Mariette Adams

Mariette Adams
Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden

Super Rugby preview (Round 2, Part 1)

JON CARDINELLI looks ahead to the first four Super Rugby matches of round two, including the big New Zealand derby in Christchurch. HIGHLANDERS vs BLUES (Dunedin, Friday, 08:35) Take a look at some of the backline players who will be on show at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday. Fullback Ben Smith is back in New Zealand after taking an… Read more →

Pro14 preview (Round 16)

Pro14 preview (Round 16)

The Kings will be in danger of suffering their biggest Pro14 defeat when they face Leinster at RDS Arena on Friday, writes MARIETTE ADAMS. LEINSTER vs KINGS For now, at least, the Kings simply do not have the necessary resources to be competitive in this tournament, and in Leinster, they are coming up against one of European rugby’s elite teams…. Read more →

Six Nations preview (Round 3)

Six Nations preview (Round 3)

England could overtake Ireland at the top of the Six Nations log if they score a big win against Scotland on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI. FRANCE vs ITALY (Marseille, Friday, 22:00) France will be desperate to bounce back after losing their first two matches against Ireland and Scotland. They will fancy their chances of securing a bonus-point victory against an… Read more →

Superbru: Lions by 10-17

Superbru: Lions by 10-17

Before you make your Superbru picks for this weekend’s Super Rugby, Pro14 and Six Nations games, take a look at the SA Rugby magazine team’s predictions. SUPER RUGBY Highlanders vs Blues Simon Borchardt: Highlanders by 6 Jon Cardinelli: Highlanders by 8 Juandre Joubert: Highlanders by 6 Mariette Adams: Highlanders by 5 Craig Lewis: Highlanders by 10 Rebels vs Reds Simon Borchardt: Rebels by 4 Jon Cardinelli: Rebels by… Read more →

Snyman boost for new-look Blitzboks

Snyman boost for new-look Blitzboks

Philip Snyman will lead the Blitzboks at the upcoming Las Vegas Sevens tournament. Coach Neil Powell has been forced to name a vastly different squad from the one he selected for the tour of Australasia four weeks ago. Snyman returns to the fold after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up at the Sydney Sevens, while Ruhan Nel is back… Read more →

Ferreira returns for Lions

Ferreira returns for Lions

Andries Ferreira will start in the Lions’ second row against the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday. Ferreira was initially named to start against the Sharks last weekend, but he withdrew before kickoff. He replaces Marvin Orie, who drops out of the match 23. Unlike last week, coach Swys de Bruin has opted to include a recognised back-up scrumhalf –… Read more →

Bholi starts for Bulls

Bholi starts for Bulls

Thembelani Bholi will wear the Bulls No 7 jersey against the Hurricanes at Loftus on Saturday. The former Kings and Pumas player joins Hanro Liebenberg and Roelof Smit in the loose trio. The team’s co-captain Nic de Jager has been named on the bench. Lood de Jager and RG Snyman are the lock pairing for the Bulls’ season opener, while… Read more →

Du Toit, Marais back for Stormers

Du Toit, Marais back for Stormers

The Stormers have made four changes to their starting lineup for Saturday’s match against the Waratahs in Sydney. Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit (back) and fullback SP Marais (toe) both missed last weekend’s 28-20 win against the Jaguares due to injury. As a result, Dillyn Leyds shifts from No 15 to the right wing, with JJ Engelbrecht coming in at outside… Read more →