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Soweto calls. Siya must answer.

Adnaan MohamedNews, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Soweto calls. Siya must answer.
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Calabash will roar. The rain may fall. And somewhere inside the thunder of 90 000 voices, Siya Kolisi will carry a piece of South African history onto the FNB Stadium battlefield.

For the Springbok captain, Saturday’s third Test against the All Blacks is bigger than a series decider.

It is personal.

It is political history without the politics.

And it is an opportunity to repay a debt to the people of Soweto whose sacrifices helped create the freedom that allowed Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick to rise to the summit of South African sport.

“We’re thankful for the people connected to that place who fought for the freedom that lets me and him [assistant coach Mzwandile Stick] sit here today,” Kolisi said on Friday.

“Giving our best tomorrow, and using every opportunity we get, is part of us saying thank you.”

Those words will carry considerable weight when the Springboks emerge into the cauldron.

Kolisi spoke about Soweto’s sporting heartbeat, recalling the 1996 African Cup of Nations and the extraordinary connection between the stadium and its community.

He spoke, too, about homeless residents cheering the Springbok bus and locals sacrificing what little they have so others can experience the spectacle.

“It hasn’t always gone our way in Soweto, we didn’t win the first time we played here, but the numbers that show up at the stadium, and the vibe inside it, we feel it,” he said.

“We hope we can give them a good memory, not just with words but with our efforts tomorrow.”

History is also waiting for Kolisi personally.

Victory would give him 55 Test wins as Springbok captain, taking him beyond John Smit and into record territory.

Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese and Kolisi will also establish a new record for Tests played together as a Springbok loose trio.

Kolisi, though, refuses to make the occasion about himself.

“As for the wins record, that’s a team achievement, not mine personally. As long as we win, I’m happy, because it shows we’re building and moving forward as a group.”

That collective mindset will be tested by an All Blacks side with its own pride bruised after losing 33-26 in Cape Town.

New Zealand captain Ardie Savea knows exactly where the battle could be won.

The breakdown.

“Every rugby team is trying to hunt turnovers at the breakdown, and there’s no doubt the Springboks are strong there,” Savea said. “They did a good job keeping us out last week, and they’ll have to do it again this week.”

The All Blacks cannot afford another sluggish launch.

“You wouldn’t be an All Black if you weren’t confident by this point in the week, so we’re confident, but we also respect the threat the Springboks pose.”

“Last week they came out firing … we’d talked about starting well and didn’t quite deliver on that.”

Savea will also have to contend with his friend turned foe.

Kolisi’s thunderous tackle in Cape Town remains fresh in his memory.

“I told him, next time, tackle me frontwards, take me home,” Savea joked. “I was lying on the ground and all I could hear was my dad’s voice telling me to get up. So, I got up.”

Then the smile disappeared.

“Siya’s the same guy off the field, we get on well, but once you’re on the field you’re locked in, he’s the enemy out there. That’s footy, we’re going to try and smash each other tomorrow, then jump on the plane again afterwards.”

Savea likened the decider to State of Origin: “Game three, one apiece, here in Africa, so it’s a big one.”

He knows the All Blacks must be clinical.

“We have to be really clinical, accurate and disciplined. They’re world champions for a reason, and if you do that you won’t get it back.”

Kolisi expects the weather to be irrelevant.

“It won’t affect our game plan at all. The way we play is built for any weather.”

That is the challenge facing New Zealand.

Stop the Springbok juggernaut. Survive the Soweto storm. Silence the Calabash.

For Kolisi, the equation is simpler.

Give everything.

Give thanks.

Make history.

South Africa: Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok.

New Zealand: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Tupuo Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, George Bower.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.

Saturday, September 5 | FNB Stadium, Soweto | 17:10 SA time

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Cheslin Kolbe warns: All Blacks will come fighting in Soweto

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, Features, News, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Cheslin Kolbe warns: All Blacks will come fighting in Soweto
By Adnaan Mohamed

Cheslin Kolbe expects the All Blacks to come out firing when the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series moves back to Johannesburg next weekend.

South Africa levelled the four-Test series at 1-1 with a hard-fought 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium on Saturday, with Kolbe’s flawless goal-kicking proving decisive as he contributed 18 points.

The Springboks now face another examination at the FNB Stadium in Soweto against a New Zealand side smarting from its first defeat of the year.

“When you lose, the team is always going to come back with a point to prove,” Kolbe said.

