Connect with us

KEO News Wire

Faf De Klerk’s most dominant moments

Published

on

The cover story of SA Rugby Magazine’s latest issue is of Faf De Klerk, and details the integral part that he will play in the Springboks upcoming battle against the British & Irish Lions. But with De Klerk soaring for Sale Sharks – and not the lions – week in and week out, many South Africans may need a reminder of the unique style that makes him one of the most important pieces in the Springbok puzzle, writes Oliver Keohane.

De Klerk, described by SA Rugby Magazine editor Craig Lewis as a “lethal weapon”, fills an incredibly distinct mould of scrum-half, with a lot of his impact being the momentum that he either brings to, or changes in a game. His appeal to fans around the world and within the South African rugby fraternity has long-been his David-like approach to the Goliaths of the game, and his constant disruption around set pieces and presence on a rush defence is troublesome to many top teams, who don’t like to play a style of rugby where they’re forced to scrap it out.

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/teaser-draft/

 

De Klerk’s unexpected physicality as well as the fitness that allows him to be a presence fo 80 minutes, is also coupled with a kicking game that has developed to suit the Springboks’ style of play and a game changing eye for a gap on attack, that has often seen him sneak a break or score a try out of tight circumstances.

With De Klerk having been out of Springbok action since his World Cup heroics of 2019, it seems timely to take a look back at him taking names of players of all shapes and sizes, domestically and internationally, over his career. YouTube channel, RugbyBeast, runs a fantastic series called Taking Names, which compiles clips of some of the world’s best players one-upping other brilliant players around the globe. Take a look at De Klerk’s efforts here.

165 Comments

165 Comments

  1. nimabi

    6th December 2023 at 2:20 am

    Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks. nimabi

  2. sex

    27th August 2024 at 9:47 pm

    Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.

  3. Pieregistrējieties, lai sanemtu 100 USDT

    27th September 2024 at 6:38 pm

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  4. Sign up to get 100 USDT

    4th June 2025 at 8:47 am

    Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  5. Binance

    9th August 2025 at 5:43 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  6. Тегн акаунт жасау

    10th September 2025 at 4:10 am

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. Registrati su binance

  7. Dana Flota

    16th December 2025 at 11:45 am

    You actually make it appear so easy together with your presentation but I to find this topic to be actually one thing which I believe I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and very huge for me. I’m taking a look forward in your subsequent post, I will try to get the cling of it!

  8. binance konto skapande

    19th December 2025 at 2:06 pm

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.info/el/register?ref=DB40ITMB

  9. fdertolmrtokev

    19th December 2025 at 4:23 pm

    Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.

  10. abogados ley limón california

    28th December 2025 at 7:36 pm

    Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

  11. Nanotechnology-enhanced products

    29th December 2025 at 8:34 am

    It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  12. alquiler camion valencia

    29th December 2025 at 10:38 pm

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  13. anm"ala dig till binance

    10th January 2026 at 4:27 pm

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  14. Freenights Video Chat

    11th January 2026 at 11:51 am

    I have learn some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you set to make any such fantastic informative website.

  15. rateio concurso

    14th January 2026 at 2:29 am

    Outstanding post, I think blog owners should learn a lot from this site its rattling user pleasant.

  16. tlovertonet

    14th January 2026 at 12:35 pm

    You actually make it seem so easy together with your presentation but I to find this matter to be really one thing that I feel I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely extensive for me. I’m taking a look ahead in your next submit, I’ll attempt to get the hold of it!

  17. empresa de manutenção ar condicionado

    14th January 2026 at 2:25 pm

    Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. But think of if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche. Very good blog!

  18. new millennium car rental

    14th January 2026 at 10:50 pm

    Good V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  19. onewave solar water heater Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 2:05 am

    Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

  20. Techtra Automotive Academy Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 6:56 am

    As I website possessor I conceive the articles here is very excellent, thanks for your efforts.

  21. harga emas semasa 916

    15th January 2026 at 10:20 am

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  22. Techtrics Auto

    15th January 2026 at 8:47 pm

    Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…

  23. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 9:22 am

    I visited a lot of website but I think this one holds something special in it in it

  24. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 1:14 pm

    Some truly wonderful information, Gladiola I discovered this.

  25. kilat333 login

    16th January 2026 at 4:00 pm

    Good site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

  26. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 7:20 pm

    There is obviously a bundle to identify about this. I consider you made some good points in features also.

  27. best website host

    16th January 2026 at 8:58 pm

    I got good info from your blog

  28. jogo de búzios online 1 real

    17th January 2026 at 1:24 am

    I got what you mean , thanks for putting up.Woh I am glad to find this website through google. “I was walking down the street wearing glasses when the prescription ran out.” by Steven Wright.

  29. miototo

    17th January 2026 at 7:14 am

    I’m just writing to let you know what a brilliant experience my cousin’s princess developed going through yuor web blog. She even learned a good number of issues, which include what it is like to have an ideal teaching mindset to get other individuals easily fully understand various tricky things. You really exceeded our expectations. Thank you for supplying such warm and helpful, safe, revealing and in addition fun guidance on that topic to Lizeth.

  30. lottochamp reviews

    17th January 2026 at 6:46 pm

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  31. dkwinapp.com

    17th January 2026 at 8:41 pm

    Woh I love your posts, saved to fav! .

  32. neurodyne review

    17th January 2026 at 10:47 pm

    This internet site is my breathing in, rattling superb design and perfect articles.

  33. kilat333

    18th January 2026 at 5:08 am

    Simply wanna remark that you have a very nice internet site, I enjoy the layout it actually stands out.

  34. gelatin trick recipe

    18th January 2026 at 11:35 am

    Great weblog right here! Additionally your web site a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate hyperlink for your host? I desire my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  35. pink salt trick

    18th January 2026 at 6:22 pm

    Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

  36. pcxwin

    18th January 2026 at 7:33 pm

    But wanna input on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really good. “Earn but don’t burn.” by B. J. Gupta.

  37. royal138

    19th January 2026 at 2:25 am

    Its wonderful as your other articles : D, appreciate it for putting up. “A lost battle is a battle one thinks one has lost.” by Ferdinand Foch.

  38. kilat333

    19th January 2026 at 11:48 am

    he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks

  39. kilat333

    19th January 2026 at 12:38 pm

    Undeniably believe that that you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be at the web the simplest thing to take into accout of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as other people think about concerns that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  40. ladang88

    19th January 2026 at 2:22 pm

    I really enjoy looking at on this web site, it holds excellent posts. “A short saying oft contains much wisdom.” by Sophocles.

  41. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 6:07 pm

    Thank you for another excellent article. Where else could anyone get that type of info in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  42. login susterslot

    19th January 2026 at 9:45 pm

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would really benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!

  43. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 9:48 pm

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to provide something back and help others such as you helped me.

  44. agen togel online

    20th January 2026 at 12:48 am

    I dugg some of you post as I cogitated they were very beneficial very helpful

  45. affordable women’s fashion boutique UK

    20th January 2026 at 12:58 am

    You have observed very interesting details! ps decent site.

  46. Experiencias creativas

    20th January 2026 at 5:34 am

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may I wish to counsel you few attention-grabbing things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles relating to this article. I want to read even more issues approximately it!

  47. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 7:30 am

    Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  48. conversion rate

    20th January 2026 at 7:39 am

    Really informative and superb complex body part of written content, now that’s user friendly (:.

  49. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 10:32 am

    Hello. remarkable job. I did not anticipate this. This is a great story. Thanks!

  50. rtp slot live

    20th January 2026 at 11:49 am

    I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up. “The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” by Oscar Wilde.

  51. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 2:03 pm

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

  52. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 6:51 pm

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its aided me. Great job.

  53. zabornatorilon

    21st January 2026 at 2:15 pm

    Well I definitely enjoyed reading it. This article procured by you is very helpful for correct planning.

  54. optivell review

    21st January 2026 at 8:46 pm

    I conceive this site has got some rattling great information for everyone : D.

  55. optivell reviews

    22nd January 2026 at 12:02 am

    Your house is valueble for me. Thanks!…

  56. kilat333

    22nd January 2026 at 7:24 am

    Hey, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  57. best electric shaver for men

    22nd January 2026 at 12:45 pm

    I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The website style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  58. forzen berry protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 3:31 pm

    After examine a couple of of the blog posts in your web site now, and I actually like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and shall be checking back soon. Pls check out my website as nicely and let me know what you think.

  59. flixy tv

    23rd January 2026 at 5:13 am

    My brother recommended I may like this web site. He was totally right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  60. เว็บสล็อต

    23rd January 2026 at 6:20 am

    It is best to participate in a contest for among the best blogs on the web. I’ll suggest this site!

  61. nuro clean mold remover gel

    23rd January 2026 at 2:19 pm

    I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days..

  62. nuroclean review

    23rd January 2026 at 5:38 pm

    I got what you mean ,saved to bookmarks, very decent internet site.

  63. arranjos fúnebres piçarras

    23rd January 2026 at 9:18 pm

    Keep up the great piece of work, I read few blog posts on this site and I think that your blog is real interesting and has got sets of fantastic information.

