Connect with us

KEO News Wire

Hendrikse to handle Ospreys, Roos to revel in Ulster clash

Published

on

Expect something special from Lions flyhalf Jordan Henrikse in the United Rugby Championships this weekend.

Ahead of Round 14 of the URC, Mark Keohane & Oliver Keohane sat down with SA Rugby Magazine editor Zelim Nel to discuss the four South African matches. All three of us agreed it will be another full house for South Africa.

As soon as the South African franchises were able to play host, finally, to the teams from up north, a more accurate narrative began to emerge around the quality of the teams of involved in the URC. Despite a tough start to the tournament, where South African teams were without their internationals and only playing travelling games, the last two weeks have seen them secure eight wins from eight home matches.

This weekend offers a great test for the Stormers, who will face an Ulster side strengthened by eight of their nine current international players, and with Springbok eighthman Duane Vermeulen at the back of the scrum.

It will be a fine test not only of the Stormers current quality, but of young Evan Roos’ capacity and potential as a Test number 8. As Zelim put it in our video, “It’s easy to throw players around in the Currie Cup and perhaps against Cardiff, let’s see how he fairs against Duane.” 18 months ago, when Roos fronted Duane in a Stormers match against the Bulls, he was impressive. This weekend will be a good marker of how far along he is in terms of delivering on his promise.

The Lions came back brilliantly last weekend to beat Munster 23-21, and young Jordan Hendrikse handled proceedings calmly to to kick the home to victory despite being down 14-0 early on. Hendrikse, a physical flyhalf with a fantastic boot, will be pivotal to the Lions beating 9th place Ospreys, who have had a decent season but have not travelled particularly well.

We also previewed the Bulls match up against 15th placed Dragons, who have only won one game so far in the tournament as well as the Sharks clash against Edinburgh, who sit just one place and three points above them, meaning a bonus-point win could take the Sharks to 5th on the log.

Catch all our comments below, in our URC Preview video

Photo: Ryan Hiscott/INPHO/Shutterstock

194 Comments

194 Comments

  1. binance US-registrera

    30th April 2023 at 11:23 am

    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. https://accounts.binance.com/sv/register?ref=DB40ITMB

  2. 20bet

    22nd September 2023 at 1:49 pm

    Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you. 20bet

  3. binance signup bonus

    27th July 2025 at 12:56 am

    Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

  4. tlovertonet

    20th November 2025 at 3:23 pm

    Great website! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.

  5. smortergiremal

    21st November 2025 at 11:09 am

    Throughout the awesome pattern of things you’ll receive a B+ with regard to effort and hard work. Exactly where you actually lost me personally ended up being in your specifics. As as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And it couldn’t be much more correct right here. Having said that, allow me tell you precisely what did give good results. Your authoring is definitely quite convincing which is probably why I am taking the effort in order to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, whilst I can certainly see the leaps in logic you come up with, I am not really confident of exactly how you appear to unite your points which produce the conclusion. For right now I will subscribe to your point however hope in the near future you link your dots better.

  6. Lilli Marchant

    16th December 2025 at 12:22 pm

    great issues altogether, you just received a brand new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made a few days ago? Any certain?

  7. fdertol mrtokev

    19th December 2025 at 1:06 am

    Normally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.

  8. abogados ley limón en california

    28th December 2025 at 7:06 pm

    You made some first rate points there. I seemed on the web for the problem and found most people will go together with along with your website.

  9. Delta 9 THC

    29th December 2025 at 8:22 am

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  10. alquileres en Montevideo

    30th December 2025 at 2:47 pm

    I have been surfing on-line more than three hours nowadays, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the web can be much more helpful than ever before.

  11. ayuda TFG arquitectura

    30th December 2025 at 10:10 pm

    I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours these days, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is beautiful price sufficient for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net might be much more helpful than ever before. “We are not retreating – we are advancing in another Direction.” by Douglas MacArthur.

