Innehållsförteckning för June 2025 från SA RUGBY

If you've been around long enough to remember when Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nché, Frans Malherbe, Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am were not household names, you'll recognise the familiar signs that point to Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Jan-Hendnk Wessels, Jurenzo Julius and JF van Heerden becoming highly sought-after players the world over. A highlight of the 2024-25 season was the red-hot bid placed by each of these players for inclusion in the Springbok squad. Hooker and Julius upstaged their more experienced Sharks teammates in converting touches into positive contributions. And Wessels, Ntlabakanye and Van Heerden bossed opponents at the set niece and contact noint. There's a moment in time that marks the arrival of many a legendary Springbok, and this season has the makings of that milestone for these five…

DOUBLE DELIGHT SA Rugby magazine chatted to Springbok lock Kobus Wiese and prop Balie Swart, childhood friends who had silenced their detractors by winning the 1995 World Cup. The World Cup was special, but the feelings are difficult to explain,’ said Swart. ‘Before the final there were thousands of fans gathered outside our Sandton hotel. People, black and white, were singing and wishing us well. That was the difference in the World Cup; the support we got.’ The Boks had walked right up to the All Blacks while they were doing the haka before the final at Ellis Park which, Swart said, wasn't planned. ‘It just happened. Kobus went right up to Jonah Lomu, who wouldn't look him in the eyes - like Ruben Kruger against Mike Brewer.’ Wiese recalled:…

PJ de Ras It was a good luck wink. Sent with love and care. True Sportsmanship. Darren Borchert Causing Irish heart palpitations. Best bit of play from Jaden all season. Japes Terblanche You could literally see his calf cramp up on live television at one point. Anyone who plays actual rugby would know. The game went on longer than expected. This is when cramps set in. Especially when you kick. The eye wink was banter. Again, if vou olav rugbvvou would know. Craigh Jonas ‘That wink made direct contact with Jack Crawley's face, specifically his eyes. That's a red card any day of the week. World Rugby deems Springboks protected species even though their entire existence is a smear campaign against the spirit of our game.’ - Matt Williams Bartholomew…

The curtain has come down on the club season and five rising stars have served notice to the Springboks’ leading men that it will take compelling performances to retain their place on centre stage. Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende, Frans Malherbe and Lukhanyo Am are two-time world champions, but the 2024-25 season confirmed that South Africa's rugby factory continues to press out world-class talent that is going to make those household names work to remain on coach Rassie Erasmus’ team sheet this season. Outside backs Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius were dynamic for the Sharks, Bulls forwards Jan-Hendrik Wessels and JF van Heerden powered the Bulls pack to a second-place finish in the URC, and the forceful scrummaging of steamroller Asenathi Ntlabakanye gave the outmatched Lions a steady…

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer was spot-on when he said the introduction of a Club World Cup will force South African franchises to take the Champions Cup seriously. The Club World Cup, set to occur every four years starting in 2028, will feature 16 teams: eight from the Champions Cup, seven from Super Rugby Pacific and one from Japan Rugby League One. Had it taken place this season, South African teams would have been absent, having failed to reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals. This was largely because the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers prioritised the URC, a more realistic competition for them to win, while their squad depth was tested by injuries. Since becoming eligible for Europe's top tournament in 2022-23, SA sides have often selected ‘B teams’ for away matches…

1 CATCH In training, clap at the ball-carrier before you catch. The passer will have a cue to pass, and your hands will be in a good place to catch the ball. 2 HANDS ON THE BALL Spread the hands over the fattest part of the ball, even if you are thinking of spin passing. You should be able to go from one hand to two hands to the other hand at full pace. Often passing happens when you are unbalanced, so being in full control of the ball is good. 3 FINGERS LAST When you pass the ball, the last sensation of feel between the ball and your body should be through the fingers. Practise passing short distances with your eyes closed to understand how this touch works. 4 FOLLOW-THROUGH Where the hands…