The third Test at FNB Stadium on 5 September presents the Boks with an opportunity to seize control of the series, but Kolbe believes there is plenty for Rassie Erasmus’ side to address before then.

“We need to go back on Monday and see where we didn’t capitalise on opportunities,” he said.

“New Zealand are a quality team; they attack well and they cut us open a few times. We definitely need to look at where we can improve and get better as a team.”

That assessment carries weight.

The Boks built a 24-14 half-time lead in Cape Town, yet the All Blacks fought back with four tries and were within seven points late in the contest. South Africa’s ability to close out the match under pressure was significant, but the defensive cracks New Zealand exposed will give the coaching staff plenty of video to pore over.

Kolbe also offered an insight into the mood around the Bok camp following their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park.

“We could feel the atmosphere, not negativity but less energy, throughout the week because of the loss last week,” he said.

“As they always say, when we lose, it’s ‘n Blou Maandag [a Blue Monday]. We felt that, but we just wanted to rectify it.

“It wasn’t easy at all; we needed to stay in the fight. It’s going to be like that for the next two matches.”

Kolbe’s own contribution has added another string to his already crowded bow.

The Stormers-bound back credited his season in Japan, where he took responsibility for goal-kicking, as well as Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown, for helping improve his technique and consistency.

“This season in Japan, I had the responsibility of taking over the goal-kicking and that’s contributed to my style and technique.

“I can also give credit to the coaches in Japan, and Tony in the Springbok set-up is doing a few things for me so I can get more consistency.

“That’s the same for every rugby player; you always need to bring something new to the team … it’s contributing to the team’s success,” he said.

Asked how far he could kick a goal, Kolbe offered a typically cheeky response:

“I think most of the balls tonight were just over the crossbar!”

The joke was vintage Kolbe. His kicking, meanwhile, was anything but a laughing matter.

With the series delicately poised, the Boks have momentum. The All Blacks have motivation.

Soweto should have plenty of both.

Boks’ Cape Town Test rocked by Pollard fitness scare

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, News, Preview, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks’ Cape Town Test rocked by Pollard fitness scare
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks’ bid to claw their way back into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series has been dealt another potential blow, with Handré Pollard reportedly set to miss Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.

According to Netwerk24, the experienced flyhalf is battling a calf injury and could be ruled out of the four-match series showdown.

Pollard was named to start on Monday, with Rassie Erasmus opting for the two-time World Cup winner’s experience of Cape Town conditions. His late fitness concern has thrown another spanner into the Springbok machinery at a time when every moving part needs to click.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started at flyhalf in last weekend’s 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park before moving to the bench, and Manie Libbok are the leading candidates to step into the No 10 jersey.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Pollard’s 2026 campaign has already been punctuated by injury. He opened his season with a Man of the Match performance against Scotland on 11 July before a hamstring problem ruled him out of the Wales Test the following week. His latest appearance came in South Africa’s victory over Argentina in Mendoza almost a month ago.

Now, with the Boks’ series hopes dangling over the precipice, another injury cloud has gathered.

South Africa must win in Cape Town to prevent New Zealand from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead and effectively closing the door on a series victory. Another defeat would leave the Boks needing to win the remaining two Tests to force a draw.

Thomas du Toit insists the Ellis Park setback has already been packed away and dissected.

“I think the important thing for us was to park that game and take the learning as quickly as we can,” said the versatile prop.

The Springboks conducted their review on Monday, identifying what worked and what went wrong before turning their attention to the next assignment.

“We took on board the learnings, took the good stuff, worked on the bad and worst things of the game – it was as easy as that.”

Du Toit believes the Boks need every component firing, particularly with wet conditions potentially turning the contest into a territorial tug-of-war.

“Unfortunately, in this game you can’t only have one aspect of the game firing right for you.”

Scrums, kicking, attack, defence, entries into the 22 and finishing will all need to mesh into one formidable machine.

South Africa do have significant firepower returning. Siya Kolisi is back as captain, Pieter-Steph du Toit reaches his 100th Test, Ox Nche earns his 50th and Eben Etzebeth extends his record as the most-capped Springbok to 144 appearances.

The starting XV, with Kolisi included, boasts a remarkable 1 012 Test caps, the most experienced Springbok starting line-up ever selected. The forwards account for 584 caps and the backline 428, with another 204 caps among the replacements.

