SA Rugby
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Quite like the school yard pick idea!
Rugby finally returns in South Africa with a schedule that includes 'schoolyard pick' Springboks showdown
It has been frustrating for South Africa officials to watch rugby return quicker in rival countries, but the home of the Springboks now has a fixtures list.
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Hi all, its been some time since I have been in my root forum and good to see most of the old timers still going strong.
The Springboks have made us all very proud and are looking forward to the future.
After we won the previous two WC's we lost control via coaches and players loss but this time Rassie will still control after he build us some real player depth.
Our player movement are:
Confirmed out:
Schalk Brits (38), Beast Mtawarira (34), Flo Louw (34)Possibly out before RWC 2023:
Bongi Mbonambi (30), Vincent Koch (29), Trevor Nyakane (30), Duane Vermeulen (33), Cobus Reinach (29), Elton Jantjies (29), Frans Steyn (32), Makazole Mapimpi (29), Willie le Roux (30)This leave is with :
Malcolm Marx (25), Thomas du Toit (24), Steven Kitshoff (27), Frans Malherbe (28), Lood de Jager (26), Eben Etzebeth (27), Franco Mostert (28), RG Snyman (24), Pieter-Steph du Toit (27), Siya Kolisi (28), Kwagga Smith (26), Faf de Klerk (27), Herschel Jantjies (23), Handré Pollard (25)
Damian Willemse (21), Lukhanyo Am (25), Damian de Allende (27), Jesse Kriel (25), Cheslin Kolbe (25), S'busiso Nkosi (23), Warrick Gelant (24)Players that got close:
Coenie Oosthuizen (30), Marcell Coetzee (28), Jan Serfontein (26) Dillyn Leyds (27)
Curwin Bosch (22), Wilco Louw (25) Ox Nché (24) André Esterhuizen (25), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (26), Akker van der Merwe (28), Marvin Orie (26), Marco van Staden (24), Rynhardt Elstadt (29)
Lizo Gqoboka (29), Scarra Ntubeni (28) -
@OomPB Welcome back PB.
Interesting to see the relative ages. Quite a bunch of them are going to be a bit long-in-the-tooth come 2023. Let's hope they either retain great form like Beast, or some new youngsters come through strongly.
The next target though will be the BIL's tour in 2021. I expect a good core group to at least make it that far.
What will be interesting to see is whether Rassie is left free from interference to direct rugby in what he believes is the right direction.
Or whether, since everybody loves a winner, we have a bunch of bandwagon jumpers both from inside and outside rugby who suddenly feel it is their duty to impose their "wisdom". Let's hope not. Otherwise it is going to be at least another 12 year drought. -
@Billy-Webb Thanks Billy. Our pack was our strength in the WC. Fatties are like red wine only start to peak in their 30s. We'll still able to field the likes of Ginga, Tank, Marx, Frans, RG, Eben, Lood for many years in our tight 5.
Our structures is still solid. However it will change because of the dropping of the u19CC. This years top schoolboys are all leaving for France.
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And he returns ... odd timing, why would you come back now?
Had enough of the Sydney private school love in that is GAGR?
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@MajorRage
I tried a few years back but wasnt welcome. Diversity is a very good thing. My english improved in Sydney. -
@OomPB said in Springboks moving forward:
@MajorRage
I tried a few years back but wasnt welcome. Diversity is a very good thing. My english improved in Sydney.That's not something you hear everyday.
Welcome back Uncle PB
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RWC Squad in 2020:
Retired :Schalk Brits, Tendai Mtawarira
Japan: Malcolm Marx, RG Snyman & Damian de Allende - Munster?, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux
S15:
Stormers: Bongi Mbonambi (Kings), Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse
Sharks: Thomas du Toit, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, S'busiso Nkosi
Bulls: Trevor Nyakane, Warrick Gelant ,
Lions: Elton JantjiesEngland
Vincent Koch - Saracens, Lood de Jager - Sale, Franco Mostert - Gloucester, Francois Louw - Bath, Faf de Klerk - Sale Sharks, Cobus Reinach - NorthamptonFrance:
Eben Etzebeth - Toulon, Handré Pollard - Montpellier, François Steyn - Montpellier, Cheslin Kolbe - Toulouse, -
Has Rassie changed his mind about retiring then?