  64. wellaheat socks review

    23rd January 2026 at 11:22 pm

    Generally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very great post.

  65. lk21

    24th January 2026 at 1:15 am

    I couldn’t resist commenting

  66. wellaheat heated socks

    24th January 2026 at 1:57 am

    We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  67. wellaheat heated socks

    24th January 2026 at 5:41 am

    This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  68. Vender joias de ouro antigas

    24th January 2026 at 12:56 pm

    I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative site.

  69. wuffy ai puppy

    24th January 2026 at 1:35 pm

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Thanks!

  70. Pitfalls that remove credits mid-term

    24th January 2026 at 11:39 pm

    I just couldn’t depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really loved the standard information a person supply in your visitors? Is going to be again continuously in order to check up on new posts

  71. teste iptv 6 horas xciptv

    25th January 2026 at 2:56 pm

    I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  72. the brain song review

    25th January 2026 at 3:23 pm

    of course like your web-site however you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.

  73. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 6:14 pm

    Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I’d like to see extra posts like this .

  74. IEC 62368

    25th January 2026 at 9:55 pm

    Wonderful website. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks on your sweat!

  75. men balance pro

    25th January 2026 at 10:55 pm

    There is apparently a bundle to realize about this. I think you made some good points in features also.

  76. slim burn

    26th January 2026 at 8:59 am

    Some genuinely fantastic posts on this site, appreciate it for contribution. “The difference between fiction and reality Fiction has to make sense.” by Tom Clancy.

  77. humanoid robot comparison

    26th January 2026 at 11:54 am

    I’ve been surfing online greater than 3 hours as of late, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth sufficient for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the internet will likely be a lot more useful than ever before. “When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object.” by Milan Kundera.

  78. gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 3:28 pm

    Very nice article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂

  79. jello diet trend 2026

    26th January 2026 at 9:19 pm

    You have remarked very interesting points! ps nice internet site.

  80. kilat333

    26th January 2026 at 11:11 pm

    wonderful post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  81. gelatin trick

    27th January 2026 at 12:17 am

    Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to give something again and help others such as you aided me.

  82. the brain song

    27th January 2026 at 3:34 am

    I love forgathering useful information , this post has got me even more info! .

  83. akongcuan

    27th January 2026 at 8:58 am

    Real nice style and design and good subject matter, nothing at all else we want : D.

  84. kilat333

    27th January 2026 at 12:24 pm

    I together with my guys appeared to be examining the nice guides from your web site then all of the sudden came up with a terrible suspicion I never thanked the blog owner for them. All of the guys appeared to be certainly stimulated to study all of them and have in effect extremely been having fun with those things. Appreciation for truly being simply accommodating and then for using varieties of fine issues most people are really desperate to discover. My personal sincere regret for not expressing appreciation to earlier.

  85. 백링크

    27th January 2026 at 3:32 pm

    I genuinely enjoy looking through on this internet site, it holds good articles. “Don’t put too fine a point to your wit for fear it should get blunted.” by Miguel de Cervantes.

  86. recarga iptv

    27th January 2026 at 5:26 pm

    We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done a formidable process and our entire group will likely be grateful to you.

  87. iptv

    27th January 2026 at 9:22 pm

    I really enjoy looking at on this web site, it holds good articles.

  88. cara jualan online di fb buat pemula

    27th January 2026 at 11:50 pm

    I really treasure your piece of work, Great post.

  89. odm jewelry factory

    28th January 2026 at 8:08 am

    I like this website very much, Its a really nice office to read and incur information.

  90. custom jewelry

    28th January 2026 at 11:50 am

    Really Appreciate this blog post, can you make it so I receive an email whenever you publish a new post?

  91. kilat333

    29th January 2026 at 4:00 am

    Absolutely pent articles, thank you for information. “Necessity is the mother of taking chances.” by Mark Twain.

  92. david hoffmeister wikipedia

    29th January 2026 at 10:19 am

    This really answered my problem, thank you!

  93. igm247

    29th January 2026 at 7:51 pm

    I have learn some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you set to create one of these excellent informative website.

  94. I have read a few just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much effort you set to create such a excellent informative website.

  95. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 3:42 pm

    Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!

  96. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 7:34 pm

    Wonderful web site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks in your effort!

  97. secaps black chá site oficial

    30th January 2026 at 10:01 pm

    Whats up very cool website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionallyKI am satisfied to seek out so many helpful information right here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  98. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 1:02 am

    This website is my inspiration , rattling great style and design and perfect subject material.

  99. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 6:30 am

    I am always invstigating online for tips that can benefit me. Thank you!

  100. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 9:07 am

    Hey, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

  101. nustar

    31st January 2026 at 1:51 pm

    NuStar Online Casino Login and Register pages are designed to guide users through account access and registration processes. These pages typically focus on clear instructions, secure access, and step-by-step guidance to help users understand how to create or access an account efficiently.

  102. top up royal dream

    1st February 2026 at 9:06 pm

    I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up.

  103. gullybet games

    2nd February 2026 at 5:30 am

    Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “You have to be deviant if you’re going to do anything new.” by David Lee.

  104. ethical hackers vs black-hat hackers

    2nd February 2026 at 8:40 am

    This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.

  105. NETS FlashPay bulk order Singapore

    2nd February 2026 at 12:01 pm

    You are my aspiration, I own few blogs and infrequently run out from to brand.

  106. ethical hackers for business

    2nd February 2026 at 12:36 pm

    I will immediately take hold of your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  107. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 3:46 pm

    An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  108. ethical hacking certifications

    2nd February 2026 at 4:38 pm

    I am glad to be a visitant of this thoroughgoing website! , thanks for this rare information! .

  109. ethical hacking penetration testing services

    2nd February 2026 at 10:45 pm

    I am curious to find out what blog system you are working with? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?

  110. ethical hacking techniques

    3rd February 2026 at 1:21 am

    Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to understand so much about this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I feel that you could do with some to pressure the message house a little bit, but other than that, that is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  111. custom soccer ball manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 1:13 am

    Hi there very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m satisfied to find numerous helpful information right here in the submit, we’d like work out extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.

  112. led lighting manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 4:43 am

    Some truly interesting info , well written and broadly speaking user pleasant.

  113. pcxwin

    4th February 2026 at 5:50 am

    This really answered my downside, thanks!

  114. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 2:57 pm

    It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  115. gcmaf yogurt benefits

    4th February 2026 at 4:06 pm

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” by Virginia Woolf.

  116. vigorlong

    4th February 2026 at 11:11 pm

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  117. slot min depo 5k

    5th February 2026 at 1:00 am

    This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  118. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 8:17 am

    Awsome blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.

  119. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 2:23 pm

    Very clean site, thanks for this post.

  120. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 5:07 pm

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  121. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 9:46 pm

    I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?

  122. herpafend

    6th February 2026 at 12:02 am

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say you have done a excellent job with this. Also, the blog loads very fast for me on Safari. Outstanding Blog!

  123. I was studying some of your blog posts on this website and I think this web site is real instructive! Continue putting up.

  124. ดูดไขมันรักแร้

    6th February 2026 at 10:43 am

    I’ve recently started a site, the info you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.” by George Jean Nathan.

  125. Curso Pós-Edital Estratégia 2025

    6th February 2026 at 9:32 pm

    Only wanna input on few general things, The website style and design is perfect, the subject matter is rattling superb. “Taxation WITH representation ain’t so hot either.” by Gerald Barzan.

  126. Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025

    7th February 2026 at 1:13 am

    Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and fantastic style and design.

  127. kilat333

    7th February 2026 at 12:02 pm

    As I website owner I believe the articles here is very good, thankyou for your efforts.

  128. indo cair

    7th February 2026 at 1:59 pm

    What i do not understood is actually how you are no longer really much more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize thus considerably when it comes to this topic, made me in my view believe it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs great. At all times handle it up!

  129. kokitoto togel

    7th February 2026 at 3:52 pm

    What¦s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its aided me. Good job.

  130. rundpools kaufen

    7th February 2026 at 8:09 pm

    I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?

  131. recarga unitv oficial

    8th February 2026 at 7:37 pm

    I really enjoy reading through on this site, it holds wonderful content. “It is easy to be nice, even to an enemy – from lack of character.” by Dag Hammarskjld.

  132. kilat333

    9th February 2026 at 1:15 am

    This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?

  133. ogłoszenia

    9th February 2026 at 3:35 am

    You are my inspiration, I own few blogs and rarely run out from post :). “Actions lie louder than words.” by Carolyn Wells.

  134. liga femenina boliviana

    9th February 2026 at 5:58 am

    As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can aid me. Thank you

  135. fdertol mrtokev

    9th February 2026 at 12:47 pm

    Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

  136. linetogel

    9th February 2026 at 1:58 pm

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  137. pcxwin

    9th February 2026 at 5:24 pm

    I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :).

  138. 강남도파민

    10th February 2026 at 2:06 pm

    Whats Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different customers like its aided me. Good job.