  12. Experiencias creativas

    13th January 2026 at 5:34 pm

    hi!,I really like your writing so a lot! share we communicate extra about your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Having a look forward to peer you.

  13. rateio pra concurso

    14th January 2026 at 3:35 am

    Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you positive in regards to the supply?

  14. rateio concurso

    14th January 2026 at 5:23 am

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

  15. car battery shop near me

    14th January 2026 at 7:32 pm

    Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.

  16. new millennium car rental

    14th January 2026 at 11:54 pm

    excellent publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not realize this. You must continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  17. tlovertonet

    15th January 2026 at 1:19 am

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

  18. solar power water heater Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 3:21 am

    My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  19. gullybet no deposit bonus

    15th January 2026 at 9:44 am

    This really answered my problem, thank you!

  20. orquídea para presente dia dos namorados

    15th January 2026 at 10:12 am

    I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  21. gold rate chart in Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 11:51 am

    I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again

  22. mercedes workshop Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 6:04 pm

    Very interesting details you have remarked, regards for posting. “The thing always happens that you really believe in and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” by Frank Lloyd Wright.

  23. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 6:05 pm

    Wonderful work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the web. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)

  24. backdrop murah

    17th January 2026 at 4:42 am

    Well I sincerely liked reading it. This article offered by you is very useful for proper planning.

  25. miototo

    17th January 2026 at 8:29 am

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re working with? I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and I would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any recommendations?

  26. dkwin login

    17th January 2026 at 6:13 pm

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  27. lotto champ

    17th January 2026 at 7:42 pm

    Along with almost everything that seems to be developing inside this particular subject matter, all your points of view are actually relatively radical. Nonetheless, I am sorry, because I can not subscribe to your entire suggestion, all be it stimulating none the less. It would seem to everyone that your comments are actually not entirely validated and in fact you are generally your self not really thoroughly convinced of your argument. In any event I did appreciate reading through it.

  28. neurodyne review

    18th January 2026 at 12:59 am

    Fantastic site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!

  29. kilat333

    18th January 2026 at 4:31 am

    Very good blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!

  30. kerassentials review

    18th January 2026 at 7:11 am

    Thank you, I have just been looking for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the supply?

  31. neurosharp review

    18th January 2026 at 12:13 pm

    Some genuinely nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, also I believe the layout contains good features.

  32. gelatin trick recipe

    18th January 2026 at 3:29 pm

    Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this post is awesome, great written and include approximately all significant infos. I would like to look more posts like this .

  33. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 8:00 pm

    Some truly prime posts on this web site, saved to favorites.

  34. high heels größe 45

    18th January 2026 at 8:24 pm

    Generally I don’t read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.

  35. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 9:40 pm

    I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  36. gelatin trick

    19th January 2026 at 12:25 am

    Great ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

  37. kilat333

    19th January 2026 at 1:37 pm

    I’m very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  38. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 5:53 pm

    Great work! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the search engines for no longer positioning this put up upper! Come on over and consult with my site . Thank you =)

  39. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 9:14 pm

    Really nice pattern and fantastic subject material, practically nothing else we want : D.

  40. Registro de Comercio de Ginebra

    20th January 2026 at 4:06 am

    There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in options also.

  41. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 10:02 am

    Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  42. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 12:21 pm

    Appreciate it for helping out, wonderful info. “The surest way to be deceived is to think oneself cleverer than the others.” by La Rochefoucauld.

  43. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 5:16 pm

    Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Magnificent. I’m also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  44. citrus burn

    21st January 2026 at 9:57 am

    I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours as of late, yet I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s lovely worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net can be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  45. citrus burn review

    21st January 2026 at 2:16 pm

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

  46. zaborna torilon

    21st January 2026 at 10:13 pm

    Absolutely composed subject matter, Really enjoyed looking at.

