‘Boks on brink of implosion’

What the French newspapers are saying on Friday about Saturday’s Test against the Springboks.

WPRU set to bid Newlands goodbye

The Cape Town Stadium is set to become the new home of the Western Province Rugby Union. Although an official agreement is yet to be signed, WPRFU president Thelo Wakefield told Netwerk24 that it was a ‘business decision’ that is set to be finalised in the near future. Wakefield could not confirm if the move will be made as early as 2019,… Read more →

Another Bok back for Sharks

The Sharks are expected to unleash Springbok star Jean-Luc du Preez in Saturday’s semi-final against the Blue Bulls in Durban, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Du Preez returned to the Sharks at the conclusion of the Rugby Championship, and while there was some concern over a shoulder niggle that he was carrying, the youngster has been back in training this week and can… Read more →

Sharks can rein in Bulls

The Sharks have the defence as well as the kicking game to contain the tournament-leading Blue Bulls attack in the semi-final at Kings Park on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI. The Bulls are playing an entertaining brand of rugby. Whether it is a title-winning brand of rugby remains to be seen. John Mitchell’s side finished the Currie Cup round-robin stage with the… Read more →

Highlights: Golden Lions vs Western Province

The hosts scored four tries in their 29-20 win at Ellis Park.

Watch: Kolbe’s incredible footwork

Toulouse wing Cheslin Kolbe troubled the Clermont defence throughout their French Top 14 clash.

Bok passengers must go

Ryan Vrede says there are some Springboks​ who won’t ever cut it at Test level. South Africa play four Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and Wales over the next two months, but the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed it expected Venter to work with the Azzurri during the November internationals. But according to a report on Sport24.co.za, Venter will be with the Boks for… Read more →

Venter to extend Bok stay

Brendan Venter will remain with the Springboks as a defensive consultant until after their end-of-year tour of Europe. Venter has been working alongside coach Allister Coetzee in a consultancy capacity since earlier this year, but there had been uncertainty regarding his involvement with the Boks after the Rugby Championship because of Venter’s contractual obligations to the Italian national team. South… Read more →

Bok coaches in deep denial

Allister Coetzee and Brendan Venter’s comments since the Springboks’ record 57-0 loss to the All Blacks are as concerning as the performance itself, writes SIMON BORCHARDT. On Saturday, the Boks suffered their biggest defeat in 126 years of Test rugby. They conceded eight tries, and could not score any points themselves. They were humiliated. Yet in his TV interview directly after the match… Read more →

Dempsey: Rassie will boost Boks

Former Ireland fullback Girvan Dempsey believes that Rassie Erasmus’ return to South Africa will aid the struggling Springboks, reports JON CARDINELLI. In late June, SA Rugby confirmed the worst-kept secret in the country. Erasmus will leave Irish club Munster at the end of 2017 and take up a director of rugby position (officially) at SA Rugby on 1 January 2018. The… Read more →