Deon Fourie could add another piece of history from the bench. Should he play, the 39-year-old will become the oldest Springbok Test player, overtaking Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits. It would also mark his first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup final, where South Africa edged the All Blacks 12-11.

New Zealand have reshaped their pack, with George Bower replacing Ethan de Groot, who remains under HIA protocols. Josh Lord makes way for Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, while Simon Parker starts at No 6. Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby have swapped positions in the backline.

The All Blacks hold the historical advantage, winning 64 of 111 Tests against South Africa, with 43 Springbok victories and four draws. New Zealand have scored 2 302 points and 253 tries to South Africa’s 1 866 points and 182 tries.

Recent form offers the Boks a glimmer of light. They have won five of the last seven meetings since August 2023 and beat New Zealand 18-12 in their most recent Cape Town encounter in 2024.

The stakes, however, are brutally simple.

The Boks need a response. They need composure. They need their big-game players to stand tall.

And if Pollard’s calf keeps him sidelined, another Springbok No 10 must step into the furnace.

Cape Town is waiting. The series is slipping. Saturday could be the night South Africa either reignites the rivalry or watches it burn away.

Probable Springbok selection if Pollard is ruled out

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu/Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morné van den Berg, Pollard’s replacement.

ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower. Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.

Match officials

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Kick-off: Saturday, 17:10
Venue: Cape Town Stadium

Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks slow-play claims

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, RugbyLeave a Comment on Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks slow-play claims
Adnaan Mohamed

The first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series has already produced its opening skirmish.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed suggestions that South Africa deliberately slows the game at set pieces, insisting his team will stick to its systems when the All Blacks arrive at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday.

“There are always three truths: New Zealand’s truth, the truth people believe, and our truth,” Erasmus said.

The comments come as the pre-Test needle begins to prick. New Zealand has promoted a high-intensity, multi-phase style, with suggestions that the Springboks could seek to disrupt that rhythm.

Erasmus is having none of it.

“In our last two games against New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington, people can go and look at those games and ask were we slowing those down. They beat us in Auckland, and we got a good result in Wellington.”

For Erasmus, Test rugby is not about satisfying outside narratives but more about surviving the furnace when pressure reaches boiling point.

“We believe there’s a certain way to win big games and we think it will be a grind.”

That grind could become the defining feature of Saturday’s opening act.

“When you’re under pressure and you attack, it’s tough to maintain cohesion,” Erasmus said. “We will try to find a balance when games are really tight, but we have a system to fall back on that protects the players.”

Tony Brown’s influence has also helped shape the Boks’ attacking approach.

“Since Tony Brown, former All Black flyhalf and current Springbok assistant coach, has been with us, we feel as though we’ve been on the right track.”

SA Rugby laws advisor Jaco Peyper then entered the fray, offering a technical explanation of the much-discussed 30-second set-piece law.

“The law is very clear. From the moment the referee puts his foot down to mark the spot, not from the whistle, there is 30 seconds to form a lineout or scrum.”

Peyper said teams could manage the moments before the mark is made within the laws, while opponents who are ready to play can apply pressure.

“There’s nothing in the law that says you can’t idle before the mark is given.”

He also pointed out that teams can disrupt tempo through repeated infringements at breakdowns and mauls.

The whistle, in other words, could become a metronome for a Test where every second matters.

Peyper has full confidence in the officials appointed for the four-Test series, particularly England’s Matthew Carley, who will referee Saturday’s opener.

“You’re going to have a firm referee. Someone who deals decisively at the breakdown and is very strong on anything negative or cynical. And he does not get influenced by the home crowd.”

That could be music to the ears of both coaching boxes.

Erasmus expects the All Blacks to bring a blue-chip attacking blueprint to Johannesburg.

“You can see it on social media. They’re advocating a high intensity, running game, with multi-phase attacks. And when you analyse it, it definitely shows in the stats.”

Dave Rennie, who Erasmus previously faced during his Munster days, adds another tactical layer to the contest.

“The big battle is going to be when they have the ball, they’ll have total control of what they do with it, and when we have the ball, we’ll have total control of what we do with it.”

The biggest concern for Erasmus is the All Blacks’ breakdown work.

“What concerns us most is how physical and brutal they are at the breakdown. They take the ball through so many phases and then they put in a well-timed grubber kick. Their attacking kicks are as dangerous as when they have ball-in-hand.”

Away from the tactical chessboard, Erasmus admitted the Springboks are embracing the occasion.