  47. kilat333

    22nd January 2026 at 7:18 am

    Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  48. simple vision protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 9:46 am

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  49. simple vision protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 2:31 pm

    I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  50. comprar iptv

    22nd January 2026 at 7:34 pm

    My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  51. flixy tv stick

    23rd January 2026 at 6:49 am

    I really wanted to write a quick remark to say thanks to you for some of the superb tactics you are writing here. My rather long internet lookup has now been paid with extremely good facts and techniques to write about with my good friends. I would state that that many of us website visitors actually are definitely endowed to exist in a superb place with very many special individuals with useful opinions. I feel rather privileged to have come across your web pages and look forward to really more exciting moments reading here. Thank you once again for a lot of things.

  52. nuro clean mold remover gel

    23rd January 2026 at 1:13 pm

    Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you

  53. arranjo funeral itajaí

    23rd January 2026 at 8:15 pm

    I wish to express thanks to the writer for rescuing me from this issue. Because of browsing throughout the the net and finding thoughts which are not pleasant, I was thinking my entire life was well over. Existing without the approaches to the difficulties you’ve sorted out as a result of the review is a critical case, as well as those that might have adversely affected my career if I hadn’t noticed your web site. Your skills and kindness in handling all the things was crucial. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come upon such a solution like this. I am able to at this time look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for your high quality and result oriented guide. I won’t hesitate to suggest your web blog to any person who should have tips on this area.

  54. heated socks

    23rd January 2026 at 10:33 pm

    Yay google is my king helped me to find this outstanding web site! .

  55. wellaheat heated socks

    24th January 2026 at 2:13 am

    You made a few good points there. I did a search on the topic and found a good number of folks will agree with your blog.

  56. wuffy robot puppy

    24th January 2026 at 9:51 am

    This website is my breathing in, real fantastic pattern and perfect subject material.

  57. slot deposit 5000

    24th January 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.

  58. iblbet login

    24th January 2026 at 5:41 pm

    Some times its a pain in the ass to read what website owners wrote but this web site is very user pleasant! .

  59. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 7:10 pm

    Great website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also

  60. kilat333

    24th January 2026 at 10:35 pm

    Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  61. I’ve been surfing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It is lovely price sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet will likely be much more useful than ever before.

  62. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 4:59 am

    Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  63. iptv gratis 2025

    25th January 2026 at 2:34 pm

    Thank you for helping out, superb information. “Those who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.” by William Blake.

  64. the brain song

    25th January 2026 at 2:49 pm

    I just could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual info a person supply for your guests? Is gonna be back frequently in order to inspect new posts.

  65. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Very interesting topic, regards for putting up.

  66. lotto champ

    25th January 2026 at 6:35 pm

    Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  67. men balance pro

    25th January 2026 at 10:41 pm

    You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and often run out from to brand.

  68. IEC 62368

    25th January 2026 at 11:05 pm

    My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome website!

  69. boostaro

    26th January 2026 at 2:45 am

    Some truly superb content on this web site, regards for contribution. “An alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do.” by Dylan Thomas.

  70. 7pgwin

    26th January 2026 at 4:46 am

    I was just searching for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.

  71. robotics marketplace api

    26th January 2026 at 12:06 pm

    Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!

  72. optivell

    26th January 2026 at 12:43 pm

    WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …

  73. bariatric gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 3:57 pm

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

  74. gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 8:27 pm

    Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.

  75. kilat333

    27th January 2026 at 12:34 am

    I’d should test with you here. Which is not something I often do! I enjoy reading a post that can make people think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to remark!

  76. the brain song

    27th January 2026 at 3:56 am

    Thanks for another informative web site. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I have a challenge that I’m simply now operating on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.

  77. slot gacor

    27th January 2026 at 7:04 am

    I like this weblog so much, saved to my bookmarks. “American soldiers must be turned into lambs and eating them is tolerated.” by Muammar Qaddafi.

  78. iptv smarters pro assinar

    27th January 2026 at 6:49 pm

    As I website owner I believe the content here is rattling fantastic, regards for your efforts.

