Jon Cardinelli

Foreign scalps the measure of progress

The next few rounds of Super Rugby will give us a more accurate idea of where the South African teams stand in relation to their more fancied New Zealand counterparts, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Rassie’s enormous task

The Springboks’ chances at the 2019 World Cup will hinge on the changes made to the South African rugby system this season, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Johnny Sexton kicked a drop goal in injury time to steer Ireland to a 15-13 win over France in Paris on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI reports. France are back. The spirited side that put Ireland under pressure at the set pieces and at the breakdowns on Saturday was a far cry from the mob that lost four games against the Springboks… Read more →

Cheetahs thump Kings

Nico Lee scored a brace as the Cheetahs claimed a 45-24 bonus-point win over the Kings in Bloemfontein on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI reports. The Cheetahs came into this clash as favourites. They scored six tries in the 45-21 win over the Kings in Port Elizabeth last week, with Lee crossing the line on three occasions. The South African derby in… Read more →

Kolisi the people’s champion

Siya Kolisi was an inspiration on and off the field in 2017, writes JON CARDINELLI. Siya Kolisi is determined to make a difference. This becomes increasingly clear as we chat about his recent performances, his rise as a leader, the birth of his second child, the launch of his new underwear business, his drive to unite sports teams in the… 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 →

Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin pets a lion

Five epic rugby fails of 2017

SARugbymag.co.za looks back at some of the worst moments of the past year. HABANA SLAMS FAKE NEWS Bryan Habana was quick to set the record straight after learning that a false story was doing the rounds regarding his untimely demise. A fake news website published an article in early May claiming that the Toulon and Springbok winger had been ‘tragically… Read more →

Ten lighter moments of 2017

SARugbymag.co.za looks back at rugby’s funniest, weirdest and most bizarre moments this year. HASKELL CHANNELS INNER WIZARD Does any rugby player know more about the Harry Potter series than James Haskell? The quirky England flanker recently played the part of ‘Gary’ Potter – Harry’s estranged step-brother, according to Haskell – in a lighthearted online video. The clip began with Haskell, who… Read more →