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The quiet power of Siya Kolisi’s 55

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, Features, News, Rugby, Springboks, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on The quiet power of Siya Kolisi’s 55

By Adnaan Mohamed at the FNB Stadium in Soweto

Siya Kolisi has never been particularly interested in making himself the story. On the night he became the most successful captain in Springboks history, that instinct was as powerful as ever.

The scoreboard at FNB Stadium said South Africa 29, New Zealand 24. The series said Springboks 2, All Blacks 1. The record books said something rather more extraordinary: 55 Test victories as captain, one more than the 54 accumulated by John Smit.

For most athletes, that would be the moment to pause, puff out the chest and allow history a little room to breathe.

Kolisi, characteristically, handed the oxygen to everyone else.

“If this were tennis it would be different, but this is a team sport. It shows the work Rassie [Erasmus] and his coaching staff put in,” the 35-year-old told Modern Athlete after the match.

“We’ve got so many leaders in this side that I really only have one job to do, which is focus on my own game.”

There is something almost disarming about the understatement.

Fifty-five victories as Springboks captain is not merely a statistic. It is a towering monument built across years of upheaval, triumph, scrutiny and expectation. It stretches beyond the rugby field into the improbable story of a boy from Zwide who became the face of a nation’s most recognisable sporting institution.

Yet Kolisi speaks about it as though he has merely completed another assignment.

That is perhaps the paradox of his leadership. His influence is enormous precisely because he rarely behaves as though it is.

The record came on a night when FNB Stadium became more than a rugby ground. Almost 88,000 people filled the Calabash for a match carrying the historical weight of Soweto and the emotional currency of a nation.

Kolisi understood the symbolism.

“It was really special. We always say we won’t just say thank you in words, but through our effort. We were tested in that first 25 minutes, they came out firing, and we had to dig deep to fight our way back into it.”

Then came the image that stayed with him: children running alongside the Springbok team bus, hoping for a glimpse of their heroes despite being unable to afford tickets.

“They can’t afford to come and watch us play, but seeing that, and understanding the history of this place, the young people who fought so that we could be sitting here today, that’s why we wanted this game here,” Kolisi said.

“That’s what we play for, not just the people who can afford it, but everyone.”

It is difficult to imagine a more revealing explanation of his captaincy.

The 55 wins belong to Kolisi. The meaning he attaches to them belongs to something larger.

Even the victory itself did not escape his scrutiny.

“I thought we played better in the first Test [at Ellis Park], we just didn’t convert our chances,” he said.

“There’s still so much more we can do. Our defence in particular can get better.”

His answer carried the familiar Kolisi mixture of humility and hunger. No grand declaration. No coronation. No invitation for the rugby gods to start carving his statue.

Only work.

“The way the coaches rotate the team and give other guys opportunities keeps everyone hungry. If you don’t get picked this week, you know your chance is coming. It also keeps us fresh so we’re not overplayed. It’s a group effort, and I’m really happy about that.”

And so, after 55 wins, the captain looks ahead rather than back.

“Playing together more consistently helps a great deal, and I’m looking forward to what we can build on next week [in Baltimore].”

History has caught up with Siya Kolisi. He appears in no hurry to stop running.

Springboks hold off All Blacks in Soweto thriller

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Adnaan Mohamed at FNB Stadium, Soweto

The Springboks survived a fierce challenge from the All Blacks to win 29-24 at FNB Stadium on Saturday night, securing an unassailable lead in the four-Test series in front of a crowd of nearly 90 000.

It was a high-quality Test played at considerable pace, with both sides scoring four tries and momentum shifting repeatedly during a compelling contest.

For Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, the victory was another significant milestone. His 55th Test win as captain moved him clear as the most successful skipper in Springbok history.

New Zealand made the stronger start.

With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the sin bin after being shown yellow for a deliberate knock-down, All Black captain Ardie Savea finished a sustained period of pressure by crashing over in the 10th minute.

Ruben Love missed the conversion, leaving New Zealand with a 5-0 lead.

The Boks responded through their traditional strengths: physical carries, quick ball and pressure at set piece.

Cheslin Kolbe finished a well-worked attack 10 minutes later, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting to give South Africa a 7-5 lead. Kolbe was subsequently forced off for a head-injury assessment.

