In the latest SA Rugby magazine we preview each and every Vodacom Super Rugby side ahead of the 2020 season. Don’t miss out on this new issue, on sale now.
From an SA rugby perspective, the past year’s results present a tough act to follow as we head into 2020.
Although no South African side reached the 2019 Super Rugby semi-finals, that seems like ancient history when one considers the Springboks surged to victory in the Rugby Championship and World Cup, while the Blitzboks finished the year at the summit of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings after excelling at the first two tournaments, in Dubai and Cape Town.
A new year brings a fresh slate, and there is a different look to many of our Super Rugby sides in terms of the player and coach rosters. In this preview issue, we take an in-depth look at each team that will be heading into battle this season.
In 2019, the Vodacom Bulls were South Africa’s surprise package as they finished in fifth spot on the overall log, but in this issue senior contributor Brenden Nel unpacks how the franchise has undergone a shift in focus after several significant changes on and off the field.
Across the Jukskei River, the Lions are another team at the start of a rebuilding phase, and we chat to former Bok stalwart Jannie du Plessis, who has joined the Johannesburg-based side in what is sure to be the final chapter of his illustrious career.
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On a similar note, veteran Schalk Brits has begun a new career away from rugby after claiming a World Cup winners medal with the Springboks last November. It was a remarkable achievement but it didn’t come without a lot of personal sacrifice. Our chief writer Jon Cardinelli sat down with the affable former hooker to find out more about his journey for a must-read feature.
Finally, keep an eye out for the extract from Eddie Jones’ autobiography, in which the England coach reflects on the World Cup final and how the Boks proved to be the better team on the day. Enjoy the read and Happy New Year.
Craig Lewis