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@dogmeat said in Springboks moving forward:
Has Rassie changed his mind about retiring then?
Rassie is going to Director of Rugby role, not hands on coaching - I wonder how much he wil stick his oar in, can cause problems for a new, esp inexperienced like the favourite to take the role, coach to take ownership.
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@Machpants Nienaber is the favourite to take over the coaching role.
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Heyneke Meyer needs a job again.
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@OomPB said in Springboks moving forward:
Nienaber
Yeah and he has no head coaching experience. So will it just be a head coach in name only? Otherwise he is far too inexperienced
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It looks like Kolbe prefers playing sevens next year (because of the Olympics, end of July), so possibly not available for (some of) the Springboks tests.
Cheslin Kolbe has revealed that he is targeting a return to sevens rugby in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after finishing the current French season with Toulouse.‘I want to be a European champion with Toulouse and we can maybe do it this season,’ Kolbe added. ‘This is my next goal, with the one, I hope, to represent South Africa with the national team at sevens at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.’ Kolbe last played sevens in the 2016-17 World Series and was part of the Blitzboks team that finished with a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.Cheslin Kolbe targeting Blitzbok place in 2020 Tokyo Olympics squad
Cheslin Kolbe has revealed that he is targeting a return to sevens rugby in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after finishing the season with Toulouse.
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@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:
It looks like Kolbe prefers playing sevens next year (because of the Olympics, end of July), so possibly not available for (some of) the Springboks tests.
Cheslin Kolbe has revealed that he is targeting a return to sevens rugby in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after finishing the current French season with Toulouse.‘I want to be a European champion with Toulouse and we can maybe do it this season,’ Kolbe added. ‘This is my next goal, with the one, I hope, to represent South Africa with the national team at sevens at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.’ Kolbe last played sevens in the 2016-17 World Series and was part of the Blitzboks team that finished with a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Cheslin Kolbe has revealed that he is targeting a return to sevens rugby in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after finishing the season with Toulouse.
Will be interesting to see how this managed by SA Rugby.
The SA Sevens setup generally shies away from "XV's imports" for these events (although it does happen) because Sevens has become such a specialist game. But Kolbe did spend a long time with them before, so it is not new to him.
But I suspect, they'd like him with the Sevens team pretty exclusive of any other commitments.If he goes that route, it opens up opportunities elsewhere. S'bu Nkosi would get back to show his skills, which are not unimpressive.
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For want of a better place to put this:
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@OomPB Hi OomPB long time no hear, how are you doing?
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@Joan-and-Mary said in Springboks moving forward:
@OomPB Hi OomPB long time no hear, how are you doing?
Great to see you are still around, my tipping team mate.
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Jacques Nienaber was named as the new Springbok coach on Friday as part of a revised coaching panel, that will report directly to Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby. Nienaber is promoted from an assistant coach’s role to carry the day-to-day responsibility while Erasmus will continue to direct strategy in a tweaking of a panel that is heavily accented on continuity. Both Nienaber and Erasmus emphasised that continuity will be paramount for the Boks in 2020. Mzwandile Stick has been reappointed as an assistant coach while in an innovative inclusion, Felix Jones will continue but in a new role as a European-based coaching consultant. There are two new appointments with Deon Davids appointed forwards coach while Daan Human – the Vodacom Bulls’ scrum coach – takes up the same role with the Springboks on a shared basis. ...
Continuity the key as Nienaber named as new Springbok coach
Jacques Nienaber was named as the new Springbok coach on Friday as part of a revised coaching panel, that will report directly to Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby.
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@Machpants said in SA Rugby:
Quite like the school yard pick idea!
Yep - somebody here suggested something like that instead of the North vs South ... it would have been awesome. Especially with Foster coaching one team, Razor the other.
Edit: after actually reading the article (bannable offence, I know)...
...the local competition will continue over Christmas and New Year and will culminate in semi-finals (January 16) and a final on January 23 next year.
Playing rugby in South Africa in December/January... that's gotta be some hard-core shit, doesn't it?
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@Kruse yeah sounds very painful, even with watered pitches
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Pollard breaks silence after his devastating injury
The Springboks were dealt a huge blow with the serious injury Handre Pollard picked up last weekend in the Top 14 with Montpellier.
