up to R212,000 available per leg for the South African competition.

Caster Semenya at starting line during the 2025 SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Green Point Common Sports Ground on March 30, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Xaba, Sosibo, Mailula and More are coached by former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya and her wife Violet Semenya.

Saturday is therefore no ordinary 10km.

For Xaba, it is another step towards history.

For Sosibo, it is a chance to tighten her grip.

And for the chasing pack, it is open season.

Gqeberha is ready. The title race is on.

Rassie unleashes Malcolm Marx flank Masterplan

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Rassie unleashes Malcolm Marx flank Masterplan
By Adnaan Mohamed

Rassie ready to unleash World Player of the Year in new role against Wallabies

Rassie Erasmus is cooking up another Springbok surprise, and this one could see the World Player of the Year, Malcolm Marx, packing down far from his usual hunting ground.

Erasmus continues to redefine squad management, introducing 13 changes for the Test against Australia while building leadership depth through Andre Esterhuizen’s appointment as captain.

Malcolm Marx has been named among the replacements for Sunday’s showdown with Australia in Perth, but Erasmus has revealed the wrecking-ball hooker could be unleashed at flank when he storms onto the field.

Yes, flank.

The revelation adds serious spice to an already radically reshuffled Bok pack as Erasmus attempts to keep his warriors fresh while building the depth he believes will be crucial at the next World Cup.

“Even later in the game, if Ox Nché comes on, Jan-Hendrik might move to hooker, and we’ve been trying Malcolm on the flank as well,” Erasmus said.

That means Marx could swap the No 2 jersey for the loose-forward trenches, where his ferocious carrying, physicality and breakdown work could give the Wallabies another headache.

And if that sounds like classic Rassie rugby roulette, it is.

The Boks have also thrown another curveball at No 8, with Marco van Staden packing down at the back of the scrum alongside Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers.

But Erasmus made it clear that Van Staden’s biggest assignment is not wearing the traditional No 8 hat.

“There’s not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming,” the Bok boss said.

The real battlefield will be the breakdown.

“If you take Paul, Marco, Elrigh, Jasper [Wiese] if he comes on, André Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive.

“Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They’re really good at that and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us.”

With Australia boasting breakdown pests of their own, Van Staden has been handed the dirty-work job.

The Boks have also built a safety net should the pack start falling apart.

If Louw or De Villiers are forced off, Franco Mostert can move into the loose-forward mix, while captain André Esterhuizen can shift to either blindside or openside.

Then there is Jasper Wiese, waiting in the wings for his 50th Test cap.

Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Springbok cap from the bench Photo: X.com

Erasmus admitted he would have preferred to start the powerful No 8, but wanted insurance on the bench if the new-look starting combination hits turbulence.

“We’d have loved to start Jasper, but we need some security on the bench,” he said.

“We’re sure the guys who are going to start are going to be a little bit energetic and haven’t played for a while. There might be some combination hiccups.”

Up front, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will pack down either side of hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

The selections are part of Erasmus’ bigger body-management operation, with Grobbelaar getting his opportunity after Deon Fourie played three Tests in succession at 39.

“[Deon Fourie] playing three Test matches in a row at the age of 39, Grobbies deserves a chance now.”

Erasmus also stressed that Wessels and Grobbelaar have experience against Australia, adding another layer to the selection gamble.

“We’re trying to save the bodies, and manage the guys while winning but also building some squad depth.”

In Perth, therefore, the Boks are not merely taking a hammer to the Wallabies.

They are sharpening every blade in the toolbox.

And if Marx really does appear at flank, Australia could discover that Rassie’s bench has teeth in places nobody expected.

Sunday’s contest, kicking off at 11:45 SA time on SuperSport, is more than another Test. It is another examination of Erasmus’ greatest creation: a Springbok system where stars rest, leaders emerge and the conveyor belt never stops moving.

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.

Gerda Steyn’s Free State homecoming gets a 10km twist

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Gerda Steyn will trade ultra-marathon endurance for 10km speed when she lines up at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 25 October.

For one of South Africa’s most accomplished road runners, the race carries a personal significance. Steyn grew up in the Free State and attended university there, yet has never raced competitively in the province.