South Africa’s scrum then became an increasingly important factor.

The Boks applied sustained pressure against the New Zealand pack and were rewarded with a penalty try four minutes before half-time, extending their lead to 14-5.

New Zealand responded strongly after the break.

Savea scored his second try before Will Jordan added another, with Love converting to put the visitors 17-14 ahead.

The Boks needed a response and found it through Jesse Kriel.

The centre broke through the All Blacks’ defensive line to score, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding the conversion as South Africa regained the lead at 21-17.

Malcolm Marx then increased the pressure by powering over for the Boks’ fourth try.

A further penalty from Feinberg-Mngomezulu put South Africa 29-17 ahead and appeared to give the hosts sufficient breathing room.

New Zealand had other ideas.

The All Blacks continued to attack deep into the closing stages and replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho scored after the final hooter. Damian McKenzie converted to reduce the deficit to five points, although there was no time for a further attack.

The 29-24 result completed the Boks’ series victory and extended their dominance in one of Test rugby’s defining rivalries.

Ethan Hooker was named Player of the Match after an influential performance for South Africa.

There is little time for either side to reflect.

The Springboks and All Blacks will board a chartered flight to Baltimore in the United States, where they will meet again in the fourth and final Test next week.

Earlier at FNB Stadium, New Zealand’s Black Ferns produced a commanding display to beat the Springbok Women 52-20.

The visitors scored eight tries and led 24-10 at half-time in the first meeting between the teams on African soil.

The result highlighted the Black Ferns’ experience and attacking efficiency, while the Springbok Women were unable to convert their dominance in certain areas, including the scrum, into sufficient attacking points.

For South Africa’s men, however, the night belonged to the Boks, who absorbed New Zealand’s pressure, capitalised on their set-piece advantage and held their nerve when the All Blacks launched their late assault.

SPRINGBOKS – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, penalty try, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
ALL BLACKS – Tries: Ardie Savea (2), Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho. Conversions: Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie.

Image Credit: x.com/Springboks

Soweto calls. Siya must answer.

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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

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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.

‘Never believe Rassie’: Kirwan’s blunt Boks warning

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, Features, News, Preview, SpringboksLeave a Comment on ‘Never believe Rassie’: Kirwan’s blunt Boks warning

By Adnaan Mohamed

Sir John Kirwan has called Rassie Erasmus’s underdog card before the Springboks’ second Rugby Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks.

And the All Blacks legend’s verdict is brutally simple.

“Never. Don’t believe Rassie. Don’t believe Rassie.”

Kirwan, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated rugby figures, refuses to buy into any suggestion that the four-time world champions are suddenly the underdogs after their 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park last weekend.

“They are four-time world champions. They’ve been an outstanding rugby team for four years,” Kirwan said.

“So they are world champions. We are the underdogs.”

There is a healthy dose of mischief in Kirwan’s assessment, although his respect for the Springboks is unmistakable.

He expects a vastly improved South African performance at DHL Stadium on Saturday, predicting Erasmus will turn to a more conservative tactical approach and use the kicking game to squeeze New Zealand deep into their own territory.

“I think the Springboks will be way better,” Kirwan said.

“I think they’ll be a bit more conservative tomorrow. I think their infield kicking game will be different. So I expect them to try and pin us into our own half.”

The All Blacks, however, will arrive in Cape Town with their own armoury sharpened.

“These guys are on a journey to get better every week, so I think it’s going to be a massive game,” Kirwan said.

“The pressure is on the world champions and I’m sure they’ll step up to that. There’d be a lot of fireworks.”

Sir John Kirwan shares a light hearted moment swopping his trademark, trendy, thick rimmed glasses with the author, Adnaan Mohamed.
Photo: Juliet Calder

For Kirwan, Saturday’s Test could become a tactical heavyweight bout, with neither side willing to blink during the decisive exchanges.

“It’s a boxing match. They’re gonna win some rounds, you’re gonna win some rounds. But at this level, winning those critical moments is really, really important.”

Those moments, he warned, can arrive at any stage.

“Sometimes they come after five minutes. Sometimes they come in the 79th minute.”

Kirwan expects the contest to go down to the wire.

“I think it’ll be incredibly close tomorrow. I think it’ll come down to a few points.”

His description of rugby as “chess with contact” could prove particularly apt in Cape Town.