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@Machpants said in SA Rugby:
Quite like the school yard pick idea!
Yep - somebody here suggested something like that instead of the North vs South ... it would have been awesome. Especially with Foster coaching one team, Razor the other.
Edit: after actually reading the article (bannable offence, I know)...
...the local competition will continue over Christmas and New Year and will culminate in semi-finals (January 16) and a final on January 23 next year.
Playing rugby in South Africa in December/January... that's gotta be some hard-core shit, doesn't it?
yeah, i think a few of us did, i thought it could have been quite fun
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@Kiwiwomble said in SA Rugby:
@Machpants said in SA Rugby:
Quite like the school yard pick idea!
Yep - somebody here suggested something like that instead of the North vs South ... it would have been awesome. Especially with Foster coaching one team, Razor the other.
Edit: after actually reading the article (bannable offence, I know)...
...the local competition will continue over Christmas and New Year and will culminate in semi-finals (January 16) and a final on January 23 next year.
Playing rugby in South Africa in December/January... that's gotta be some hard-core shit, doesn't it?
yeah, i think a few of us did, i thought it could have been quite fun
It would be an interesting exercise to do on here. Two people could face off and go pick for pick. You could probably do multiple match ups and each pair would come up with very different sides depending on preference.
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@Kiwiwomble said in SA Rugby:
@Machpants said in SA Rugby:
Quite like the school yard pick idea!
Yep - somebody here suggested something like that instead of the North vs South ... it would have been awesome. Especially with Foster coaching one team, Razor the other.
Edit: after actually reading the article (bannable offence, I know)...
...the local competition will continue over Christmas and New Year and will culminate in semi-finals (January 16) and a final on January 23 next year.
Playing rugby in South Africa in December/January... that's gotta be some hard-core shit, doesn't it?
yeah, i think a few of us did, i thought it could have been quite fun
It would be an interesting exercise to do on here. Two people could face off and go pick for pick. You could probably do multiple match ups and each pair would come up with very different sides depending on preference.
Unless one of the pair was @ACT-Crusader ...
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@pukunui id be despertey hoping one of them would miscount and have to stick a prop on the wing
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@Kruse Our PRO14 sides played in that period the last few years. Games @ 19h00 is perfect for live TV coverage
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@Machpants Currie Cup will be intense. Teams fighting for top 4 positions plus possibility of Springbokke inclusion.
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Below are a few quotes from media releases on the Springboks website. They show what's going on with the squad in terms of selection:
The battle lines are being drawn for a Castle Lager Springbok Showdown, which will pit the best local stars and top, up-and-coming talent against each other on 3 October, as SA Rugby announced its plans today to reignite an exciting four-month local season. Springbok assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids will coach Springbok Green versus Springbok Gold teams for the match at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October, with Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby) and Jacques Nienaber (Springbok coach) acting as the two Team Commissioners. The selection process will take the form of a draft pick from an enlarged squad of 60 players with Green and Gold team bosses taking alternate turns in an old-style ‘school yard pick’ to assemble their match-day squads of 25 players each.“This will not only be an opportunity to see the best of the best available talent in South Africa square off against each other in what promises to be something never seen before, but it will also provide the players with another valuable opportunity to shake of the rust and get the legs and lungs going after not playing any rugby in the last six months,” said Erasmus. “The players will be encouraged to showcase their skills – individually and in their teams – and while it will be full-on, we’re expecting to see a highly competitive match of quality players against each other. “It will be exciting – from the moment we select the squads, with a number of twists thrown in for good measure – through the build-up to the match and the actual encounter in Cape Town.”
Thirty-two capped Springboks – 13 of whom were part of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad in Japan a year ago – a number of Blitzboks and recent Junior Boks are among a roster of 93 players in the draft squad for the historic Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October. Fifty of these players will end up in the two squads – Green and Gold – for the momentous match scheduled for DHL Newlands in two weeks’ time.The players, all of whom are based in South Africa, will be drafted into two squads of 25 each by the respective team commissioners and coaches, with equal representation amongst all positions. Furthermore, each squad will be augmented by seven rookies, all of whom will return to their provinces the day before the match if they are not required to step into either squad as replacements.