  79. iptv assinar

    27th January 2026 at 9:28 pm

    hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

  80. cara jualan online di facebook

    27th January 2026 at 11:43 pm

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your site in web explorer, might test this… IE still is the market chief and a huge section of other folks will omit your wonderful writing due to this problem.

  81. kilat333

    29th January 2026 at 3:05 am

    I’m often to blogging and i really respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for brand spanking new information.

  82. bariatric gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 11:55 am

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

  83. gelatin trick recipe

    30th January 2026 at 12:21 pm

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

  84. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 5:27 pm

    You could certainly see your skills within the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

  85. secaps black anvisa

    30th January 2026 at 9:09 pm

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

  86. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 2:22 am

    Great beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid clear idea

  87. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 10:30 am

    Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else may anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect approach of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.

  88. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 1:10 pm

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  89. ethical hacking tools

    1st February 2026 at 3:50 pm

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

  90. ethical hackers for hire

    1st February 2026 at 11:57 pm

    Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and include almost all vital infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  91. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 3:14 am

    Along with every thing that seems to be building within this specific subject matter, your viewpoints happen to be quite radical. However, I appologize, because I do not subscribe to your whole theory, all be it radical none the less. It appears to us that your comments are actually not completely validated and in actuality you are generally your self not even completely confident of your assertion. In any case I did enjoy looking at it.

  92. role of ethical hackers in network security

    2nd February 2026 at 6:13 am

    Fantastic site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your effort!

  93. best cricket betting sites in india

    2nd February 2026 at 6:53 am

    Great post, you have pointed out some superb details , I besides think this s a very wonderful website.

  94. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 7:44 am

    You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!

  95. pcxwin

    2nd February 2026 at 9:52 am

    Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find numerous useful info here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  96. ethical hacking tools

    2nd February 2026 at 1:11 pm

    Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

  97. Custom Flashpay card

    2nd February 2026 at 1:39 pm

    Whats Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me. Good job.

  98. ethical hacker job description

    2nd February 2026 at 6:33 pm

    I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am satisfied to exhibit that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make certain to do not put out of your mind this website and provides it a glance regularly.

  99. ethical hacking courses

    2nd February 2026 at 9:14 pm

    Very good site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!

  100. refractories

    3rd February 2026 at 10:05 pm

    I will right away snatch your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  101. power adapter manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 1:34 am

    I¦ll immediately snatch your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me realize in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  102. rf module manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 3:25 am

    I have been examinating out a few of your posts and i can claim nice stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your site.

  103. pcxwin

    4th February 2026 at 8:31 am

    I like this website so much, bookmarked.

  104. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 12:15 pm

    Hi there, just was alert to your weblog via Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful in the event you continue this in future. Lots of people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  105. flixy tv smart

    4th February 2026 at 6:19 pm

    Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care

  106. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 7:30 pm

    Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2

  107. vigorlong

    4th February 2026 at 11:33 pm

    The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple 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 broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  108. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 1:58 am

    I’ll immediately take hold of your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me understand so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  109. vigorlon

    5th February 2026 at 3:53 am

    I have not checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  110. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 7:17 am

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

  111. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 6:48 pm

    You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent website .

  112. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 10:15 pm

    I visited a lot of website but I think this one has got something extra in it in it

  113. herpafend

    5th February 2026 at 11:45 pm

    I conceive this internet site has very fantastic written articles content.

  114. vigorlong

    6th February 2026 at 3:12 am

    Hi! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  115. พิธี แต่งงาน

    6th February 2026 at 5:58 am

    Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  116. ดูดไขมันนมน้อย

    6th February 2026 at 12:14 pm

    F*ckin’ amazing issues here. I’m very happy to see your post. Thank you so much and i am having a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  117. Concurso MPE PI 2025

    6th February 2026 at 3:42 pm

    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.