  139. ibo iptv ativação

    10th February 2026 at 9:31 pm

    I consider something truly special in this website .

  140. situs gacor

    11th February 2026 at 3:23 am

    I like this weblog very much so much superb info .

  141. AI companion

    11th February 2026 at 6:08 am

    I?¦ve recently started a web site, the info you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  142. Case Invisalign

    11th February 2026 at 1:01 pm

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This publish truly made my day. You cann’t believe simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  143. orientacao juridica tributaria

    11th February 2026 at 2:23 pm

    The crux of your writing while appearing reasonable at first, did not settle properly with me after some time. Someplace within the sentences you actually managed to make me a believer unfortunately just for a very short while. I still have got a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to fill in those gaps. When you can accomplish that, I could certainly end up being fascinated.

  144. gelatin trick

    11th February 2026 at 3:17 pm

    Hello I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  145. 강남 좋아요 쩜오

    11th February 2026 at 3:37 pm

    Hi, Neat post. There is an issue along with your web site in web explorer, could test thisK IE still is the marketplace chief and a huge section of people will omit your great writing because of this problem.

  146. rateio pra concurso

    11th February 2026 at 6:49 pm

    Thanks for another magnificent article. Where else could anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  147. gelatin trick

    11th February 2026 at 7:00 pm

    An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  148. Best No-KYC Bitcoin Casino

    11th February 2026 at 9:33 pm

    I really like your writing style, superb information, regards for putting up : D.

  149. 송파가라오케

    11th February 2026 at 10:26 pm

    Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  150. gelatin trick recipe

    12th February 2026 at 3:40 am

    Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include approximately all vital infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this.

  151. 잠실가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 4:00 am

    Definitely, what a magnificent blog and instructive posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.Have an awsome day!

  152. 강남가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 5:22 am

    Someone essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Great job!

  153. casimon official

    12th February 2026 at 2:49 pm

    Great paintings! That is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for now not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and discuss with my website . Thank you =)

  154. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 5:31 pm

    You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “No man should marry until he has studied anatomy and dissected at least one woman.” by Honore’ de Balzac.

  155. 송파가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 6:55 pm

    You have noted very interesting points! ps nice web site. “In music the passions enjoy themselves.” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.

  156. Caprice Tashman

    12th February 2026 at 7:43 pm

    Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, as well as the content!

  157. tonic greens

    12th February 2026 at 9:59 pm

    You have brought up a very fantastic details , thankyou for the post.

  158. teslatoto login

    13th February 2026 at 1:16 am

    so much fantastic info on here, : D.

  159. vegas108

    13th February 2026 at 3:12 am

    Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  160. david hoffmeister spotify

    13th February 2026 at 11:00 am

    A lot of thanks for your whole effort on this web page. My aunt take interest in setting aside time for investigation and it’s simple to grasp why. We notice all relating to the dynamic manner you deliver rewarding suggestions on this website and as well as inspire participation from people on this topic and our princess is discovering so much. Have fun with the rest of the year. You are always conducting a first class job.

  161. atom108 link

    13th February 2026 at 11:57 am

    Excellent site. A lot of useful info here. I¦m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you in your effort!

  162. Preparatório Ministério Público ES 2025

    14th February 2026 at 9:23 pm

    I really prize your work, Great post.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

International Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific: South African rugby is bigger without you

Published

on

By

A message to Super Rugby Pacific. South Africa doesn’t want back into your competition. Not now. Not ever.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley, speaking to Martin Devlin on DSPN, dismissed the idea of South African teams ever returning.

Pressed directly, he said:

“No.”

Asked why he would not welcome South Africa back into the competition, Mesley replied:

“If you go back and look at the data, those games did not rate well. They did not attend well. They did not rate like we’re rating now. They did not attend like we are attending now.”

He added:

“I think there is a romance associated with the South African days.”

Devlin joked:

“It always is about the girlfriend who leaves, mate.”

Mesley laughed and concluded:

“Even a South African one.”

Romance?

Let’s deal in reality.

The Springboks have thrived post Super Rugby’s exit.

Since South Africa shifted north post-Covid and into the United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup, the Springboks have become the dominant force in world rugby.

  • Two Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
  • Back-to-back Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.
  • Five wins in their last six Tests against the All Blacks.
  • A record 43-10 demolition in Wellington.
  • A 35-7 humiliation at Twickenham.

This is more a measurable dominance than it is a sentimental nostalgia.

South African clubs now play in a weekly high-intensity cross-hemisphere competition against Ireland’s provinces, French heavyweights and English power clubs. They play against Welsh, Scottish and Italian teams. The URC and Champions Cup demand travel, adaptability, and confrontation with contrasting styles.

It has hardened South African players tactically and physically.

They are preparing for Test rugby and World Cups. This is not the exhibition of Bledisloe or the basketball of Super Rugby Pacific.

The All Blacks have regressed since South Africa left Super Rugby

New Zealand’s post-Covid Test record tells a different story.

For the first time in the professional era, the All Blacks have looked physically vulnerable. They have been bullied at the collision and they have lost multiple home Tests. They have been beaten consistently by the Springboks.

The annual three-week Super Rugby tours to South Africa once conditioned New Zealand franchises for brutality. Playing the Bulls at Loftus, the Stormers in Cape Town, the Sharks in Durban, and making trips to Bloemfontein and Ellis Park were a weekend physical audit.

That audit no longer exists.

Super Rugby Pacific is now largely an internal New Zealand competition with Australian and Pacific participation. The physical edge that South African teams brought has disappeared.

Eddie Jones, speaking to Devlin, bluntly addressed the decline.

“That’s the other thing that’s changed for New Zealand Rugby; Super Rugby was the greatest influence on world rugby for a long period of time. Whatever happened in Super Rugby basically set the trend for the game.”

He continued:

“Unfortunately, Super Rugby has dropped in terms of status. We all know South Africa has left, and now it’s a competition that doesn’t have as much influence around the world.”

What Jones is articulating is the structural erosion of the competition. Super Rugby, in its original Super 12 guise, had no equal in world rugby’s club environment. Super Rugby Pacific is now an afterthought to competitions like the Investec Champions Cup, the URC, the English Prem and France’s Top 14.

Super Rugby Pacific produces strong local derbies and healthy domestic numbers, but globally, its relevance has shrunk.

The winner is almost invariably a New Zealand side, the style is about attack and little regard for the nuances of Test rugby, especially World Cup rugby, and the buzz word is entertainment, ball in play and no respect for the pressure moments that define World Cup titles.

Test rugby is not exhibition rugby.

When confronted by the Springboks’ power game or France and England’s pack-driven precision, the All Blacks have looked less conditioned for the grind.

South Africa, meanwhile, are conditioned weekly in Europe and then sharpened further in the Rugby Championship.

The Arrogance

New Zealand Rugby previously dismissed South Africa’s contribution to Super Rugby. The outgoing CEO Mark Robinson made clear that the competition would move on without South Africa before even formally informing SA Rugby leadership.

Robinson, an average All Black, has been even more mediocre as NZ Rugby CEO. His reward for cocking it up was to get a job from his Aussie mate (World Rugby Chair) and namesake Brett Robinson, as the Chief of Rugby.

Chief of Rugby? What the Chair means is a portfolio created before appointing Robinson as the CEO of World Rugby.

It is messy, but not as messy as the illusion that Super Rugby Pacific has a global appeal.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC CEO MESLEY MOCKS SA RUGBY

Mesley speaks of romance and laughs at the idea of a South African return. Look, he is an Aussie, so that explains a few things.

But to believe he knows rugby is a stretch, despite the purple prose on his appointment.

Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said Mesley’s strong marketing background and practical skillset made him ideally suited to the Super Rugby Pacific CEO role.

“What set Jack apart from a strong pool of candidates following a thorough search was his passion for rugby, his enthusiasm and a breadth of experience in both marketing and sports,” Malloy said.

OK, if you want to believe that Kev!

These are strange times in New Zealand rugby.

An ex-All Black in Robinson rejuvenated the Springboks in kicking South Africa out of Super Rugby and an Aussie marketer has added to New Zealand’s misery with his promotion of an insular Pacific competition.

The irony in the Republic is that South Africa still respects New Zealand. It is the Test South Africans always want to experience.

The Greatest Rivalry Tour later this year is sold out, within hours of tickets going on sale.

The All Blacks remain rugby’s most recognisable brand in South Africa, and there is no smugness in the Republic when South African rugby people speak of NZ Rugby or the All Blacks. There is only respect and a varying degree of adulation.

Mesley speaks with a smirk about South African romance in Super Rugby, but the South African game has grown stronger on every front since moving north and New Zealand rugby has grown smaller without South Africa.

There is a word in South Africa for dismissive arrogance dressed up as data. There is a word for Mesley.

It starts with a P … and it isn’t Pacific.

Continue Reading

International Rugby

England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict

Published

on

By

Henry Arundell 7 Feb 2025 Mike Hewitt Getty Images

England didn’t just hammer Wales 48-7 at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham; they reminded the visitors that they will only be good for the wooden spoon in the 2026 Six Nations.