Castle Lager Springbok Showdown draft squad: Props: Frans Malherbe*, Thomas du Toit*, Steven Kitshoff*, Trevor Nyakane*, Lizo Gqoboka^, Ox Nche^, Marcel van der Merwe^, Ruan Dreyer^, Dylan Smith, Carlu Sadie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Luan de Bruin, Sti Sithole, Nathan McBeth, Mzamo Majola, Johannes Jonker, John-Hubert Meyer. Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi*, Scarra Ntubeni^, Dylan Richardson, Johan Grobbelaar, Schalk Erasmus, Fez Mbatha, Dan Jooste. Locks: Jason Jenkins^, Marvin Orie^, Oupa Mohoje^, JD Schickerling, Emile van Heerden, Le Roux Roets, Hyron Andrews, Ruben van Heerden, Salmaan Moerat, Sintu Manjezi, Walt Steenkamp, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Vermaak, Ruben Schoeman. Looseforwards: Siya Kolisi*, Duane Vermeulen*, Sikhumbuzo Notshe^, Arno Botha^, Marco van Staden^, Nizaam Carr^, Jaco Kriel^, Ernst van Rhyn, Celimpilo Gumede, Jaco Coetzee, James Venter, Junior Pokomela, Phepsi Buthelezi, Thembelani Bholi, Vincent Tshituka, Elrigh Louw, Jeandré Rudolph, Juarno Augustus, Muller Uys, Len Massyn. Scrumhalves: Herschel Jantjies*, Embrose Papier^, Ivan van Zyl^, Jaden Hendrikse, Sanele Nohamba. Flyhalves: Elton Jantjies*, Damian Willemse*, Curwin Bosch^, George Whitehead, Kade Wolhuter, Manie Libbok. Centres: Frans Steyn*, Lukhanyo Am*, Burger Odendaal, Jeremy Ward, Clinton Swart, Manuel Rass, Marius Louw, Rikus Pretorius, Wandisile Simelane, Werner Kok, Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel. Outside backs: Warrick Gelant*, Travis Ismaiel^, Cornal Hendricks^, Courtnall Skosan^, Rabz Maxwane, Rosko Specman, Seabelo Senatla, Sergeal Petersen, Yaw Penxe, David Kriel, Gianni Lombard, Malcolm Jaer. * denotes Springbok RWC squad members ^ denotes capped Springbok Test players
A raft of Springboks, Blitzboks and Junior Boks made the cut in two 25-man squads after an exciting live draft pick – the first of its kind in South African rugby history – for the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October. The two squads boast 13 members of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad from last year in Japan, as well as some exciting young players who will get to rub shoulders with established internationals for the eagerly awaited clash at DHL Newlands next Saturday (kick-off at 17h05).Springbok Green squad: Props: Ox Nche*, Thomas du Toit**, Trevor Nyakane**, Luan de Bruin Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi**, Schalk Erasmus Locks: JD Schickerling, Hyron Andrews, Oupa Mohoje* Looseforwards: Siya Kolisi**, Arno Botha*, Duane Vermeulen**, Junior Pokomela, Juarno Augustus Scrumhalves: Sanele Nohamba, Embrose Papier* Flyhalves: Elton Jantjies**, Manie Libbok Centres: Frans Steyn**, Wandisile Simelane, Jeremy Ward Outside backs: Seabelo Senatla, Yaw Penxe, Gianni Lombard, Malcolm Jaer Springbok Gold squad: Props: Steven Kitshoff**, Dylan Smith, Frans Malherbe**, Ruan Dreyer* Hookers: Scarra Ntubeni*, Dylan Richardson Locks: Salmaan Moerat, Marvin Orie*, Jason Jenkins* Looseforwards: Marco van Staden*, Nizaam Carr*, Sikhumbuzo Notshe*; Vincent Tshituka, James Venter Scrumhalves: Herschel Jantjies**, Jaden Hendrikse Flyhalves: Damian Willemse**, Curwin Bosch* Centres: Rikus Pretorius, Lukhanyo Am**, Werner Kok, Manuel Rass Outside backs: Sergeal Petersen, Rosko Specman, Warrick Gelant**