  118. Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025

    6th February 2026 at 6:30 pm

    I like this blog so much, saved to fav. “To hold a pen is to be at war.” by Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire.

  119. Concurso MPE MA 2025

    6th February 2026 at 8:38 pm

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

  120. Concurso MPE RO 2025

    7th February 2026 at 1:42 am

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

  121. Concurso SEJUSP MG 2025

    7th February 2026 at 7:04 am

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

  122. kilat333

    7th February 2026 at 11:13 am

    Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.

  123. daftar situs toto togel

    7th February 2026 at 3:47 pm

    I was just looking for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.

  124. recarga unitv trimestral

    8th February 2026 at 7:34 pm

    Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog 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 book-marking and checking back frequently!

  125. melhor assinatura para tv box

    8th February 2026 at 10:05 pm

    I am continuously looking online for tips that can benefit me. Thanks!

  126. fdertolmrtokev

    9th February 2026 at 3:43 am

    In this awesome pattern of things you actually get a B+ with regard to effort and hard work. Where exactly you misplaced me personally was first in the details. You know, people say, details make or break the argument.. And that couldn’t be more accurate in this article. Having said that, let me say to you precisely what did deliver the results. Your article (parts of it) is actually highly convincing and that is probably the reason why I am taking an effort in order to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, while I can notice the leaps in logic you come up with, I am definitely not certain of just how you seem to connect the ideas which in turn help to make the conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt subscribe to your issue but trust in the future you connect your facts much better.

  127. lokalne

    9th February 2026 at 3:59 am

    I was studying some of your posts on this internet site and I believe this site is real informative ! Keep on putting up.

  128. fútbol femenino Bolivia

    9th February 2026 at 6:01 am

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  129. linetogel

    9th February 2026 at 3:04 pm

    of course like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.

  130. iptv plano

    10th February 2026 at 8:37 am

    Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your website in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your great writing because of this problem.

  131. 강남도파민

    10th February 2026 at 1:53 pm

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

  132. ibo player ativação

    10th February 2026 at 10:01 pm

    Really clean web site, regards for this post.

  133. homestay idukki

    11th February 2026 at 4:14 am

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  134. situs gacor

    11th February 2026 at 4:26 am

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good job!

  135. Autoclave Estética

    11th February 2026 at 1:02 pm

    Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesome site!

  136. 강남 좋아요 쩜오

    11th February 2026 at 3:49 pm

    You completed a number of good points there. I did a search on the subject and found a good number of people will have the same opinion with your blog.

  137. igm247

    11th February 2026 at 10:57 pm

    Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

  138. gelatin trick

    11th February 2026 at 11:52 pm

    This website online is known as a walk-via for all of the information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll positively uncover it.

  139. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 1:28 am

    Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident, and I am shocked why this twist of fate did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.

  140. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 5:16 am

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

  141. tratamento autismo

    12th February 2026 at 5:18 am

    hi!,I like your writing very so much! percentage we keep up a correspondence extra about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this space to solve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to peer you.

  142. 강남가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 5:33 am

    There is noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain good points in options also.

  143. bariatric gelatin trick recipe

    12th February 2026 at 10:00 am

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  144. segurança pública no rio de janeiro

    12th February 2026 at 11:51 am

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal. I must say you have done a great job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!

  145. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 1:11 pm

    Hey! 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 glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  146. casimon giriş

    12th February 2026 at 2:20 pm

    Some truly prime blog posts on this internet site, saved to fav.

  147. Rene Stennis

    12th February 2026 at 8:54 pm

    As soon as I noticed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.

  148. vegas 108

    13th February 2026 at 3:35 am

    After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!

  149. atom108 slot

    13th February 2026 at 12:15 pm

    It?¦s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  150. kucing unduh

    15th February 2026 at 11:06 am

    Some genuinely nice stuff on this internet site, I enjoy it.

  151. rajapola

    15th February 2026 at 9:53 pm

    Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  152. empire88

    16th February 2026 at 5:28 am

    Magnificent site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!