She describes her Mangaung debut as a “homecoming” and a full-circle moment.

“The Free State is where I grew up and also where I went to university. Being part of this first Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K feels like a homecoming, a full-circle moment because I’ve never actually raced in the Free State or the Northern Cape,” Steyn said.

“I’m sure I will recognise every corner and every turn. Racing a 10km also exposes me to a different side of the running community because I get to meet different people and new faces that I don’t get to meet at the marathons and the ultra-marathons. It’s very, very special indeed.”

Steyn arrives with formidable credentials. The seven-time Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON champion and five-time Comrades Marathon winner has a 10km personal best of 32:24, set in 2020.

The shorter distance will also serve a practical purpose as she rebuilds her speed following another demanding ultra-marathon season.

“I always find that stepping down from the ultra-marathon and marathon distance to race a 10km is very beneficial,” she said.

“After success at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON and Comrades Marathons this year, I’ve had time to recover and I’m back on the road again, working on my speed.”

The “Smiling Assassin” knows the 10km demands a different kind of aggression.

“The training and the racing for 10km is quite different to the long distances. There’s no room for mistakes. You have to be ready to go from the gun, which forces me to stay sharp and keep focusing on the speed side of my training.”

Steyn has previous experience of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, having competed in the inaugural Tshwane 10K in 2023.

The series began in Cape Town in 2015 and attracted more than 50 000 runners across the country last year. Mangaung becomes its sixth city.

“I think from the start the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has had such a wonderful reputation for bringing mass participation and world-class elite-level performances to the heart of South Africa’s urban spaces,” Steyn said.

“Every runner can attest to the fact that the experience, from entering the race to finishing the race, is always so pleasant, which is why we have seen its tremendous growth.”

For Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, Steyn’s appearance adds another dimension to the inaugural event.

“Gerda has such a strong connection to the Free State, so to have her return to race here for the first time makes this a particularly special moment,” Meyer said.

The race starts at 07:00 at the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College, with the finish on Kings Way.

Steyn’s target is straightforward.

“My aim is to get the most out of myself on race day, which is all I can ask of myself.”

In Mangaung, the ultra queen gets a chance to show how sharp her shorter-distance claws remain.

Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com

Tatjana is back: Olympic star returns for SA Championships

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Tatjana is back: Olympic star returns for SA Championships
By Adnaan Mohamed

The return of Tatjana Smith has injected fresh electricity into next week’s South African Short Course Championships, turning a routine national meet into one of the country’s most intriguing swimming stories of the year.

Tatjana Smith – Credit World Aquatics

Smith, formerly Schoenmaker, will return to competition at the GC Jolliffe swimming pool from 24 to 27 September, almost two years after retiring following her gold and silver medals at the Paris Olympics.

The four-time Olympic medallist is entered in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, as well as several relays for her new Stellenbosch-based team, Lane Leader.

Tatjana Smith gold – Credit World Aquatics

Swimming South Africa Head of High Performance Dean Price welcomed her return.

“We’re very excited that Tatjana is coming back to swimming. We know Tatjana is an excellent racer, so you can really count on her in a big event. I think she’ll be a huge addition to our team, and I think not only in the individual, but I think she can be of great value in the relays as well… We look forward to her competing in her first event, and we feel very confident that she’s going to do very well.”

Michael Houlie, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and former national teammate, believes Smith’s new-found freedom could make her particularly dangerous.

Michael Houlie – Credit SASCOC-Team SA

“She’s a phenomenal swimmer, but more importantly, she looks like a happy swimmer right now. And that could be dangerous for everyone else, so the world better watch out,” he said.

“She has absolutely nothing left to prove, which means she has the opportunity to race completely free and just enjoy swimming again.”

Duné Coetzee, another former Tokyo teammate, added: “I think it is amazing that she is coming back. She is the best there is and such a huge inspiration to me. I’m really excited to see her race again and to learn from her.”

Houlie will also make his first appearance at the championships since 2018, targeting qualification for December’s World Short Course Championships in Beijing in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.

“Short course metres is a different type of racing,” he said, pointing to the increased demands of walls, pullouts and transitions.