Sixteen rising South African rugby talents have been named to join the Springbok Green and Gold squads for a training week in preparation for next Saturday’s Castle Lager Springbok Showdown. The young players – drawn largely form the ranks of the Junior Springboks – will spend the week in camp with the two national selections before returning to their provinces to begin the inter-provincial Under-21 championships.Green - Props: Nathan McBeth (Emirates Lions), Kudzwai Dube (Emirates Lions). Hooker: Morne Brandon (Emirates Lions). Lock: JJ van der Mescht (Cell C Sharks). Back row: Evan Roos (Cell C Sharks), Phepsi Buthelezi (Cell C Sharks). Scrumhalf: Bernard van der Linde (Vodacom Blue Bulls). Centre: Mnombo Zwelindaba (DHL Western Province). Gold - Props: Kwenso Blose (DHL Western Province), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions). Hooker: Fez Mbatha (Cell C Sharks). Lock: Emile van Heerden (Cell C Sharks). Back row: Celimpilo Gumede (Cell C Sharks), Muller Uys (Vodacom Blue Bulls). Scrumhalf: Thomas Bursey (DHL Western Province). Flyhalf: Kade Wolhuter (DHL Western Province). -
It seems unlikely the Springboks who play for English and French clubs will be involved in the Rugby Championship this year.
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Line-ups for the Green v Gold match. According to Sky's Facebook page, this game will be LIVE on Sky Sport 1 from 4.00am (at the moment I'm writing this, it isn't in Sky's online tv schedule, yet).
Springbok Green:
15 – Gianni Lombard
14 – Yaw Penxe
13 – Wandisile Simelane
12 – Frans Steyn
11 – Malcolm Jaer
10 – Elton Jantjies
9 – Sanele Nohamba
8 – Duane Vermeulen
7 – Arno Botha
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain)
5 – Hyron Andrews
4 – JD Schickerling
3 – Luan de Bruin
2 – Bongi Mbonambi
1 – Ox NcheReplacements:
16 – Schalk Erasmus
17 – Kwenzo Blose
18 – Thomas du Toit
19 – JJ van der Mescht
20 – Juarno Augustus
21 – Junior Pokomela
22 – Embrose Papier
23 – Manie Libbok
24 – Jeremy Ward
25 – Kade WolhuterSpringbok Gold:
15 – Warrick Gelant
14 – Rosko Specman
13 – Lukhanyo Am (captain)
12 – Rikus Pretorius
11 – Courtnall Skosan
10 – Damian Willemse
9 – Herschel Jantjies
8 – Sikhumbuzo Notshe
7 – Nizaam Carr
6 – Marco van Staden
5 – Marvin Orie
4 – Salmaan Moerat
3 – Ruan Dreyer
2 – Scarra Ntubeni
1 – Steven KitshoffReplacements:
16 – Dylan Richardson
17 – Dylan Smith
18 – Carlü Sadie
19 – Jason Jenkins
20 – James Venter
21 – Vincent Tshituka
22 – Ivan van Zyl
23 – Curwin Bosch
24 – Werner Kok
25 – Manuel Rass
Kolisi and Am to lead Green and Gold teams
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will resume his leadership duties in the national team colours on Saturday for the first time since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup after being named alongside Springbok team-mate Lukhanyo Am as the captains of the Green and Gold teams for the Castle...
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@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:
Line-ups for the Green v Gold match. According to Sky's Facebook page, this game will be LIVE on Sky Sport 1 from 4.00am (at the moment I'm writing this, it isn't in Sky's online tv schedule, yet).