The contest was over before kick-off but confirmed as officially over before the 20th minute when Wales trailed 10-0 and were reduced to 13 players. That score doubled to 22-0 before the 30th minute and it could have been even more damning but for England’s inaccuracy and many poor decisions when playing 15 versus 13.

The British media were ruthless in their assessment of England’s demolition of the Welsh, with the flameless Dragons offering no resistance. Their discipline collapsed, belief vanished, and England didn’t need to be spectacular to be savage.

Henry Arundell scored a hat-trick and No 10 George Ford was voted Player of the Match. Wales’ catastrophic discipline, turned a historic rivalry into a one-sided examination.

Across the UK press, the only argument was about how deep Wales’ problems run.

Planet Rugby

Planet Rugby framed the match as an England statement, focusing on clarity of attack and ruthless punishment of Welsh indiscipline. Their assessment was that England didn’t chase miracles – they simply played what was in front of them and dismantled a side repeatedly reduced by yellow cards.
🔗 https://www.planetrugby.com

RugbyPass

RugbyPass led with England “running riot”, highlighting Arundell’s finishing and Ford’s authority at No 10. The tone was decisive: Wales lost control early and never recovered, leaving England to dictate tempo, territory and scoreboard.
🔗 https://www.rugbypass.com/news/england-stars-run-riot-as-wales-dismantled-in-six-nations-opener/

BBC Sport

BBC Sport focused on England’s composure, stressing how quickly the contest slipped away once Wales started collecting yellow cards. England were praised for discipline and patience – doing nothing spectacular, but everything right.
🔗 https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union

The Guardian

The Guardian called it a resounding win, pointing out England left points on the field while Wales self-destructed. Their report linked the performance to wider Welsh instability, suggesting the problems extend well beyond 80 minutes.
🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/07/england-wales-six-nations-match-report

Rugby365

Rugby365’s reaction was blunt and familiar: ill-discipline killed Wales, England simply obliged. The outcome was decided early, repeated penalties and cards ensuring no route back.
🔗 https://rugby365.com

SA Rugby Magazine

SA Rugby Mag viewed the result through a global lens – England rising, Wales regressing. Less about the score, more about trajectory, with England building momentum in winning for a 12th successive match, and Wales stuck in survival mode.
🔗 https://www.sarugbymag.co.za

Welsh response

Welsh media reaction were more sombre than angry. Discipline, fragility and a lack of physical authority were recurring themes. The concern is no longer about losing to England; it’s about how easily Wales are folding under pressure.

*Italy beat Scotland 18-15 in Saturday’s early game.

HOW THE MEDIA RATED FRANCE BEATING IRELAND 36-14

ALL THE PLAYER AND TEAM STATS FROM ROUND 1 MATCH CENTRE OF THE 2026 SIX NATIONS

AFRICA PICKS CASHED IN BY SCORING IT ENGLAND 30-35 POINTS AND BY CALLING ENGLAND TO COVER THE +26.5 HANDICAP, MEANING THEY WOULD WIN BY 27 OR MORE POINTS

Continue Reading

International Rugby

How transformed France tortured inept Ireland in Paris

Published

on

By

France changed players, approach and tactics to torture Ireland 36-14 in Paris in the Six Nations. We look at the difference between 2026 win and the 2025 win by France against Ireland in Dublin.

Six Nations 2025 – Dublin

Ireland 27 France 42

Six Nations 2026 – Paris

France 36 Ireland 14

Here’s what France did differently.

1) 2026: France dominated the match. 2025: France stole it with efficiency.

Dublin 2025: Ireland had 58% possession and 53% territory, and France still won by 15. France were happy to defend for long stretches (they made 187 tackles) and then punish Ireland when the game fractured.

Paris 2026: France flipped that script. They had 55% possession and 59% territory and played the game mostly in Ireland’s half. That’s not “clinical counterpunching”. That’s control.

The tell: France ran for 588 metres in 2026 vs Ireland’s 385. In 2025 it was basically even (474 vs 477). France went from “equal metres, better strike-rate” to “more ball, more territory, more metres, more everything.”

2) 2026: France carved Ireland open. 2025: France finished better than Ireland.

Clean breaks

  • 2025: France 7 clean breaks, Ireland 5 (tight margin).

  • 2026: France 19 clean breaks, Ireland 5 (a gulf).

That’s the difference between a game you win and a team you hurt.

3) 2026: France’s pressure forced Irish errors at scale.

Ireland’s “handling under heat” fell apart in Paris:

  • 2026 turnover knock-ons: Ireland 11, France 6

  • 2025 turnover knock-ons: Ireland 7, France 3

France didn’t just wait for mistakes in 2026. They manufactured them with territory, line-speed, and contestable moments.

4) 2026: Ireland couldn’t tackle France. In 2025 they couldn’t stop France finishing.

  • 2025 missed tackles: Ireland 23 (France 16)

  • 2026 missed tackles: Ireland 42 (France 21)

That’s not “a few soft shoulders”. That’s structural stress: repeated breaks, repeated reloads, repeated one-on-ones lost.

5) 2026: France won the first hour. 2025: France won the key moments (and the second-half surge).

In Paris, Ireland were 29–0 down before they got going. France had already cashed the bonus point and then eased.

In Dublin, France’s big statement was the second-half blitz, after losing Antoine Dupont early (he went off around the half-hour and later it was confirmed as a cruciate injury).

So:

  • 2025: a win built on resilience + clinical finishing after disruption.

  • 2026: a win built on front-foot brutality + sustained dominance.

6) The halfback axis changed – and so did the type of threat.

In 2026, with Ntamack out, Jalibert started and had a direct hand in multiple tries, while Dupont called their connection “very positive.”

That matters tactically: Jalibert tends to play flatter and more visibly, and France’s attack in 2026 looked like a team choosing to rip you open in-phase, not just punish you when you overplay.

The simplest summary

Dublin 2025: France were ruthless in chaos – even while defending for long spells.
Paris 2026: France were ruthless in control – more territory, more breaks, more metres, and Ireland cracked.

This is where the regression is most obvious – and most damaging.

FIERY FRENCH APPLAUDED 

1) Physical dominance at the contact point

Ireland’s biggest slide is brutally simple: they are no longer winning collisions consistently.

Against France in Paris, Ireland were regularly knocked backwards in contact, which killed their ability to play fast, accurate phase rugby. Once that happens, everything else collapses – tempo, shape, decision-making.

A season earlier in Dublin, Ireland could still absorb France’s power and recycle quickly. In 2026, France dictated the gainline on both sides of the ball and Ireland were playing from behind bodies instead of on top of them.

This is the clearest regression because Ireland’s entire system is built on fast ruck ball. Take that away and the system has no oxygen.

2) Defensive resilience under sustained pressure

Ireland used to bend without breaking. They now bend, fracture, and then leak tries.

The missed-tackle spike in Paris wasn’t about effort – it was about:

  • repeated reloads

  • fatigued edge defenders

  • centres and back-three players making late, reactive reads

In Dublin 2025, Ireland could survive France’s big moments and reset. In Paris 2026, once France scored early, Ireland never regained defensive authority. The scoreline at halftime wasn’t a fluke it was the logical outcome of structural stress.

3) Attacking clarity without Johnny Sexton

This is not about nostalgia – it’s about control.

Ireland have regressed in:

  • in-game management

  • territory selection

  • when to slow down a match

In Paris, Ireland chased the game far too early, forcing passes under pressure instead of building pressure. Sexton’s absence isn’t about individual brilliance – it’s about knowing when not to play.

Ireland still have quality decision-makers, but they don’t yet have a single, dominant conductor who can steady the ship when momentum is gone.

4) Backline punch against elite defences

Ireland’s backs no longer frighten top-tier defences the way they did in 2022–2024.

Against France:

  • line breaks were rare

  • defenders were not fixed

  • edge space was never clean

France could defend honestly and aggressively, without having to overfold or gamble. That is a massive red flag.

A year ago, Ireland could create indecision. In Paris, France defended with certainty.

5) Psychological authority

This is subtle – but it matters.

Ireland used to walk onto the field believing they could impose themselves on anyone. In Paris, once France landed early blows, Ireland looked like a team hoping the storm would pass rather than one capable of changing the weather.

The best Ireland sides of recent years could absorb momentum swings and reassert control. This version struggled to do either.

The uncomfortable truth

Ireland haven’t fallen off a cliff – but they have slipped off a plateau.

They are no longer physically dominant, tactically inevitable, or psychologically imposing against the very best.

FRANCE 36 IRELAND 14: EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT 

AFRICA PICKS: YOUR BEST MONEY-MAKING SIX NATIONS BETS

*CHAT supported 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Fiery French applauded as alarm bells ring for Ireland

Published

on

By

Louis Bielle-Biarrey 5 Feb 2026 David Rogers Getty Images

Conviction in the performance, but caution in the storytelling summarised the French media reaction to their brutal 36-14 Six Nations win against Ireland Paris. For the Irish, it was a case of alarm bells ringing.

