Leading the Bok revival

Warren Whiteley is on the cover of the new SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week.

Whiteley brought calm to the Springbok storm.

When Whiteley was appointed captain in May, dark clouds were hanging over South African rugby after a dismal 2016 season that saw the Boks suffer eight defeats and slump to seventh in the world rankings. Just over a month later, a 3-0 Test series whitewash against France saw the clouds part and the sun shine through.

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Whiteley’s leadership on the field during the first two matches, and off it – from the moment the squad assembled in Plettenberg Bay – was a critical factor in the Bok turnaround.

In this issue of SA Rugby magazine, Whiteley talks about the experience of captaining his country, the establishment of a new team culture and their goals for the rest of the year, while Lions coach Johan Ackermann explains just why the 29-year-old is such a successful captain.

Also in the new issue: 

– The Springboks finally gave their fans something to shout about when they whitewashed France in June

Jan Serfontein made the most of his opportunity to start for the Springboks in June

– Courtnall Skosan completed a remarkable journey to Springbok honours when he started all three Tests against France in June

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– Sonny Bill Williams was having a bright season until the darkest moment of his rugby career

– Kings and South Africa A wing Makazole Mapimpi knows his way to the tryline

Ryan Kankowski’s running game and experience will boost the Golden Lions’ Currie Cup team

– We look back at the career of former Proteas captain Dougie Dyers

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– Juarno Augustus appears destined to play for the Springboks

Juan Smith helped Toulon win many battles during his four-year stint at the French club

– Former Stormers forward Michael Rhodes won’t be eligible to play for England until November 2018, but he has already caught Eddie Jones’ eye

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PLUS: John Plumtree on Lions series > Corné Krige's Perfect XV > New rugby comic > What happened to Heini Adams?

Post by

Simon Borchardt