“You need to win the first 10 minutes, the last 10 minutes before halftime, first 10 minutes after halftime, and the last 10 minutes,” he said.

“It’s really important to start fast. It’s really important to try and imprint the way that you want to play on the opposition. The South African team will be trying to do the same.”

Kirwan is equally bullish about the identity of Dave Rennie’s All Blacks.

“What I’ve seen is that this All Black side is playing a style of rugby that I think suits our skill set and suits the type of athlete that we have.”

The Springboks’ selection changes, including the absence of Handré Pollard and the continued emergence of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, have also caught his eye.

Kirwan described Feinberg-Mngomezulu as “world class” and believes the young flyhalf will have benefited from the lessons of Ellis Park.

“I think Sacha is still a young man and last week he would have learned a lot and he’ll be better tomorrow.”

He also saluted South Africa’s diminutive dynamo brigade, particularly the skill and footwork of the country’s wings.

“When you see Damian, his footwork. I mean, some of these guys into contact have fantastic feet.”

Then came another Kirwan gem:

“Long live the small, fast winger.”

For Kirwan, the rivalry runs far deeper than tactics, rankings and Test statistics.

As an eight-year-old, he was allowed to stay up late to watch the All Blacks. New Zealand won plenty of matches in those days, although South Africa provided a particularly formidable obstacle.

“That whole rivalry, we don’t know who’s going to win,” he said.

“I think we have the same passion for the game. And I think that’s brought us together.”

Kirwan believes rugby has often carried a cultural weight beyond the field, particularly in South Africa and New Zealand.

“A lot of times in our country, the game’s been bigger than a game. I think Nelson Mandela did that.”

The former All Black has also embraced the South African welcome.

“The hospitality, South African hospitality is unbelievable. Food’s great, people are lovely. And so for us, it’s like being at home. Really appreciate it.”

The pleasantries can wait once the whistle blows.

For now, Kirwan has thrown the psychological ball firmly into Erasmus’s court.

Rassie can call them underdogs. Kirwan isn’t buying it.

Teams: 

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.

New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 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 Tuipoluto, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby

Date: Saturday, August 29
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.10
Expected weather conditions: Partly cloudy with a low of 11°C and a high of 18°C. Rain is also expected around kick-off time.
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

Aimee’s whistle of resilience, courage and ‘Sterkte” to the Boks

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, SA Sports Awards, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Aimee’s whistle of resilience, courage and ‘Sterkte” to the Boks

SUN CITY, NORTH WEST: From breaking barriers on the rugby field to facing breast cancer with extraordinary courage, Aimee Barrett-Theron continues to inspire. The most-capped female international referee in rugby history was named Technical Official of the Year at the South African Sport Awards. Her message to the Springboks ahead of their Cape Town clash with the All Blacks? “Sterkte.”

By Adnaan Mohamed

Aimee Barrett-Theron has spent years policing rugby’s most ferocious frontiers with a whistle, a stopwatch and nerves forged in the furnace of elite sport.

On Sunday night, 23 August, the trailblazing referee received another trophy for her extraordinary contribution, being named Technical Official of the Year at the 19th South African Sport Awards at Sun City Superbowl.

Her latest accolade came with an unmistakably human soundtrack. Barrett-Theron is halfway through treatment for breast cancer, temporarily away from the international rugby battlefield and drawing strength from the same discipline that carried her through some of the sport’s biggest arenas.

“The treatment’s going well. I’m about halfway through at the moment so it’s been quite a challenge not being on the field, but I’m still very much involved for coaching because I’m still very much involved here so it’s a tough time to be out there, but I’m still as supportive as I can,” she said.

The road back remains a marathon measured in courage rather than kilometres.

“Yeah, yeah, so a couple of tests and a lot of my friends out there referring I’d love to be supportive there but it’s 20% for the year,” Barrett-Theron said in the interview, reflecting on her curtailed involvement in officiating.

Her career has already smashed through several glass ceilings.

A former Springbok Women’s XVs and Sevens player, she swapped playing boots for the referee’s whistle and became the first woman to referee a men’s professional match in South Africa.

She has since taken charge of 52 international Tests, making her the most-capped female international referee in rugby history. Earlier in 2026, she became only the second woman ever to referee 50 Test matches.