  153. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  154. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 12:04 pm

    Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such great info being shared freely out there.

  155. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 2:19 pm

    Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.

  156. domtoto login

    19th February 2026 at 11:04 pm

    I’m also writing to let you understand what a beneficial experience our girl went through reading through your site. She figured out so many pieces, not to mention what it’s like to have an incredible coaching style to let other folks with ease know precisely a variety of very confusing matters. You undoubtedly surpassed visitors’ expectations. Many thanks for showing such interesting, healthy, explanatory and even unique guidance on that topic to Emily.

  157. rajabandot

    20th February 2026 at 2:06 am

    Deference to post author, some wonderful entropy.

  158. mantap555

    20th February 2026 at 3:15 am

    Hello. excellent job. I did not expect this. This is a remarkable story. Thanks!

  159. olxtoto

    20th February 2026 at 5:40 am

    Really excellent information can be found on website. “Politics is applesauce.” by Will Rogers.

  160. gelatin trick recipe

    20th February 2026 at 2:23 pm

    Needed to compose you that very little word to say thanks over again with the unique views you’ve discussed at this time. It has been certainly unbelievably open-handed with people like you to offer openly what exactly a lot of folks would have supplied for an ebook to help make some bucks for themselves, particularly seeing that you could have done it in case you desired. The concepts also worked as a good way to comprehend many people have a similar dreams just like my own to know the truth lots more with reference to this issue. I know there are many more pleasant occasions ahead for many who examine your blog post.

  161. tlovertonet

    20th February 2026 at 5:32 pm

    Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!

  162. gelatin trick

    20th February 2026 at 5:59 pm

    Simply wanna remark on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the subject material is really good. “I delight in men over seventy. They always offer one the devotion of a lifetime.” by Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills Wilde.

  163. drip casino играть

    20th February 2026 at 10:31 pm

    I think this website contains some rattling great info for everyone. “Variety is the soul of pleasure.” by Aphra Behn.

  164. contract translation UK

    21st February 2026 at 12:32 am

    I keep listening to the rumor lecture about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?

  165. bandar slot online

    22nd February 2026 at 9:11 pm

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  166. pink gelatin trick

    23rd February 2026 at 4:01 am

    wonderful points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What may you recommend about your publish that you just made some days in the past? Any sure?

  167. lavanderia goiania

    23rd February 2026 at 10:46 am

    Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  168. gelatin trick recipe

    23rd February 2026 at 4:17 pm

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  169. gelatin trick recipe

    24th February 2026 at 6:37 am

    I’d must test with you here. Which is not something I often do! I take pleasure in studying a publish that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to remark!

  170. aufstellbecken

    25th February 2026 at 12:03 am

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.

  171. بيع وشراء وزيادة مشاهدات

    25th February 2026 at 4:03 am

    of course like your website but you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I will definitely come back again.

  172. alquiler de motos en malaga

    26th February 2026 at 1:22 pm

    Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  173. donde alojarse en pamplona

    26th February 2026 at 2:42 pm

    great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  174. hargatoto

    26th February 2026 at 2:49 pm

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  175. gartenpool shop

    26th February 2026 at 8:49 pm

    Usually I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice post.

  176. ayuda PFC arquitectura

    26th February 2026 at 10:22 pm

    The very core of your writing whilst sounding reasonable originally, did not sit perfectly with me after some time. Somewhere throughout the sentences you were able to make me a believer but only for a while. I however have got a problem with your leaps in logic and you would do nicely to help fill in those breaks. When you actually can accomplish that, I would definitely be amazed.

  177. ayuda TFG arquitectura

    27th February 2026 at 2:43 am

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

  178. ayuda TFG arquitectura

    27th February 2026 at 5:23 am

    Definitely consider that that you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the simplest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as folks consider issues that they plainly don’t recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , other people can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you

  179. Real estate José Ignacio

    27th February 2026 at 9:34 am

    Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a large portion of people will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.