“We all appreciate and respect what this series means,” he said.

“I’d love it if the people at Ellis Park create the same atmosphere as that which the people did in Cape Town. The haka was heard 100%, which makes it something special.”

The Springbok coach also knows the All Blacks remain capable of delivering a sting.

“We know how good the All Blacks are. Since 2018, when they were leading the world, we’ve always wondered when they’re going to beat us again, and they will beat us again in future, but hopefully not this weekend.”

Erasmus will name his team on Thursday, with captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche the only injury concerns.

“The only two doubtful players are Siya and Ox, who are coming along well,” he said. “I wouldn’t say either is confirmed out, but if they get through training today it could go either way. Apart from those two, everybody else is available.”

The All Blacks are also expected to unveil a few tactical surprises.

“They’ll have plans they didn’t show in the Nations Championship, little things, such as lineout variations, maybe a front peel or back peel move, and there are things that have caught us out before.”

The stage is set.

The talking has started.

Now Ellis Park gets the final word.

South Africa face New Zealand at 17h10 on Saturday, with the match live on SuperSport.

Springboks boosted by returning stars ahead of Los Pumas showdown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks have arrived in Buenos Aires with several frontline players returning from injury as preparations intensify for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus‘ squad reached the Argentine capital shortly after midnight on Sunday after travelling from Cape Town via São Paulo in two groups. The players will rest on Sunday before resuming training on Monday as they acclimatise to the time difference ahead of the Test.

The Argentina fixture is another important step in South Africa’s season before the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand begins on 22 August.

“It’s great to be back in Buenos Aires, and we are looking forward to the challenge of facing the Pumas here once again,” Erasmus said.

“It was a long journey, and there is a fair time difference between the countries, so the players will have time to rest and acclimatise today, and then we’ll return to the training field tomorrow.

“Fortunately, we did most of the groundwork for the match at our training camp in Johannesburg earlier this week, so we have a good base to build on in the next few days.”

The biggest boost for South Africa is the return of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after ankle surgery.

The 24-year-old has not played since suffering the injury during a United Rugby Championship match in May. His inclusion follows a standout performance against Argentina last season when he scored a Springbok record 37 points in Durban.

Erasmus now has four experienced flyhalves available, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu joining Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and recent debutant Vusi Moyo.

Captain Siya Kolisi, locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, together with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, are also in line to make their first appearances of the season after recovering from injury or concussion.

“We tried to get the balance right in selecting some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time,” Erasmus said.

“The guys who have recovered from their injuries have been training hard this week and are ready to go, so it will be great for them to get a tough Test match under the belt.”

Several senior players, including Jesse Kriel and Pieter-Steph du Toit, remain in South Africa after featuring in three Tests across 15 days during July. They have resumed preparations for the upcoming New Zealand series.

“We are on track in terms of our preparation for both this match and the New Zealand Tour,” Erasmus said.

South Africa heads into the match in strong form after opening the season with an 80-31 victory over the Barbarians before recording Nations Championship wins over England (45-21), Scotland (42-28) and Wales (43-0).

Argentina’s campaign has been less consistent. Los Pumas defeated Wales 35-21, although they suffered defeats to Scotland and England.

History also favours the Springboks. South Africa has won 14 of its 18 Tests in Argentina since the nations first met there in 1993, losing three and drawing one.

Erasmus is expected to consult with his coaching staff before confirming the matchday squad later this week.

Springbok squad

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herchel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.

Coach: Rassie Erasmus.

Can England finally crack the Springboks code?

Adnaan MohamedPreview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Can England finally crack the Springboks code?
By Adnaan Mohamed

England have been here before. Close enough to see victory. Close enough to believe. Close enough to feel the Springboks wobble.

Then South Africa find another gear.

It has become a familiar script in one of rugby’s richest rivalries. England ask difficult questions, the Springboks absorb the pressure and somehow emerge with the answer that matters most.

Saturday’s opening Nations Championship Test at Ellis Park offers Steve Borthwick’s side another opportunity to prove they have bridged that stubborn gap. They could hardly have picked a sterner examination.

Johannesburg does not welcome visitors with open arms. The altitude drains lungs, the crowd feeds every collision and the Springboks have turned Ellis Park into one of world rugby’s least hospitable addresses.

Rassie Erasmus’ side arrive riding a nine-match winning streak and carrying the confidence of back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. Momentum has become their travelling companion and complacency remains unwelcome.