France had destroyed the Irish in Dublin 42-27 a season ago having led 42-15 with 10 minutes to play. Two late tries added some comfort for Irish supporters. Then came the defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago and the humiliation against the Springboks in Dublin.

Paris was equally damning for Ireland as they were steamrolled.

France led 22 nil at half time and 29 nil after 57 minutes.

Two Irish tries between the 60th and 65th minutes offered more caution to France than hope to Ireland and the hosts finished the final five minutes attacking the Irish try line before crossing for their fifth try.

France are the bookies’ favourites to defend the Six Nations title won last season.

I asked my mate at ChatGPT to do a round up of how the Irish and French Rugby Media reacted to the match.

The Irish Times

Tone: bruised realism.
Summary: framed it as a throwback “Parisian beating” and a reminder of “bad old days” patterns, with Ireland blown away early and left trying to salvage dignity late.

Irish Independent

Tone: alarm bells, big-picture worry.
Summary: leaned into “new reality” language: Ireland didn’t lose a classic, they lost a mismatch, and the margin could have been uglier without the late rally.

Irish Examiner

Tone: sharp critique of Ireland, plus the French pace-setter angle.
Summary: sold it as France starting and finishing with a flourish while Ireland were “abject” for too long; a fast French start “filleted” Ireland before the game ever became a contest.

The Times

Tone: statement win, title warning shot.
Summary: framed it as France sending a message to the championship, with the emphasis on the bonus-point dominance, the early avalanche to 29–0, and Ireland being outmuscled and out-thought until the contest was gone.

L’Équipe (“Le Quippe”)

Tone: controlled praise with a small caution.
Summary: credited a brilliant, accurate French first-half and “seductive” spell, then noted France were less sovereign after the break when they conceded two tries that slightly stained the overall polish.

Rugbyrama

Tone: France’s tempo and discipline as the headline.
Summary: stressed how France’s pace exhausted Ireland, how clean the first-half was (discipline/accuracy), then pointed out Ireland only found daylight when France dropped intensity after building the lead.

SA Rugby Magazine

Tone: acknowledgement of quality and statement intent.
SA RugbyMag’s headlines framed the result as France making a statement in their Six Nations title defence, highlighting coach Fabien Galthié’s praise of France’s attacking display in Paris. The emphasis was on the dominance and intent shown by the defending champions rather than harsh analysis of Ireland’s shortcomings.

Rugby365

Tone: bold and definitive.
Rugby365 was unequivocal: France “made a statement” in this opener, labelling the performance a demolition job on one of the Six Nations’ traditional heavyweights. Their report leaned into the idea that France weren’t just winning they were announcing their intentions for the tournament from the first whistle.

Planet Rugby (South African audience perspective)

Tone: tactical and analytical.
Planet Rugby’s reaction, widely read by South African fans, focused on key takeaways from the match: France’s first-half masterclass, sharp player ratings (with Sam Prendergast singled out as struggling for Ireland), and how the French backs and playmakers ran the Irish defence ragged. They combined phrase-by-phrase insights with ratings and analytic angles rather than pure storytelling.


Overall SA reaction themes

South African rugby media weren’t interested in gentle language and they saw France’s dominance as clear and meaningful:

  • Statement performance: France announcing themselves as early title favourites.

  • Clinical attacking rugby: emphasis on the French backs and strategic intensity that pushed Ireland on the back foot.

  • Confirmation of expectations: the result was consistent with pre-match previews and broader Six Nations narratives.

AFRICA PICKS: WHAT TOTAL POINTS WON YOU IN CASH

KEO & ZELS CALLED A DOUBLE DIGITS FRANCE WIN

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Dupont gives France flex as Ireland face Paris power test

Published

on

By

Antoine-Dupont-31-Jan-2025-Jean-Catuffe-Getty-Images-1024x645

Antoine Dupont is the flex in a fantastic French match 23 that will be too powerful for Ireland in Paris in the Six Nations season opener.

Dupont alters the physics of the contest, and he adds an extra layer of muscle, authority and inevitability to a side already designed to win Test matches through force. His long injury absence is irrelevant now. What matters is what he brings back with him, and that is control, collision dominance and an edge.

Dupont is the best scrumhalf in the world and he he is the national team’s talisman.

But it is up front where all the work will be done for Dupont to play conductor. France’s selection confirm intent and physicality. It is a pack chosen for confrontation.

Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand and Dorian Aldegheri are a front row built to scrum, carry and squeeze the life out of opponents, while locks Charles Ollivon and Mickaël Guillard bring physical presence, aerial dominance and edge in the tight exchanges. The back row of François Cros, Oscar Jegou and Anthony Jelonch are physically relentless and they feed off collisions.

This is a French pack that creates the tempo and then Dupont determines the range of this tempo.

Ireland’s pack has peaked and France coach Fabian Galthie would have studied their capitulation to world champions South Africa in Dublin last November. The Boks destroyed Ireland in the scrums and the collisions.

Props Thomas Clarkson and Jeremy Loughman face an enormous examination against Gros and Aldegheri, and if Ireland concede scrum dominance, their entire game model collapses because it is built on control, rhythm and precision rather than chaos.

The French halfback pairing only amplifies that threat. Matthieu Jalibert plays flatter and faster than the Ireland flyhalves of recent seasons, and Dupont’s presence ensures defenders are constantly torn between folding around the ruck or drifting early, a dilemma that France exploit ruthlessly.

Ireland’s continued struggle to replace the authority and game management of Johnny Sexton remains an issue. Sam Prendergast is a talent, but opening a Six Nations campaign in Paris against this French pack is a brutal assignment, and he will be targeted physically and mentally.

ALL THE 2026 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES

The Irish backline, stripped of key personnel, looks noticeably less imposing as a unit. Without Hugo Keenan at fullback, without the aerial pressure and edge of Mack Hansen and James Lowe on the wings, and without the direct power of Bundee Aki at inside centre, Ireland lack the punch that previously allowed them to play beyond the gain line.

France, by contrast, look balanced and settled, with Thomas Ramos offering control and goal-kicking, Louis Bielle-Biarrey providing genuine pace, and Jalibert bringing attacking ambition, supported by centres and wings comfortable in a collision-heavy Test.

Add the significance of the Stade de France on opening night, where French energy multiplies and visiting teams feel pressure accumulate with every lost carry and every retreating scrum, and the advantage tilts decisively towards the hosts. When France dominate the gain line and Dupont starts probing around fatigued forwards, Ireland will be forced to chase a game they are no longer structurally equipped to chase.

This is not about flair or reputation, it is about force, physical authority and control, and France hold the upper hand in the pack, at scrumhalf, off the bench and in the stands.

Just as they did in last season’s match-up in Dublin, which they won comfortably 42-27, having led 42-15 with five minutes to play.

AFRICA PICKS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR FRANCE V IRELAND BETTING

My call: France 33 Ireland 22.

DuPont on Jalibert’s influence 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

JP Pietersen & his street-smart Sharks school stuttering Stormers

Published

on

By

Aphelele Fassi

Give JP Pietersen the Sharks job and let him get on with it. He is not an interim measure. In the past fortnight he has done the double on the Stormers, and done it emphatically.

Pietersen, a presence of power and precision on the right wing in the Springboks 2007 Rugby World Cup title win in France, was given the Sharks head coaching job six weeks ago.

In that period, his team, so subdued and absent in the Investec Champions Cup and first eight rounds of the URC, have won four from five matches in all competitions. They have beaten Saracens in Durban in the Investec Champions Cup, hammered a makeshift Clermont and done the double over a Stormers team in the URC that had not lost in the league in eight matches.

Pietersen’s Sharks won 30-19 in Cape Town a week ago, having led 30-12 until the final minute, and in Durban a week later the 36-24 win was as emphatic.

The Stormers, pre the Sharks double header, were lauded for their attack and defensive structures. But they were outscored nine tries to five over 160 minutes, dominated in most facets, physically second to the Sharks in the moments that mattered and in the close exchanges, outthought, outplayed and out passioned.

In Cape Town too many suggested the Stormers were done a dirty by the referee. Already I am seeing a similar narrative on social media. Regardless, of the critique of match officials the Sharks won and the Stormers lost because over two Saturdays the Sharks were the better team, in game management, and in execution.

Pietersen has transformed the attitude of the squad. It is as much a compliment to the World Cup-winning wing, as it is an indictment on the situation under John Plumtree. These are the same players, but they look like two very different teams, coached by two very different individuals.

Pietersen’s decision to appoint Andre Esterhuizen as his captain, on the player’s 100th match, has proved inspirational. Esterhuizen has led and those around him have followed.

Individuals, so good for the Springboks, have played with the same intent and authority for the Sharks in the past fortnight,

Springboks, in the Sharks line-up, have played like current Springboks. The opposite has been true of the Stormers, who have looked fatigued, flat, confused in game plan, and in desperate need of a fortnight away from the game.

The Stormers have earned the right to drop a game or two because of a stunning eight successive wins in the league, but the nature of the back-to-back defeats can’t be ignored, which is disappointing.