Coetzee brings another compelling storyline. Having moved to Pietermaritzburg a month ago to train at Seals Swimming Club under Wayne Riddin, she will race eight individual freestyle and butterfly events in her home training pool.

Dune Coetzee – Credit SA Sports Images

“Training has been going exceptionally well,” she said. “I’ve been doing some of the hardest sets I have ever done, which has been really motivating and has also given me a lot of confidence in my swimming.”

Commonwealth Games relay medallists Hannah Pearse, Georgia Nel, Guy Brooks and Chris Smith are also entered, while Para swimmer Christian Sadie arrives fresh from winning S7 50m freestyle gold in Glasgow.

For four days, the 25m pool will become a cauldron of turns, underwater battles and stopwatch drama.

Smith’s comeback supplies the headline.

The racing will supply the verdict.

Springboks vs All Blacks: Baltimore Rugby Brawl Awaits

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, News, Preview, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springboks vs All Blacks: Baltimore Rugby Brawl Awaits
By Adnaan Mohamed

The All Blacks are desperate. The Springboks are hunting. Baltimore is the battleground.

There will be nowhere to hide when the Springboks and All Blacks slug it out in Baltimore on Saturday.

This is rugby stripped down to its studs: four games in a row, two wounded heavyweights, one series trophy and enough national pride to power a stadium.

The Boks lead. The All Blacks want to drag them into the gutter and level the series.

Siya Kolisi has seen this movie before. He knows the haka comes with teeth.

“We definitely want to win the series,” said the Springbok captain.

“We don’t want to draw it, and that has been our mindset this week.”

Translation: the Boks have no appetite for polite handshakes and participation medals.

They want the trophy.

They want the win.

And, above everything, they want South Africans to puff out their chests.

“We’ve all seen in the last three games that if you are not at your best, they have what it takes to punish you. But so do we, and we want to make sure we keep making our people proud.”

The stakes are already sky-high. Then rugby decided to throw another log on the fire.

Saturday marks Rassie Erasmus’ 100th Test match in his two Springbok roles as head coach and Director of Rugby.

For Kolisi, this four-Test marathon has felt less like a series and more like a succession of World Cup finals.

“In my experience, it doesn’t get tougher than this. It’s like playing four Rugby World Cup finals in as many weeks given the quality of both teams.”

That is not hype. That is a warning label.

The All Blacks have changed personnel and brought Richie Mo’unga back at flyhalf. Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick expected the move and reckons New Zealand could unleash an even more adventurous attack.

“Richie is world class and we know him well,” said Stick.

“I think the All Blacks are going to be even more bold tomorrow when it comes to keeping the ball alive and using the wide channels, and we know how dangerous they are.”

So expect the ball to fly, bodies to fly and somebody’s game plan to eventually crash into the advertising hoardings.

The Bok answer?

Bring the thunder.

“The most important aspect for us is to enforce our game on them physically and go from there,” Stick said.

That phrase, enforce our game, should make the All Blacks nervous.

Because the Boks are not arriving in Maryland to admire the scenery.

They are arriving to impose themselves.

Kolisi, meanwhile, has no intention of allowing outside noise to hijack the Bok blueprint.

“Our system isn’t rigid. We can play set-piece rugby and a kicking game. We don’t have a system that says we have to play a certain way. It’s one that creates opportunities for us to play.”

And Baltimore is already buzzing.

Stick says South Africans are everywhere, dressed in green and gold and travelling from across the United States to back their team.

“There are a lot of South Africans here and the vibe is great, so we are excited about the opportunity to promote rugby in the USA.”

Even Stick got a taste of American sporting culture, watching baseball and ticking an item off his bucket list.

His verdict on the pitchers?

“I thought (Kagiso) Rabada (Proteas bowler) was fast until I saw those pitchers.”

Now the Boks need to throw a few fastballs of their own.

Kick-off is 17h00 Baltimore time, 23h00 SA time, live on SuperSport.

Erasmus has 100 Tests to celebrate.

Kolisi has cap 107.

The All Blacks have desperation.

The Boks have a trophy to grab.

Baltimore has been warned.