Springbok Green:
15 – Gianni Lombard
14 – Yaw Penxe
13 – Wandisile Simelane
12 – Frans Steyn
11 – Malcolm Jaer
10 – Elton Jantjies
9 – Sanele Nohamba
8 – Duane Vermeulen
7 – Arno Botha
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain)
5 – Hyron Andrews
4 – JD Schickerling
3 – Luan de Bruin
2 – Bongi Mbonambi
1 – Ox NcheReplacements:
16 – Schalk Erasmus
17 – Kwenzo Blose
18 – Thomas du Toit
19 – JJ van der Mescht
20 – Juarno Augustus
21 – Junior Pokomela
22 – Embrose Papier
23 – Manie Libbok
24 – Jeremy Ward
25 – Kade WolhuterSpringbok Gold:
15 – Warrick Gelant
14 – Rosko Specman
13 – Lukhanyo Am (captain)
12 – Rikus Pretorius
11 – Courtnall Skosan
10 – Damian Willemse
9 – Herschel Jantjies
8 – Sikhumbuzo Notshe
7 – Nizaam Carr
6 – Marco van Staden
5 – Marvin Orie
4 – Salmaan Moerat
3 – Ruan Dreyer
2 – Scarra Ntubeni
1 – Steven KitshoffReplacements:
16 – Dylan Richardson
17 – Dylan Smith
18 – Carlü Sadie
19 – Jason Jenkins
20 – James Venter
21 – Vincent Tshituka
22 – Ivan van Zyl
23 – Curwin Bosch
24 – Werner Kok
25 – Manuel Rass
Kolisi and Am to lead Green and Gold teams
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will resume his leadership duties in the national team colours on Saturday for the first time since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup after being named alongside Springbok team-mate Lukhanyo Am as the captains of the Green and Gold teams for the Castle...
I have obviously not been keeping a track of SA rugby. I recognise only 17 of those 50 names.
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@booboo Haha, it's not just you. I only recognise a few more. There are quite a few Blitzboks in the squads.
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@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:
@booboo Haha, it's not just you. I only recognise a few more. There are quite a few Blitzboks in the squads.
Yeah. Some of the names I recognise.
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Full time score:
Green 25 - 9 Gold
Match report and highlights video in this article: https://supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/201003_Many_errors_but_many_lessons_learnt_in_Springbok_Showdown
Also, see this quote:But it did also remind us that the Springboks’ chances of going to the Rugby Championship are slim to say the least and a good argument of being underdone can be made on the evidence of Saturday afternoon.
I really wonder when they're going to take the decision about their participation in the RC. Surely, they can't wait that long anymore?
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@Stargazer said in Springboks moving forward:
Full time score:
Green 25 - 9 Gold
Match report and highlights video in this article: https://supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/201003_Many_errors_but_many_lessons_learnt_in_Springbok_Showdown
Also, see this quote:But it did also remind us that the Springboks’ chances of going to the Rugby Championship are slim to say the least and a good argument of being underdone can be made on the evidence of Saturday afternoon.
I really wonder when they're going to take the decision about their participation in the RC. Surely, they can't wait that long anymore?
Didn't see the Bokke trial, and have no desire too, but listened to Tony Johnson on Devlin's show over the weekend who made mention of the benefit of NZ making our game a North v South clash, to give it some meaning, rather than a meaningless trial and noted his comment about how it became about individuals wanting to be noticed.
Anyone watch the Green v Gold who can comment?
What would be the natural split for SA without invoking age old animosity?
I suspect Coastal v Veldt is essentially English v Afrikaaner ...
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Three fact is, even if the boks are ok to play, they are too precious about their world ranking and won't come. Which is sad, but things like that they actually care about. Foster's idea to can rugby ranking use the best thing to come out off his mouth so far. Stops lame excuses
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@Machpants said in Springboks moving forward:
Three fact is, even if the boks are ok to play, they are too precious about their world ranking and won't come. Which is sad, but things like that they actually care about. Foster's idea to can rugby ranking use the best thing to come out off his mouth so far. Stops lame excuses
Can't agree with any of this at all.
A couple of facts from the Republic:- Everyone, including the players and fans would love for rugby, and test matches in particular to return.
- But unlike NZ, South Africa had a very strict Covid lockdown in place, for an extended period of time.
- Rugby has only just resumed here.
- Many of the Bok 1st choice players are based in the UK, who still are on a restricted travel list to SA - so no chance of them joining up for training.
I don't see it being in anyone's interest to send a sub-strength, under-cooked Bok side to play tests.
Would hardly be a test now would it? -
@Billy-Webb said in Springboks moving forward:
I don't see it being in anyone's interest to send a sub-strength, under-cooked Bok side to play tests.
Would hardly be a test now would it?Not only that, but it also increases the risk of injury. So it's also a player welfare issue.