The ill-discipline of Cape Town’s defeat continued in Durban. Two yellow cards in Cape Town and two in Durban. Repeated infringements, an inability to defend the Sharks line out maul, second in the collisions and second in most things.

The Stormers started the derby double header unbeaten and in 1st place. The Sharks were two wins from eight and in 14th. You would never have guessed that watching the 160 minutes.

There can be no argument from Stormers supporters. The Sharks did them, in the coaching game of chess, and on the field where the chess masters are the players.

Esterhuizen was supreme, Ethan Hooker was as strong, young Jaco Williams on the wing played like he had been there for a decade and No 9s Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse combined for the perfect package over 80 minutes. Williams plays with tempo and Hendrikse, when switched on, plays with poise.

The aerial battle was one-sided, in Cape Town and in Durban. This was a strength of the Stormers early season, but they couldn’t catch a high ball, even when gift wrapped with sticky gloves. The Sharks, in kick and chase, were superb.

The Sharks played like a team knowing every limitation and every strength. The Stormers continued to play like a team convinced they only have strengths.

Piestersen’s perspective has been refreshing, both in Cape Town and in Durban.

There has been a realism about him and his Sharks in the past fortnight and crazily there has been more romance than realism from a team that a month ago had not lost a game in any competition.

The Sharks head into the February break with one defeat from their last four matches, and the Stormers put their heads to a pillow with one win in their last four matches.

It makes for the most intriguing of returns in the latter part of February, when the URC resumes.

DOBBO AND SACHA RUE ILL-DISCIPLINE 

ALL THE TEAMS AND MATCH-UPS FROM URC ROUND 11

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Ackerman’s rampant Bulls go on the charge against Lions

Published

on

By

Photo: Anton Geyser Gallo Images

These are Johann Ackerman’s Bulls. Strong, physical, brave, enthusiastic, desperate and rugby intelligent.  The Bulls who demolished the Lions 52-17 at Ellis Park in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship are the Bulls that have taken 14 matches in all competitions to confirm their 2025/26 season’s arrival.

The Bulls were so different, in every positive way, to the team playing a month ago.

They lost seven in a row in all competitions and were conceding on average 40 points a match and four-tries before half-time.

At Ellis Park, they kept the Lions scoreless for 40 minutes, conceded a try in the 45th minute and then coughed up one after the final whistle. In between they scored eight tries and dominated every facet.

They were very good in winning their third successive match on the road, in three different countries, after the horror run of seven defeats on the trot.

Ackerman once coached the Lions. They made two successive Super Rugby finals, hosting the Crusaders in the first one. He turned the Lions from a circus act into a national geographic documentary on why Lions should be respected.

It has taken two months longer than most thought, but now he is righting the wrongs of a Bulls team whose performances were a betrayal to the club’s history.

On Saturday, in the toughest of environments, a South African northern derby, the Bulls sent a message to every team in the league and to Glasgow, who they play in Glasgow in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 in April, that something has changed.

The bully boys in blue are back. Gone are the try-conceding fans of a freebie.

This is what Johan Ackermann has changed, as reflected in the post match reporting in South Africa.

1) The set-piece stopped being “a phase” and became a weapon

The Bulls earned the right to play, and it was not the Instagram version. This was real: scrum, lineout, maul threat, and then the carry pattern that forces defenders to make choices they don’t want to make. The tries were from repeat pressure and the Lions folding.

2) Discipline = possession that actually means something

“70% possession” is a dead stat if you hand it back with penalties, cheap turnovers and panic decisions. The Bulls didn’t. They played in the right areas early, squeezed the Lions, and were already out of sight at 26-3 at half-time. That’s control.

3) Defensive desire: no freebies and no soft shoulders

This was a Bulls attitude day more than a carnival all out attack day. This was 50 points scored because the pillars were bricks and not a hope for dodging quick sand areas at Ellis Park. The Bulls’ defensive work-rate and collision presence killed any Lions second half comeback prospects.

4) Carry, carry, carry… then strikes

This is the most important part: the Bulls’ attack looked better because the forwards made it simpler for everyone else. Hard carries, post-contact wins, and forward pods doing honest work so the backs don’t have to manufacture miracles from standing starts 20 metres beyond the gain line. This had Ackerman’s paw prints all over it.

5) Handre Pollard ran the game like a double World Cup winner

Pollard has been more accurate in games, but he played with presence and authority. With a functioning pack, led by a back three of Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw and Jeandre Rudolph, Pollard played with the comfort of front foot ball and, outside of him, inside centre Harold Vorster looked like a teenager in his impact and enthusiasm.

WATCH: Keo and Zels on the Lions v Bulls

Scorers

Lions 17

  • Tries: Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills

  • Conversions: Chris Smith (2)

  • Penalty: Chris Smith

Bulls 52

  • Tries: Harold Vorster (2), Johan Grobbelaar, Handré Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Embrose Papier, Mpilo Gumede, Keagan Johannes

  • Conversions: Pollard (5), Johannes

AKKERS ON THE BULLS WIN 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

URC ROUND 11 – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Published

on

By

The Sharks host the Stormers in one of two South African URC derbies to end the first half of the league season. The Lions are at home to the Bulls in the northern derby. Here’s everything you need to know for the weekend’s Round 11 showdowns.

The South African teams have all chosen the best available squads in the last Saturday of the month and the last Saturday of URC action until the league resumes in the last weekend of February.

The Six Nations takes priority in February, with the first three rounds played before the URC starts up again for the last eight league matches and the play-offs.

The Stormers, beaten for the first time in the league last Saturday, get the chance of redemption in Durban. It was the Sharks who beat them in Cape Town. The same is true of the Lions and Bulls derby. The Lions earlier in the league, won at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Several of the Northern Hemisphere clubs are severely understrength for Round 11, as the leading current internationals have been in camp with their respective national teams preparing for next weekend’s Six Nations opening round.

It makes for a punter’s nightmare in these matches because the form guide is not a measurement with so many frontline players missing.

WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON SHARKS, STORMERS, LIONS & BULLS

AFRICA PICKS RUGBY: Keo calls the South African derbies 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Andre the Giant leads Sharks to slaughter of Stormers

Published

on

By

Andre Esterhuizen. Photo: Anton Geyser Gallo Images

Andre the Giant brought his own storm to Cape Town on the most perfect of January summer evenings. The Stormers mantra is to make Cape Town smile but all they did was make Cape Town cry as Esterhuizen owned the hosts in a complete performance.

Esterhuizen, at inside centre, scored the try-scoring bonus point which finished off the home team in the 72nd minute.

The Sharks beat the Stormers 30–19 at a sold-out DHL Stadium and there was nothing accidental about it. From the first kick-off they were ahead on the scoreboard, ahead in intent and ahead in appetite. They scored inside four minutes and they were never behind.

This was a win built on desire, discipline and leadership and Esterhuizen, the captain at inside centre, embodied all three.

The Stormers imploded from he kick-off when they dropped the ball and within two minutes they’d made three errors, conceded a penalty and within five minutes they trailed by seven points.

It never got better as they shunned any hint of a team effort and individuals chased a glory moment to transform a match they had served to the Sharks on a silver platter.

The Sharks didn’t overplay. They didn’t chase magic. They trusted their systems and trusted each other. Their early try came from pressure and accuracy and not invention. Lineout five metres from the Stormers try line. Five points.

The Stormers had five such opportunities in the 81 minutes, lost three to contesting and two to skew throws.

It was a shocker from the hosts.

Not so Esterhuizen. He was immense. He did not dabble with speculation or theatrics. He was just relentless.
He was strong over the gain line, brutal in the tackle, smart with ball in hand, calm with ball at foot and lethal when striking.

He led and the rest of his players followed.

There was a moment that defined him and the match. Leolin Zas broke clear on the counter. The crowd rose. The Stormers needed something. Esterhuizen hunted him down from inside centre and smashed him into touch. No celebration. Back to work. That was the difference between the teams. The visitors were desperate and the hosts were dazed.

The Sharks won the breakdown battle and they defended with numbers and purpose. They kicked with intent. They didn’t gift territory. When the Stormers made mistakes, the Sharks punished them.

At halftime it was 17–12, and that felt generous to the home side.

The Stormers were frantic. They chased the game instead of managing it. Five line-outs lost in attacking positions. Two yellow cards. Passes forced that didn’t need to be thrown. Kicks played because panic demanded it, not because space existed.

The Sharks stayed composed. They trusted their leaders.

When Ox Nche came on, the tone hardened at the set piece. He dominated his side of the scrum and added another layer of control. The Sharks played like a side that knew exactly what was required and exactly how to deliver it.

The bonus-point try in the final quarter made it 30–12 and ended the contest. The late Stormers score changed nothing.

This wasn’t about league positions. It wasn’t about form tables. It was about attitude. One team arrived ready to fight for every inch. The other looked surprised that a fight had started.

Stormers:
Tries: Willemse 2, Penalty Try
Con: Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Sharks:
Tries: Jenkins, Williams, Buthelezi, Esterhuizen
Cons: Jordan Hendrikse 2
Pens: Jordan Hendrikse 2

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Johan Grobbelaar pure gold in precious Bulls URC win

Published

on

By

Johan Grobbelaar was pure gold in a precious Bulls URC win. Lions captain Francke Horn was on fire in the 24-all draw against Ospreys.

