In the latest SA Rugby magazine, now on sale, we highlight the key role Faf de Klerk could play for the Springboks in the highly-anticipated British & Irish Lions series.
The wait is nearly over. The British & Irish Lions squad – led by Alun Wyn Jones and Warren Gatland – will soon touch down in South Africa. For a Springbok side that has been out of action since the 2019 World Cup, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than this.
In the cover feature for this issue, we caught up with Faf de Klerk, who we believe will play an integral role in this all-important series.
The dynamic scrumhalf has banked a meaningful amount of game time for the Sale Sharks in England, but reveals how excited he is to return to South Africa after more than a year in the UK, and he assesses what it will take for the Boks to overcome the Lions.
Of course, the British & Irish Lions theme is predominant throughout this issue, and after the recent announcement of their touring team, we identify the danger men to look out for, and find out more about the coaching lieutenants who will work under Gatland.
A host of iconic Springboks from yesteryear also weigh in on what factors they believe will be make-or-break in determining the outcome of the 2021 tour, while reflecting on memories from past series they were involved in.
As the Bok squad takes shape, we’ve unpacked what the composition of the ‘Bomb Squad’ could look like, and identified five other players who we think could be the series game-changers.
A little closer to home, SA Rugby magazine headed into the Blitzboks’ camp to find out how they are preparing for the postponed Olympics, and also find out more about the various developments taking place on and off the field at the Sharks.
On a final note, don’t miss the big interviews with Raymond Rhule and Dan Carter, as well as a feature focusing on the longevity of Jones.
We hope you enjoy this latest issue, and as always, stay safe!
– Craig Lewis