“The goal is to win,” Erasmus said this week.

Simple words. Typical Springboks.

His selection reflects a squad built for every occasion. Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe celebrate their 50th Tests in a backline packed with proven match winners. Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende remain one of international rugby’s most reliable midfield pairings, while Manie Libbok gets another chance to orchestrate an attack that can shift from controlled to chaotic in a heartbeat.

Up front, the Springboks possess enough muscle to move mountains.

Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit anchor a front row that thrives on confrontation, with Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese providing the relentless edge that has become South Africa’s trademark.

Then comes the Bomb Squad.

Fresh legs. Fresh power. Fresh problems.

England know exactly what awaits.

George Martin has welcomed the physical battle after returning from injury, while Fin Smith shoulders the responsibility of steering England around one of rugby’s toughest venues. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s return offers genuine attacking spark, Tommy Freeman arrives in outstanding form and Henry Pollock is expected to inject his trademark energy from the bench after already making himself public enemy number one among many South African supporters.

Borthwick believes his squad is ready.

“Playing South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the great Tests in world rugby,” he said.

He is right.

England have enough quality to ask questions of the world champions. Their backline carries pace, their forwards have embraced the challenge and their confidence has steadily grown despite an underwhelming Six Nations campaign.

The problem is that Ellis Park rarely rewards promise.

The Springboks know exactly how they want to play. Dominate the set piece. Win the gain line. Squeeze territory. Turn pressure into points.

It is an approach forged through experience and sharpened by success.

England may remain within touching distance for long stretches, much like they have in recent meetings. History suggests that when the contest reaches its defining moments, South Africa usually discover another level.

Prediction: Springboks by 12.

Teams:

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph Du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas Du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Andre Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie.

England: 15 George Furbank, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 George Martin, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (captain), 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie,17 Beno Obano, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith.

Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.40
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Images: x.com/Springboks

Siya Kolisi’s message of hope powers R2.5m fundraising boost

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Siya Kolisi’s message of hope powers R2.5m fundraising boost
By Adnaan Mohamed

Siya Kolisi has spent his rugby career breaking tackles and barriers.

Last week in London, the Springbok captain helped break another significant milestone as Steadfast Africa‘s annual fundraising gala generated R2.5 million (£108,000) for the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation.

Hosted at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden on 16 June, the event brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters committed to backing community initiatives in South Africa. With an online auction and raffle remaining open until 8 July, organisers expect the total to grow further.

For Kolisi, the evening was about something far greater than the impressive figure on the fundraising scoreboard.

“I am not a self-made man,” said Kolisi.

“I am here because people invested in me. They saw something in me, opened doors for me, and gave me opportunities I could never have created on my own.

“Today, through the Kolisi Foundation, we want to do the same for others. Partnerships like this one with Steadfast Africa and the Good Work Foundation remind us that lasting change is never the work of one person or one organisation. It is built by people who choose to invest in the potential of others.”

The words carried the same leadership that has made Kolisi one of South Africa’s most influential sporting figures.

While his achievements on the rugby field have become part of Springbok folklore, his foundation has quietly built a growing footprint in communities across the country. Guided by the values of dignity, hope and unity, the organisation focuses on food security, education, youth empowerment, sport and raising awareness around gender-based violence.

The gala’s fundraising auction proved one of the evening’s biggest attractions, with guests competing for luxury safari experiences, exclusive travel packages and premium hospitality offerings from across Southern Africa.

The Good Work Foundation, Steadfast Africa’s other long-standing beneficiary, continues to bridge the digital divide in rural communities through education and skills development programmes.

Chief executive Kate Groch said the success of the event highlighted the strength of collaboration.

“Good Work Foundation is able to serve the communities we work in and do the work we do because of the support of our partners; they are an integral part of our Pink family.

“This was again shown at the amazing Steadfast event held in London. Thank you from myself and the entire GWF family. Thank you to everyone who organised, attended, donated and made the event so successful.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Steadfast and how it continues to grow. Together we will continue to do Good Work and reimagine education and opportunity for young rural South Africans.”

In rugby, captains are often judged by the trophies they lift.

Kolisi has already lifted the biggest prize in the sport twice.

Yet evenings such as this suggest his most enduring legacy may be measured not by silverware, but by the opportunities created for others long after the final whistle has sounded.