The Bulls did not win pretty in Edinburgh, but they won properly, with defensive grunt again the take away from a desperate finish. The Lions, having drawn 20-all against Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup a week ago, drew again in Bridgend, Wales.

Handre Pollard’s second conversion proved the decisive scoreline differential for the Bulls and the biggest positive is that Pollard, back at the Bulls from Leicester’s Tigers, started and completed both Bulls matches in against Pau and Edinburgh respectively.

The Bulls are now two from two in all competitions, having snapped a seven-match losing streak. They also ended a four match losing sequence in the URC.

Friday night matches in the United Rugby Championship in the north in late January is not about shape and style but about never, accuracy, honesty in defence, desire to make a tackle and intelligence in worshipping the advantage of field position.

The rain is a leveller and the cold adds to so many of these match-ups being decided by one score.

The Bulls win was a team effort, but hooker Johan Grobberlaar was the stand out in this collective.

Grobberlaar maximised his playing opportunities against Italy and Wales on the Boks northern tour last November, and he is the one Springbok in the Bulls set-up who has played with the authority of a Test player.

Grobbelaar played the full 80 minutes. At hooker. In Edinburgh. And was deservedly named Player of the Match. His numbers tell the story: 43 attacking metres, 15 carries, 13 tackles.

Grobbelaar scored the Bulls’ first try, but his real value was in work rate and accuracy. He carried into traffic. He made his tackles. He hit his throws. There was no fuss.

The Bulls trailed at half-time and never looked comfortable, but they never panicked. They stayed direct, backed their pack and trusted that Edinburgh would blink first. That moment came after the break when the Bulls’ substitutes started making the right kind of noise.

The Bulls Springboks flanker Marco van Staden’s impact was immediate and decisive.

He brought urgency, physicality and intent. His try shifted momentum and his work around the ruck lifted the Bulls when the game was still in the balance. Van Staden doesn’t need long minutes to influence matches. He needs moments, and he made them count.

WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON THE BULLS & LIONS

This win matters for the Bulls.

The URC table is unforgiving and away wins are gold. The Bulls needed one.

The Lions didn’t get a win, but they didn’t lose either – and they took three league points from Bridgend.

A draw away to Ospreys keeps the Lions in the fight and showed again that this group competes, even when the margins are thin. They were good in patches, vulnerable in others, but never folded.

Captain Francke Horn led from the front. He scored early, worked tirelessly and set the tone defensively. On a wet night when control was hard to come by, Horn provided it through effort and presence.

The Lions remain vulnerable in their inability to close matches they should be winning, but they have shown character and desire to stay in the fight until the final whistle. They scrap for everything, and that is something that can’t be coached.

SA Rugby Mag match reviews on Bulls and Lions

All the latest from the URC’s ROUND 10

Bulls 19 Edinburg 17

Ospreys 24 Lions 24

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Why the Stormers will beat the Sharks in Cape Town

Published

on

By

The Stormers will beat the Sharks because they are clearer in what they want to do, more accurate in how they do it, and far more reliable at home than the Sharks are on the road.

The DHL Stadium will be a sell-out, with 54 000 in attendance.

The Stormers, unbeaten in eight URC matches this season, will give the home support a ninth league win.

This United Rugby Championship derby won’t be decided by Springbok reputations or squad depth. It will be decided by decision-making, defensive pressure and who controls the last 20 minutes. In all three areas, the Stormers have the edge.

The Stormers’ game is built on tempo and continuity. At the DHL Stadium they play flatter, faster and with more intent than most teams in the URC. They don’t chase collisions for the sake of it. They move defenders, stretch big bodies and force repeat defensive efforts.

That matters against the Sharks.

The Sharks are at their best when games are slow, structured and physical. Give them front-foot ball and time at the breakdown and they can overwhelm sides. Take that away, rush their decision-makers and make them defend laterally, and their power game loses impact.

The Stormers’ defensive system at home is aggressive and organised. Line speed is consistent, tackles are completed, and breakdown contests are selective rather than reckless. It’s a system designed to deny momentum, not win highlight turnovers.

Against the Sharks, denying momentum is everything.

The Stormers also manage pressure better late in games. They don’t panic when the scoreboard is tight. They stay in the contest, trust territory and back their conditioning. The Sharks, by contrast, have too often drifted in tight finishes, trying to force moments rather than build them.

If the Stormers control field position and stay disciplined, the Sharks will be forced to chase the game – and that is when they will be in trouble.

ALL THE ODDS – AFRICA PICKS

Some pointers
Keo: It’s going to be a sellout. There will be match-ups galore. And the one I’m looking forward to the most Andre the Giant at No 12 against Damian Willemse. It is a clash of style, but it will be intense and brutal. Neither shies away from contact. People under appreciate how physical Willemse is in contact, how much he relishes contact and we know that for Andre the Giant he thrives on contact and pumping the legs.
I am also looking forward to Paul de Villiers and his showdown at the breakdown with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who will play off the bench.
Zels: This is a game made for Paul de Villiers. But I think we’d probably have a shorter conversation, if we said, where weren’t there match-ups. There are so many Boks v Boks individual contests within the context of the match. Fassi v Gelant at fullback, two Boks at No 10, two Boks at No 9, Boks in the loose-forwards, in the centres, and in the front row. Local derbies are always huge in South Africa. Form is secondary to the 80 minutes.
Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Where SA rates in the Investec Champions Cup stats

Published

on

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Sebastian de Klerk feature in the top five of individual categories, but most facets of the Investec Champions Cup four-round Pool phase are dominated by defending champions Bordeaux and high-flying Glasgow Warriors.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was also named among 10 players for Investec Champions Cup Player of the Year when it comes to Pool play.

Surprisingly, Stormers loose-forward Paul de Villiers, who won two Investec Champions Cup Player of the Match awards in three matches, did not make the final 10.

Clinton Swart, on loan to the Stormers from South Africa’s Pumas, kicked four penalties agains Bayonne, which was the only full match he played. It was also the only match in which he kicked, yet his four penalties ranked in the top five of penalties kicked across all teams.

This illustrates the premium put on scoring tries, with Bordeaux’s 27 tries the best in the competition.

HOW THE STORMERS CAN HOST AN INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP QUARTER-FINAL

Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s eight line breaks in two matches is the fifth most, while De Klerk’s 279 attack metres is ranked fourth.

South African-born Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn is in the top three for defenders beaten and South Africa’s Ernst van Rhyn made the most tackles with 66.

Bordeaux and Glasgow were the only two teams in 24 who completed their Pool campaign unbeaten. The Stormers were South Africa’s best with three wins in four matches, including an away win in France against Bayonne.

The Stormers, as a collective, rank in the top five for clean breaks and turnovers won.

The Bulls scrum success rate of 97 % was joint fourth.

INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP – ALL THE LATEST NEWS

Top performers (pool stage)
Points: Thomas Ramos (Toulouse) – 53
Carries: Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) – 58
Metres: Caden Murley (Harlequins) – 344
Defenders beaten: Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets) – 25
Offloads: Tom Farrell (Munster) – 10
Tackles: Ernst van Rhyn (Sale Sharks) – 66

ALSO: Champions Cup Team of the Week (Round 4)

Key stats (pool stage)

– Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux Bègles) finished the pool stage as the competition’s leading try scorer with six.

– Freddie Douglas (Edinburgh) topped the turnovers chart, winning a total of 12 at the breakdown.

– Clinton Swart (Stormers) featured among the top five penalty kickers, slotting four penalties in the two matches he played

Screenshot

Screenshot

Screenshot

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Jooste’s precision and pace is the STECO Power Play

Published

on

Cheswill Jooste’s stunning counter-attack try for the Bulls against Pau, is the Keo & Zels STECO Power Play of the Investec Champions Cup Round 4.

Jooste’s try did not make it into the official weekend Investec Tries of the Week, but according to Keo & Zels, on their weekly rugby podcast, it is not a matter of ‘if’ Jooste plays for the Springboks, but ‘when’ he plays for the Boks.

Jooste was electric for the Junior Springboks a year ago when they beat New Zealand in the final to win the under 20 World Championship title.

He quickly made his introduction to the Bulls senior squad and in Pau, he announced himself to the global rugby community with a try that showcased his understanding of space, his appreciation of his own pace, and his ability to manipulate putting boot to ball.

His kick ahead, after Sebastian de Klerk’s break and offload, was no speculator. It was a kick, so structured and accurate in how he kicked it, and the execution was worth a golden star as he accelerated, slowed and picked the bounce of the ball perfectly, and then put on the after burners to score.

It was everything STECO tells you about their very best products. It just works!

STECO’S MENU: POWER & PRECISION & SUSTAINABILITY

The Bulls won 26-24, with Jooste’s try, the third of the Bulls’ four, changing the course of the match and also the Bulls season.