Bordeaux Bégles were crowned kings of Europe for the first time in 2025, powering past the Northampton Saints 28-20 in a tense and chaotic Champions Cup final at the Millennium Stadium. This historic victory marked their first major trophy since the club's founding in 2006 and signalled their arrival among Europe's elite rugby teams. In the 2023-24 Top 14 season, Bordeaux showed great promise by reaching the final after notable wins over Racing 92 and Stade Français. However, their hopes were dashed with a heavy 59-3 defeat to Toulouse in the final. Their European campaigr also ended in disappointment, exiting in the Champions Cup quarter-finals against Harlequins. These setbacks only strengthened the club's resolve, driving them to claim the 2024-25 Champions Cup title and fuelling ambitions for a Top 14…

Beauden Barrett is no Sir Richard Hadlee. By that I mean he does not keep close tabs on his numbers and milestones as did the great cricketing knight. Having just turned 34 and with 14 years of New Zealand first-class rugby under his belt, not to mention two sabbaticals in Japan, Barrett's longevity, ability to stay on the park and avoid injury, plus his kicking and running skills, mean he looms large in the tryscoring and point-scoring lists at first-class. Super Rugby and Test levels. He recently reposted on Instagram an All Blacks post that highlighted the fact that he's the second man, after Carlos Spencer, to score 100 tries, 100 conversions and 100 penalty goals in New Zealand first-class rugby. That came back in April with his brilliant chip…

South Africa's rugby coaches are the best in the world, internationally and at club level. It is why, right now, South Africa is the No 1 nation in the SDort. Rassie Erasmus is the unanimous choice as the best in the business, with two successive World Cups in 2019 and 2023, a Rugby Championship and a British & Irish Lions series win. Add in 2-0 Test ‘series’ wins against the Wallabies in Australia and the All Blacks in South Africa in 2024, and there is little to counter the argument. Ireland's Andy Farrell and France's Fabian Galthie are outstanding international coaches, but the Holy Grail World Cup trophy has continued to elude them, as players and coaches. RASSIE ERASMUS IS THE UNANIMOUS CHOICE AS THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS It…

NEWLANDS My first stadium experience was Newlands. I watched the 1995 World Cup semi-final there between the All Blacks and England, when Jonah Lomu scored four tries in front of me. I remember thinking how unbelievable it would be if I could play on this field one day, I did for the first time for the Paul Roos U13 team and began my career with Western Province [in 2002] at Newlands and played my first Test match for the Springboks there against Italy in 2008. so it will always have a special place in my heart.’ FREE STATE STADIUM ‘I never played a Test in Bloemfontein, but it was sort of a home ground for the Cats back in the day and that's what I remember it for.’ KINGS PARK…

The return of the Boland Cavaliers to the Currie Cup Premier Division represents more than just promotion, it's the manifestation of an ambitious vision that could reshape South Africa's rugby landscape. Under the guidance ot head coach Hawies Fourie, backed by a partnership with the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and anchored by financial group Sanlam's investment, the Cavaliers are targeting heights that extend far evond domestic competition. The Cavaliers face Fourie's former team, the Cheetahs, in Wellington on 27 July in their Currie Cup season opener that will mark their first appearance in the Premier Division of rugby's oldest competition since 2016. The Bolanders secured qualification after finishing fourth in the 2025 SA Cup league phase, before going down 31-29 in the semi-finals to eventual champions, the Pumas, in Nelspruit.…

Whenever I think of the 1995 World Cup, my first recollection is of Pieter Hendriks embarrassing David Campese defensively. That was the moment, I believe, when blind faith and hope turned to conviction for the Springboks; the moment when those wearing the green and gold realised how good a team they were and how good a team they could be at the World Cup. The Wallabies were the world champions but they were a team in decline and one in which many of their most celebrated players were beset by injury. Many gave the Springboks no chance of beating Australia because of the recent history between the two teams, but it was inaccurate. Those closer to the action knew the Boks were a team on the up mentally, a team…