Springbok coaches welcome wins but identify key areas for improvement

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Springbok coaches welcome wins but identify key areas for improvement
By Adnaan Mohamed

The scoreboards at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium painted a picture of dominance on Saturday, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA A coach Mzwandile Stick were far more interested in the details hidden beneath the numbers.

The Springboks opened their season with an emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians, while SA A brushed aside Zimbabwe 40-0. Despite the convincing results, both coaches identified areas requiring urgent attention before the Nations Championship begins in two weeks.

Erasmus praised the Springboks’ attacking output but admitted their discipline and defensive consistency left room for improvement.

“Our discipline wasn’t great, and they (the Barbarians) scored tries in quick succession, so yellow cards were not ideal,” said Erasmus.

The Bok coach pointed to the realities of a squad reconnecting after several months apart.

“But we have to remind ourselves that it’s been six or seven months since we’ve played together, and some guys were new in the mix, while we also didn’t know when the DHL Stormers or Vodacom Bulls players would be available at some stage, which are all aspects we have to keep in mind.

“To score 80 points is nice, but the Barbarians were thrown together quite late, and had only three training sessions, which makes them difficult to analyse. They scored four or five great tries, so we need to eliminate those defensive lapses and be better as a unit when we play against England.”

One concern for Erasmus was the injury suffered by experienced lock Franco Mostert, who was forced from the field.

“I’m worried about his ankle. He’ll go for scans tomorrow, so hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi echoed his coach’s assessment, saying the match provided valuable evidence of what is working and what still needs attention.

“I thought a lot of what we wanted to get through, we did, but also, when things didn’t work, and we went against the plan, we learned lessons there,” said Kolisi.

“I always have to watch the game again to get a good assessment about things, but I already know some of the mistakes we made and the areas we need to fix. There were opportunities where I thought we could have controlled things better.”

Earlier in the day, SA A delivered a disciplined defensive display against a determined Zimbabwe side preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Stick admitted the performance was not without frustration despite the clean-sheet victory.

“We knew it was going to be a big challenge because the majority of our players have never played together, so it was a new team, and Zimbabwe tried to challenge us by keeping ball in hand and playing direct rugby. I enjoyed the way they played.

“That said, for us, the goal was to see whether the players could execute what we’ve been working on over the past two weeks, and it was sometimes frustrating when the points weren’t coming.

“In the first half, we were unlucky, with two tries disallowed – once where a player went into touch, and another when a player was slightly in front of the kick. But from my side, the way the guys stayed in the fight, even when we were under pressure, was great, and we managed to keep a clean sheet.”

SA A captain Vincent Tshituka paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s intensity and ambition.

“We played against a desperate side, and we expected that. We knew the Zimbabwe players would be motivated and would want to prove a point against world-class opposition, and it showed.”

South Africa’s opening victories delivered plenty of encouragement. Erasmus and Stick know tougher examinations await, and both coaches left Gqeberha with a notebook full of positives and a to-do list that remains far from complete.

Images: X.com/Springboks

Bulls and Stormers secure home URC playoffs as Lions limp into quarters

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Bulls and Stormers secure home URC playoffs as Lions limp into quarters
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs will feature three South African teams after a dramatic final round delivered a cocktail of celebration and frustration for the country’s franchises.

The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers earned prized home URC quarter-finals with emphatic statements in Pretoria and despite defeat in Cardiff respectively, while the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions scraped into the playoffs after stumbling in Limerick. The Hollywoodbets Sharks ended their campaign with a fireworks display in Durban.

The Bulls charged like a runaway scrum at Loftus Versfeld, flattening Benetton Rugby 45-19 to secure fourth place and a home quarter-final against Munster Rugby. Johan Ackermann’s men crossed for seven tries and stretched their winning streak to six matches.

Sergeal Petersen bagged a brace, while Willie le Roux, Johan Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese, Celimpilo Gumede and Ruan Nortje also powered over. Handre Pollard added five conversions with the precision of a metronome steering a backline orchestra.

Benetton’s resistance came through Louis Lynagh’s double and a try by Rhyno Smith, though the visitors spent most of the evening chasing shadows across the Highveld turf.

In Wales, Cardiff slammed the brakes on the Stormers’ hopes of a top-two finish with a gritty 22-16 victory at Cardiff Arms Park. The Cape side burst from the blocks like sprinters off the starter’s gun, but Cardiff’s defence became a brick wall around the tryline.