Her CV reads like a roll of honour: the 2017 and 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cups, the Tokyo Olympics, the United Rugby Championship and the Women’s Six Nations.

Then came the diagnosis.

In July, Barrett-Theron announced her temporary departure from officiating after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She has confirmed the condition is treatable and is concentrating on treatment and recovery, with specialists guiding her through the process.

Rugby’s family responded with the force of a defensive line. World Rugby and SA Rugby leaders joined players, officials and supporters in sending messages of encouragement.

Her Sport Awards triumph added another medal to a career already heavy with milestones.

“It’s special to be able to get the trophy,” she said. “At the end of the day and to be recognised for the hard work that we put in”

Then came the question every South African wanted answered: could the Springboks beat the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on Saturday in the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry?

For a moment, the referee’s hat came off.

“Yeah, when it comes to Springboks, I can take my referee hat off and I’d love the boys to have any positive results on the weekend.”

Her message to the Boks carried the warmth of a teammate standing beside the tunnel before kick-off.

“Yeah, just stack them on and good luck boys. Represents us the best you can. We know you’ve got it in you.”

And there was one final word, simple enough to fit on a dressing-room wall and strong enough to carry across the Cape Town wind:

“Sterkte.”

For Barrett-Theron, the whistle may be silent for now. Her voice remains firmly in the game.

South African sport has crowned her greatness. Rugby knows her resilience will be worth another standing ovation when she returns.

Under the glittering banner of “Crowned in Greatness”, the 19th South African Sport Awards delivered a night where champions, trailblazers and behind-the-scenes heroes took their bows.

Akani Simbine lead the winners at the 19th South African Sport Awards, with Prudence Sekgodiso, Pieter Coetze and Protea Test Cricket also honoured.

Simbine claimed Sport Star of the Year, adding another gleaming medal to an already formidable athletics legacy. The sprint king has spent years living on the razor’s edge of hundredths of a second, and this time the stopwatch gave way to the applause of a nation.

The Protea Men’s Test Cricket team pocketed Sport Team of the Year, another feather in Cricket South Africa’s cap after a campaign that demanded patience, character and plenty of backbone.

Prudence Sekgodiso was crowned Sportswoman of the Year, while swimmer Pieter Coetze took Sportsman of the Year. Athletics also supplied Coach of the Year Thabo Matebedi, ensuring the track-and-field brigade left Sun City with pockets bulging with silverware.

Young guns Bayanda Walaza, the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year, and the Men’s Under-20 Rugby Team, named Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year, showed that the pipeline is pumping.

Bayanda Walaza, the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year with SA swim legend Chad le Clos

Simoné Kruger won Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, while Puseletso Michael Mabote claimed Sportsman of the Year with a Disability for para athletics.

The evening’s unsung heroes received their own standing ovation. Anthony Moruthane was named Sport Administrator of the Year, Nqobile Kunene Sport Volunteer of the Year, and Khokho Association South Africa Recreation Body of the Year.

Cricket South Africa collected National Federation of the Year, while Rachel Makhura took Sports Media Journalist of the Year, with photographer Skhu Nkomphela winning Sport Visual Journalist of the Year.

And then came the lifetime tributes, a reminder that sporting greatness is built over generations. Siya Vabaza-Booi, Selwyn Nathan and Veli Nhlapo received the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement honour.

The Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket went to William Mtolo, Teenage Dladla, Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane and Patson Banda, while Rayno Nel, Tasneem Solomons and Temba Bavuma were recognised for Excellence.

It was a night when South African sport looked in the mirror and saw its past, present and future staring back.

The crown fitted. The champions roared. And the sporting heartbeat kept thumping.

Why Springboks-All Blacks rivalry is bigger than rugby

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, Features, News, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Why Springboks-All Blacks rivalry is bigger than rugby

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry carries influence well beyond the playing field.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander welcomed NZ Rugby president Erin Rush to Cape Town ahead of Saturday’s Test at DHL Stadium, highlighting the enduring relationship between two nations that have collectively won 70% of Rugby World Cups.

Erin Rush was elected first female president of NZ Rugby in 134 years. Photo: John Cowpland / action press

Rush, New Zealand Rugby’s first female president, has also brought a remarkable playing and broadcasting career into the governance arena.