Os du Randt told me you were the greatest captain he ever had. When I asked him why, he said you had the amazing ability to make him believe. How did you achieve that? You have to get to know the players’ personalities and what makes them tick. Everybody has a hot and a cold button. Os had only played five provincial games before being selected for the Springboks and his eyes were like saucepans before our first match against Australia, who were the favourites to win the World Cup. I just sat next to him in the change room and told him we had played these guys before, the game will be over in a blink, just try and touch the ball early … those sorts of things. We…

NAAS BOTHA ‘On the other hand Darren, we are going to miss you! Love always, RIP.’ - The former Springbok flyhalf and captain shared a throwback picture alongside former Boots ‘n All colleague Darren Scott, who passed away after a long battle with cancer. SIYA KOLISI ‘Gqu Gqu Gqu 100 up,’ - The Springbok captain congratulated Lukhanyo Am after the centre's milestone appearance for the Sharks. ROHAN JANSE VAN RENSBURG ‘Champions of Europe. C'est énorme [this is huge].’ - The Bordeaux Bègles centre with team physio Manu Espiasse after winning the Champions Cup in Cardiff. RUDY PAIGE ‘My heart is broken! Heaven has a brilliant new member.’ - The former Springbok scrumhalf reflected after the sudden passing of long-time friend Comal Hendricks. APHELELE FASSI Ice cold - The Sharks fullback…

What was your biggest takeaway from the Bok alignment camp? The responsibility on us as players to perform and what it means to be a part of the Springboks. It's not just a game and the importance of representing your country, you have to be fully focused at all times. Which player has inspired you the most? Ardie Savea. He's been sensational the past few years. The way he plays and carries himself on and off the field. His aggression and will to make a difference on the field. Also seeing what he stands for spiritually. What career would you pursue outside of rugby? A big passion of mine is sales and property, but if I wasn't playing rugby I would still be involved in sport. I love CrossFit, so…

SPRINGBOKS 27 WALLABIES 18 Pool match, 25 May 1995, Newlands Springboks - Tries: Pieter Hendriks, Joel Stransky. Conversion: Stransky. Penalties: Stransky (4). Drop goal: Stransky. Wallabies - Tries: Michael Lynagh, Phil Kearns. Conversion: Lynagh. Penalties: Lynagh (2). SPRINGBOKS 21 ROMANIA 8 Pool match, BO May 1995, Newlands Springboks - Tries: Adriaan Richter (2). Conversion: Gavin Johnson. Penalties: Johnson (3). Romania - Try: Andrei Guranescu. Penalty: Ilie Ivanciuc. SPRINGBOKS 20 CANADA 0 Pool match, 3 June 1995, Boet Erasmus Springboks - Tries: Adriaan Richter (2). Conversions: Joel Stransky (2). Penalties: Stransky (2). SPRINGBOKS 42 SAMOA 14 Quarter-final, 10 June 1995, Ellis Park Springboks - Tries: Chester Williams (4), Chris Rossouw, Mark Andrews. Conversions: Gavin Johnson (3). Penalties: Johnson (2). Samoa - Tries: Tu Nu'uali'itia, Shem Tatupu. Conversions: Tupo Fa'amasino (2). SPRINGBOKS…

www.youtube.com/@RugbyCoachWeekly DECISION-MAKING 2 vs 1 reloads Use this continuous 2 vs 1 exercise to keep the players thinking and adjusting with slightly different scenarios each time. It will also help develop communication. WHY USE IT No 2 vs 1 situation is the same, so why train specific situations when you can continually mix it up with this activity. SET-UP A 10m box, one ball. HOW TO DO IT Put a defender on each corner of the box. Have one attacker at one end of the box, and three attackers with a ball at the other end of the box. Have the ball-carrier pass the ball to one of his teammates. When he makes the pass, call out one of the defenders from the far end of the box. The original…