Adre Smith scored early for the Stormers, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a conversion and three penalties. Cardiff struck through Jacob Beetham’s brace, Tom Bowen and Ioan Lloyd to seal a quarter-final rematch in Cape Town.

The Lions, meanwhile, slipped to a 24-17 defeat against Munster in Limerick, leaving them with the daunting challenge of facing defending champions Leinster Rugby in Dublin.

Down in Durban, the Sharks signed off in style by crushing Zebre Parma 54-19. Siya Kolisi produced a captain’s farewell worthy of a stadium ovation with two tries, while Jaco Williams, Zekethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, Emmanuel Tshituka, Le Roux Malan and Ross Braude also crossed the whitewash.

The result secured 10th place for the Sharks and offered a glimpse of a side beginning to sharpen its claws for future campaigns.

Vodacom URC quarter-finals

Friday, 29 May
Glasgow Warriors v Connacht – Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (20:45 SA time)

Saturday, 30 May
Vodacom Bulls v Munster – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (13:00)
DHL Stormers v Cardiff – DHL Stadium, Cape Town (15:30)
Leinster v Fidelity SecureDrive Lions – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (21:00)

All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers
By Adnaan Mohamed

Saturday’s return-leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers has all the ingredients of a heavyweight rematch – pride on the line, bodies already bruised, and both teams desperate to land the final blow before the competition pauses.

Kick-off at Hollywoodbets Kings Park is set for 17h00, with the Durban side chasing a stunning double over the previously unbeaten Cape outfit, while the Stormers arrive determined to right last week’s wrongs and wrestle momentum back across the Indian Ocean.

Stormers: reshaped for response

The DHL Stormers have reloaded their arsenal for the Durban battlefield, making several changes aimed at sharpening their edge. Damian Willemse drops back to fullback, Jonathan Roche steps in at inside centre, and Dylan Maart takes over on the right wing. It’s a backline reconfigured to counter-punch and strike from turnover ball.

From the bench, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee and Warrick Gelant are primed as late-game accelerators, ready to stretch tired defenders when the derby muscles tighten.

Up front, Oli Kebble anchors the scrum at loosehead prop, while a brand-new lock pairing of Ruben van Heerden and a fit-again Adré Smith adds fresh steel to the engine room. Evan Roos returns at the back of the scrum, bringing the kind of explosive carries and confrontational presence that can tilt a derby on its axis.

Director of Rugby John Dobson has made it clear there will be no easing into the four-week break.

“Playing back-to-back derbies against the same opposition is a fairly unique situation, and we are desperate to put in a more convincing performance than we managed at home last week.

“We have been boosted by the return from injury of some key players, and you can be sure that all 23 will be going out there to show what it means to play in our jersey for our fans,” he said.

Sharks: belief, but no complacency

The Hollywoodbets Sharks, meanwhile, have also rung the changes as they look to back up last weekend’s bonus-point victory. There’s a completely new front row, with Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs all starting, while Corne Rahl comes into the engine room, with Jason Jenkins named among the replacements.

In the loose forwards, Phepsi Buthelezi is the only starter retained from last week, joined by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka, both of whom made their impact off the bench in the first encounter.

The backline sees Grant Williams start at scrumhalf ahead of Jaden Hendrikse, the pair swapping jerseys, while Edwill van der Merwe replaces Yaw Penxe on the wing in the final tweak to the starting XV.

Despite the confidence that comes with a derby win, Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen insists there is no room for complacency.

“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.

“Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”

With the break looming, Esterhuizen says motivation is sky-high.

“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”

Since taking over the captaincy, Esterhuizen’s influence has mirrored the Sharks’ improved form. While he credits a shift in mindset under coach JP Pietersen, his own lead-from-the-front approach remains central.

“I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.

“I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

What to expect

Expect collisions to echo, scrums to creak and tempers to simmer. The Sharks will look to turn Kings Park into a fortress and land back-to-back blows, while the Stormers arrive with pride wounded and packs reloaded, intent on proving last week was a stumble, not a trend.

In a derby where inches matter and moments decide everything, this one shapes as a contest fought in the trenches and finished by nerve.

Team line-ups

DHL Stormers

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Oli Kebble.

Replacements:
16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Warrick Gelant.

Hollywoodbets Sharks

Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaco Williams, Andre Esterhuizen (C), Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi.

Replacements:
Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.

Photo Credit: Rashied Isaacs