Cape Town now prepares for another chapter in one of sport’s most enduring rivalries.

By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa and New Zealand have spent more than a century throwing rugby thunderbolts at each other. On Wednesday morning, the latest chapter of that fierce sporting relationship began with handshakes, smiles and a shared flight into Cape Town.

South African Rugby president Mark Alexander welcomed his New Zealand counterpart Erin Rush at Cape Town International Airport ahead of Saturday’s second Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at DHL Stadium.

The two presidents travelled together after witnessing New Zealand’s 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday. Their rugby roadshow continued at the same venue on Tuesday night, where the All Blacks edged the Lions 42-35 in a breathless spectacle featuring 11 tries.

Coach Dave Rennie’s side produced six tries, with Cash van Rooyen’s charges crossing five times. The thrilling contest crackled like a loose ball at a hotly contested breakdown, with the All Blacks eventually stealing victory in the final minute.

For Rush, South Africa’s welcome has been every bit as memorable as the rugby. After the All Blacks victory in the first Test, she expects the pressure and intensity of the rivalry to reach new heights for the rest of the series.

“It’s been amazing. There’s a lot at stake,” said Rush.

“Firstly, I want to say thank you to South Africa Rugby and the people of South Africa for their generous hospitality. Also for bringing such intense anticipation and a huge match-up on the field. It is so exciting and we’ve got so many of our supporters here who are enjoying it too.”

Her response came after Alexander pointed out the strong historical bond between New Zealand and South Africa.

“Yeah, thank you,” Rush replied.

Alexander then welcomed his New Zealand counterpart with the warmth of an old rugby handshake.

“We welcome Erin [Rush] and the All Blacks the old foe here in Cape Town. We’re great friends and always bring the best out of each other,” said Alexander.

“The one thing about rugby, it brings people together. And the two nations have got a long history, you know.”
Then came the statistic that gives this rivalry its heavyweight status.

“Between the two of us, we won 70% of the World Cups hosted to date. So, it is the greatest rivalry. And that’s why we’ve got the best two teams in the world competing in the next couple of weeks in South Africa.”

Rush arrives in the Mother City carrying a remarkable rugby story of her own. The 56-year-old became New Zealand Rugby’s first female president in May 2026, securing a two-year tenure after being elected by NZR’s affiliate members and succeeding former All Black Matthew Cooper.

Her rugby CV reads like a long-running Test match. Rush was Black Fern No. 113, making her international debut in 2003 at 33, only weeks after giving birth. She captained Wellington Pride, earned 100 caps for the province and played club rugby for Wellington FC.

Her pioneering streak began even earlier. In 1998, she co-commentated the first Black Ferns Test broadcast live on television during the World Cup final.

Black Fern #113 – Erin Rush Image Credit: AllBlacks.com

She served as NZR vice-president from 2024 to 2026 before taking the presidency. Her current role includes attending board meetings, travelling with national squads, welcoming international guests and presenting medals, with no board voting rights attached to the ambassadorial position.

Now, Cape Town becomes the next set piece in a rivalry that has shaped rugby’s folklore.

Saturday’s Test promises another heavyweight collision. Alexander and Rush have already shared the flight, the hospitality and the rugby spectacle. Come kick-off, friendship will have to make room for the fiercest handshake in world rugby.

The rivalry is ready to rumble

Springboks ready to turn Ellis Park into a rugby war zone

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, News, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springboks ready to turn Ellis Park into a rugby war zone
By Adnaan Mohamed

The stage is set. The old enemies are back. And the Springboks are ready to throw everything into the opening punch of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

When South Africa face New Zealand at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday, it will be the first of four Tests between the heavyweight rivals in a series that promises enough drama to keep rugby fans glued to their screens.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick knows exactly what is coming.

“Playing four games in one season against the All Blacks is always going to be a great challenge,” Stick said.

“These are moments that we live for. The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences.”

The Boks are under no illusion about the size of the challenge.

“We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. The All Blacks are in a good space and have been playing very well,” said Stick.

“But from our side, we also want to keep improving and evolving, and we will never be comfortable. It doesn’t get tougher than playing against the All Blacks four weeks in a row, and we are excited about it.”

That is fighting talk from a team preparing to enter a rugby pressure cooker.

Ellis Park brings the emotion

Captain Pieter-Steph du Toit, who will earn his 99th Test cap, is relishing the occasion.

