England coach Eddie Jones visited Ellis Park on Monday ahead of his side’s three-Test series against the Springboks in June. Jones was shown around the stadium by Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli, according to Netwerk24. The 57-year-old wanted to familiarise himself with the visitors’ change room and coaches box. He also inspected the demarcation area for the substitutes and the medical… Read more →
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 →
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 →
CRAIG LEWIS identifies five emerging youngsters who will be worth keeping an eye on in 2018. Juarno Augustus The talented No 8 announced his arrival in no uncertain terms after he was named the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of 2017. Augustus will now be looking to make a name for himself at senior level, and he will provide the… Read more →
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 →
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux admits it is becoming increasingly difficult to compete on an international level as a result of the player exodus. In an interview with Rugby World magazine, Roux highlighted the challenges facing South African rugby due to the ever-increasing player drain. ‘Last year we had 373 players playing in European club competitions. Any other country that… Read more →
Dawie Theron, Jimmy Stonehouse and Pieter Rossouw have confirmed the end of their coaching stints in the Japanese Top League. Theron, a former Junior Boks coach, joined the Docomo Red Hurricanes in July 2016 on a three-year contract but he has informed his employers that he will not be available for a third year as he wishes to return to… Read more →
An official announcement on the expected axeing of Allister Coetzee will only be made in the new year. No formal announcement on Coetzee’s future will be made until SA Rugby has followed all the necessary legal labour processes. However, Coetzee is expected to be removed from his post once due procedure has been followed, with SA Rugby having conducted a… Read more →
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 →
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 →