Bulls win 26-24 v PAU

The Bulls, thanks to the win, broke a seven match losing streak but crucially got that one win that proved enough to get them into the Investec Champions Cup last 16. They will play Glasgow Warriors in the last 16; a team they lost to in the 2023/24 URC final in Pretoria.

It is also a team they have previously beaten.

ALL PLAYER AND TEAMS STATS FROM THE INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP

The Investec Champions Cup Round 4 produced sensational tries across the 12 matches, with Toulouse, 77-7 winners against Sale, the leaders in excellence. Thomas Ramos, as he has done all competition, was electric. Antoine DuPont was brilliant and Toulouse had several candidates for the best five pointer of the round.

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/watch-champions-cup-top-tries-round-4

The Sharks scored some stunning tries in the 50-12 demolition of a second-string Clermont in Durban and Evan Roos produced a pearler for the Stormers against the Leicester Tigers in the home team’s 39-26 win in Cape Town.

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Stormers can play Bulls in Cape Town in Investec Champions Cup last 8

Published

on

By

Investec Champions Cup

The Stormers and Bulls will both travel for the last 16 play-offs of the Investec Champions Cup, while the Sharks will compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup play-offs, writes Mark Keohane. However, away wins for the Stormers and Bulls would see them meet in Cape Town in the quarter-final.

The last 16 is only played in the first week of April, nearly 10 weeks from now, so plenty will change with each of the qualified teams, given their demanding domestic competitions and the added toil of the Six Nations in February and March.

The Stormers, ranked 10th in the qualification process despite winning three of their four matches, will play Toulon at the Stade Mayol. Toulon, who finished second in their Pool, ranked seventh out of the 16 qualified teams.

The Bulls, who sneaked into the last 16, courtesy of a solitary victory against Pau, are ranked 15th and they travel to the Glasgow, who won all four matches to be ranked second behind defending champions Bordeaux, who ranked first with four wins from four.

Bordeaux beat the Bulls and Bristol away and hammered last season’s finalists, Northampton Saints at home.

The defending champions will play 16th place Leicester Tigers, while French giants Toulouse host Bristol and, if successful, they will travel to Bordeaux, assuming the champions beat the Tigers.

The Investec Champions Cup 24 teams featured eight from the Top 14, eight from the Prem and eight from the URC. The Prem has seven teams in the last 16, with Gloucester the only English club to miss out, the URC has five teams and France’s Top 14 has four survivors from the original eight.

In the last 16, there will be four cross border clashes, two all-English Prem-type showdowns and two URC match-ups.

From a South African perspective, should the Stormers and Bulls win away from home, then the Stormers would host the Bulls in the quarter-finals in Cape Town. The winner would then in all likelihood travel to Dublin to play Leinster in a semi-final, with the Irish hosting Edinburgh in the last 16 and, if successful, the winner of Harlequins v Sale, with the winner of that match decided at the Stoop in South West London.

Bath, having topped their pool with three wins from four, host English rivals Saracens, who won both their home matches, but lost on the road to the Sharks in Durban and Franco Smith’s Warriors in Glasgow.

There are two South African teams in the last 16 and six South African coaches, with Leinster, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Bath all having South African coaches in charge.

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 

The Stormers finished their qualification with a try-scoring bonus point win against Leicester’s Tigers in Cape Town. They won 39-26.

 

The Sharks hammered Clermont 50-12 in Durban, but the two wins from four matches was not enough to qualify and they finished fifth in a tightly contested pool. They drop to the EPCR Challenge Cup, which they won two years ago. They will play Cardiff in Cardiff in the last 16.

EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT FROM THE INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND 4

SA RUGBY MAG WEEKEND WRAP OF STORMERS, BULLS, SHARKS, LION & CHEETAHS

BULLS MAKE PLAY-OFFS DESPITE WINNING JUST ONE POOL MATCH

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Stormers stutter into last 16 Investec Champions Cup play-offs

Published

on

By

Stormers

The Stormers have qualified for the Investec Champions Cup last 16, but what a struggle it was at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, writes Mark Keohane.

The Stormers won 39-26, having led 15-14 at halftime.

They scored five tries to four and finished the match through an Imad Khan try and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu conversion.

It may read well, in terms of scoreline, but the performance read nothing like the scoreline.

I had the Stormers to win on my Africa Picks 38-26, and they won 39-26. I expected a tussle but I did not expect the Stormers to be as abject, inept, passive and loose as they were for the first 70 minutes of the match.

It took Feinberg-Mngomezulu getting yellow-carded and the sudden downpour of rain in the final 10 minutes to galvanise the Stormers and showcase the mongrel one has come to expect from this team.

The Stormers are a good side, and they are at their most dangerous when they play with more balance and composure and at a tempo that fluctuates. It is when they disregard all on-field feeling for the moment and just play with all-out attack, that they are more a danger to themselves than the opposition.

The Stormers have star quality in individuals and they have the big moment play-makers, but they are such a frustrating team to watch when they deliver the kind of opening hour that they did at the DHL Stadium.

A crowd of 25 000 paid to watch the Stormers and they left cheerful with the win the prospect of the Stormers hosting a last 16 play-off in April, but they would also have left with more hope than conviction that the Stormers can advance to the final eight or last four of the competition.

This was a performance characterised by inaccuracy in execution and by the predictability of their own supposed unpredictability.

There is no crime in slowing the tempo down on occasions, taking three points, or playing for field position.

It is not boring but intelligent. Equally not every pass has to be the miracle ball.

It was a case of job done, by way of five points, but it was too messy of a job to give comfort to the coaches or instil uneasiness in whoever the Stormers face in the last 16.

Paul de Villers won a third Player of the Match award, Khan made an impact at scrum half in the last 20 minutes, and centre Jonathan Roche was busy on attack and at the breakdown.

JD Schickerling scored a popular try and one for the archives, but the big play moments were secondary to too many minutes of the mundane and the ordinary.

This competition espouses out of the ordinary but at in Cape Town there was just too much ordinary for two clubs of such stature.

If La Rochelle wins against Harlequins on Sunday, then the Stormers will finish second and host a last 16. If Harlequins win, then the Stormers will be on the road, as Leinster and Harlequins would take the top two places.

*The Sharks hammered a second rate Clermont 50-12 in Durban, which was not enough to get them to the last 16 of the Champions Cup. The Sharks won two from four matches, but such was the competitive nature of the Pool, that Toulouse, with two wins from four, would finished ahead of them. A fifth place finish relegates the Sharks to the EPCR Challenge Cup, which they won two seasons ago.

*The Bulls will know their fate on Sunday, but they will be favourites to advance to the last 16, despite getting just one win in four in the Pool stages. The Scarlets must beat Northampton Saints with a try-scoring bonus point away from home to deny the Bulls.

BULLS BEAT PAU

ALL THE LATEST ROUND 4 PLAYER AND TEAM STATS FOR THE INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Bulls show their horns in Investec Champions Cup final flurry

Published

on

By

The Bulls, for now, remain alive in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 play-offs, courtesy of a 26-24 win against Pau in France. The win snapped a seven match losing streak in all competitions.

Jeandre Rudolph, with two crucial turnovers, the second to finish the match after Pau kept the ball for 18 phases, secured the win.

SA under 20 winger Cheswill Jooste scored a sensational try and Handre Pollard nailed the last three conversions, with the third conversion the two points winning differential.

The Bulls made a remarkable 233 tackles to Pau’s 73. They missed 33 to the hosts 10 but in the frantic final few minutes defended 18 phases and turned over the last of seven turnovers won.

Pau conceded 15 turnovers to the Bulls 6.

The home team made 161 passes to the Bulls 60 and beat 31 defenders to the Bulls 10. They were outscored four tries to three.

The Bulls relied on just 30 percent possession, and 60 passes and 29 kicks to Pau’s 24, to show that victory can come packaged without passion or field position, if the counter attack and transition is accurate and potent, as with Jooste’s try.

Bulls starting No 8 Nizaam Carr was outstanding in all facets. He was the top tackler with 23, followed by Marcell Coetzee (21) and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (18). Carr, who scored the bonus point try, carried the most of the Bulls players, with nine, and made the top metres with 48. Winger Jooste was second with 42 metres made on attack, while topping the defenders beaten (five).  The next best was Carr, Zak Burger, Sebastian de Klerk and Coetzee with one each.

De Klerk (38) and Pollard (33) also made an impact in attack running metres.

Ruan Nortje, who played the last 24 minutes, won the most line outs (four).

Halfbacks Burger (10), Keegan Johannes (1) and Pollard (8) combined for 20 of the 29 kicks in play.

KEO’S AFRICA PICKS SATURDAY ACCA

COACH ACKERMAN REACTS TO BULLS WIN

Johann van Graan’s Bath smashed Edinburgh 63-10 at the Recreation to Top their Pool in the Investec Champions Cup Round 4.

Bath, last season, was the EPCR Challenge Cup and the South African coach Van Graan also won the Prem, having lost in the final the season before.

EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM MATCH STAT FROM ROUND 4 OF INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP

LATEST FROM KEO.CO.ZA

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Keo.co.za