Pre-season a tough grind
A lot of planning and hard work goes into the pre-season, writes Hurricanes assistant coach JOHN PLUMTREE.
Rassie already taking charge
Although there has been no official confirmation from SA Rugby over the Bok coaching setup, Rassie Erasmus’ work is already well underway, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Around this time last year, SA Rugby conducted a comprehensive review of the Boks’ dismal 2016 season that yielded just four wins from 12 Tests. Despite widespread calls for Allister Coetzee to face the axe,… Read more →
Boks need overseas boost
SA Rugby must review its policy and approach to selecting overseas-based players in order to aid the Springboks’ cause in 2018, writes CRAIG LEWIS. It’s a damning indictment that the Springboks will be forced to press the reset button once again in 2018. After all, it was meant to be so different. When reviewing a 2016 season that yielded just… Read more →
Flyhalf competition is building
South African rugby’s flyhalf stocks are looking a lot healthier heading into 2018, writes CRAIG LEWIS. In the midst of Western Province’s post-match celebrations following the Currie Cup final last year, there was a throwaway comment from coach John Dobson that largely slipped under the radar, but should not be overlooked. When asked about the influence of young star Damian… Read more →
Bok mediocrity must fall
The Springboks have to embrace a new culture that prizes winning and brutal honesty above all else, writes JON CARDINELLI. Allister Coetzee has presided over 11 wins in 25 Tests. His record includes inaugural losses to Ireland (home), Argentina (away) and Italy, as well as record drubbings at the hands of the All Blacks, Wales and, most recently, Ireland. Nick… Read more →
Ioane could settle at centre
Rieko Ioane may end up moving to the All Blacks midfield, writes JOHN PLUMTREE in SA Rugbymagazine. It came as no surprise when Rieko Ioane won the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award. The 20-year-old was a revelation for the All Blacks in 2017, scoring 10 tries in 11 Tests. He played centre for the Blues in Super Rugby, but… Read more →
Expectations must be managed
The inevitable delays and lack of clarity around the likely restructuring of the Springbok coaching team means that expectations have to be realigned ahead of the 2018 season, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Last week, the Boks’ season review was expected to take place. With this in mind, many would have hoped for a swift process that saw Allister Coetzee’s fate signed,… Read more →
Saffas end 2017 on low note
The Blitzboks – like the Springboks – delivered a substandard performance in the final tournament of the year, writes JON CARDINELLI. One couldn’t help but feel a little flat when leaving the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday evening. After all the hype, after all the build-up, the Blitzboks finished the Cape Town Sevens in third place. The fans certainly did their… Read more →
Boks need new coach approach
SA Rugby must strive to add a coach with a different way of thinking to the Springbok setup from next year, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Can the Boks really rebound from a period of dire stagnation to be regarded as genuine contenders when the 2019 World Cup rolls around in less than two years? Sadly, all the current signs suggest not…. Read more →
Stop blaming ‘quotas’ for Bok woes
Misconceptions and prejudices related to the subject of so-called ‘quota’ selections must be eradicated if we are to move forward as a rugby nation, writes CRAIG LEWIS. On Saturday, just three players of colour started the Springboks’ Test against Wales. Yet, in the aftermath of another disappointing defeat, there was the usual routine in certain sectors on social media where transformation… Read more →