“It’s a very different tournament,” he said. “To be involved in a series like this and have New Zealand play in South Africa, and also playing four games in a row is a massive honour and privilege.”

For Du Toit, Ellis Park carries memories bigger than rugby.

“It’s an awesome stadium for us and it’s close to my heart,” he said.

“When you stand there and sing the anthem and see the supporters behind the Springboks, it’s unbelievable. And of course, the 1995 Rugby World Cup was won there as well, so it’s a very special place for our country.”

Then comes the haka.

Du Toit says the Boks now have a deeper appreciation of what the ritual means to the All Blacks.

“I would never say we’d be relaxed, but it’s a massive honour to face the haka,” he said.

“We’ll face the haka with respect and we’ll accept the challenge.”

De Allende gets his flowers

Saturday will also belong to Damian de Allende, who becomes only the 10th Springbok to reach 100 Tests.

Stick believes the centre’s milestone deserves a standing ovation.

“For a guy like Damian de Allende, who has been with us through the ups and downs, and had to cope with a lot of people saying he wasn’t good enough to play for the Springboks, is amazing,” Stick said.

“He’s one of those guys who does the dirty work without anyone seeing it, so for him to play his 100th Test match is a great achievement for him and his family.”

Du Toit remembers watching De Allende during his Stormers days.

“I just saw this beast in the way he carried the ball and his work on defence,” he said.

“I have so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on and off the field, and how he’s grown as a person. It’s great to see people progress in life.”

Boks know where the battle will be won

Stick expects the All Blacks to bring serious heat at scrum and lineout time.

“We know New Zealand is going to bring it in terms of intensity,” he said.

“They’ll also look for gaps with their skilful players, so I’d say the key would be to stay alert and not get caught out.”

In other words, one defensive nap could become an All Blacks party.

The whistle blows at 17h10, with the match live on SuperSport. Limited tickets remain available.

Ellis Park is ready.

The rivalry is awake.

And the Boks are knocking on the door.

Teams

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

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

Date: Saturday, August 22
Venue: 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.10 (Sunday, August 22)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

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.

All Blacks turn up volume ahead of first RGR Springboks Test

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on All Blacks turn up volume ahead of first RGR Springboks Test
By Adnaan Mohamed

The All Blacks have turned up the volume ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR), with the Bulls bearing the brunt of a 50-19 demolition at Loftus Versfeld.

New Zealand ran in eight tries in Pretoria on Saturday, producing their most complete performance of the South African tour to date and finishing their provincial warm-ups unbeaten.

It was a statement built on scrum power, breakdown brutality and attacking freedom. Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter and captain Codie Taylor all crossed twice as the All Blacks raced into a 24-0 halftime lead.

The Bulls eventually found some life, scoring three tries, yet New Zealand kept the scoreboard ticking like a taxi meter on a busy Saturday night.

For Dave Rennie, the performance offered useful clues ahead of next Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

“50 points against a very good Bulls side is a positive,” Rennie said.

“We played a team that was prepared to play and really took it to us. I thought our set piece was strong, especially the scrum.”

The All Blacks created 11 line breaks to the Bulls’ one and showed improved discipline, giving Rennie plenty of selection headaches with his Test squad now taking shape.

“That certainly wasn’t our Test side tonight, and so there will be a number of changes,” he said.

“There were some really good performances that will put pressure on us from a selection point of view.”

Rennie also knows the Bulls were not a Test-strength opponent. The Pretoria side had not played since June and had limited preparation following their URC final appearance.

That reality explains why Rennie was quick to sound the brakes on the victory parade.

“What we know is that the intensity levels and the quality we’re going to come up against next week are three, four, or fivefolds, but we’ve played reasonably well on tour, and we know we need to up the ante.”

The All Blacks could welcome back Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, who have progressed from their respective injuries. Damian McKenzie remains a concern with an ankle problem, while Rennie hopes he can train on Tuesday.

New Zealand captain Codie Taylor delivered his own warning.

“No disrespect to the Bulls but they [the Springboks] will lift the tempo and physicality. That’s what Test match footy is all about. It’s an exciting week ahead.”

Loftus was the dress rehearsal. Ellis Park is where the curtain rises.

And the Boks have heard the warning bell.