  180. av. petit thouars 1775 lince

    27th February 2026 at 12:51 pm

    Wohh just what I was looking for, appreciate it for putting up.

  181. bandar slot

    27th February 2026 at 1:06 pm

    I’d should verify with you here. Which is not something I normally do! I get pleasure from reading a submit that may make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark!

  182. gelatin trick

    27th February 2026 at 3:35 pm

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  183. landscape lighting austin

    27th February 2026 at 4:42 pm

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

  184. gelatin trick

    27th February 2026 at 5:14 pm

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

  185. Cannabinoid gummies

    27th February 2026 at 7:34 pm

    You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart. “We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.” by Bern Williams.

  186. fren88

    27th February 2026 at 10:02 pm

    Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.

  187. tonic greens

    27th February 2026 at 10:15 pm

    Wow! Thank you! I permanently needed to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a fragment of your post to my blog?

  188. the brain song

    28th February 2026 at 1:01 am

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

  189. fren 88

    28th February 2026 at 2:18 am

    Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

  190. burnslim review

    28th February 2026 at 6:13 am

    It is really a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  191. jasa pembasmi rayap bandung

    28th February 2026 at 8:03 am

    I am glad to be a visitor of this gross web blog! , appreciate it for this rare info ! .

  192. streamate latina

    28th February 2026 at 10:56 pm

    I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

Leave a Reply

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

KEO News Wire

Brutal Bulls. Beautiful rugby. Bumper crowd.

Published

on

By

The Bulls were brutal in their slaughter of the Sharks, but the rugby they played was beautiful.

And 33 000 made it to Loftus for the celebration.

This was another statement made by Johan Ackermann’s Bulls. A few weeks ago they were as imposing in scoring 52 points against the Lions at Ellis Park.

They won 41-12 against the Sharks at Loftus on Saturday, but with more accurate goal kicking, they would have passed 50 points.

The Sharks, but for a brief period in the second half, were never in this game. They were shut out defensively in the opening quarter and when the Bulls got a chance to strike, they did so through the Midas touch of Canan Moodie.

Moodie is a special player, whether playing right wing or outside centre.

On Saturday, he played in the No 13 jersey, and defensively he produced a masterclass to contain the dangerous Jurenzo Julius. On attack, he was even better. Moodie glides, but there is an acceleration that is a differentiator. He showed this in scoring his try after inside centre Harold Vorster had made the initial running.

Vorster was outstanding against the Lions and he was influential against the Sharks. He was up against the in-form Andre Esterhuizen, the Sharks captain and bulldozer.  He stood his ground and provided pivotal attacking moments.

Esterhuizen is a beast and he is always going to keep three defenders busy, but on Saturday even he was powerless to halt a Bulls stampede that yielded four tries within 35 minutes.

Vorster made two tries and scored the final one of the match.

Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Paper benefitted from accuracy in his support line running, but his all-round game was impressive. He kicked with authority and he played with balance. His partnership with veteran World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard will be significant in the Bulls charge for the play-offs.

The Bulls forwards, collectively, were united and in sync. Individually, Elrigh Louw, Nizaam Carr and Ruan Nortje were prominent, and it took replacement prop Wilco Louw just one scrum to stabilise the Bulls scrum when introduced in the 55th minute and just a second scrum to win the Bulls a penalty.

The Bulls, transformed in playing style, discipline, conviction, attacking shape and defensive mongrel from the side that lost seven successive matches in all competitions earlier in the season, made it four wins on the bounce in the URC, with three of them being away from home.

I was at Loftus for the Bulls Investec Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux when they conceded 21 unanswered points in the second half and failed to score a point in the last 40 minutes after scoring 33 points in the first half.

I watched them disintegrate against Bristol in conceding four tries within 15 minutes and 61 points.

Ackermann was at a loss to explain the ineptness of such quality players, the lack of care for the ball when in possession, the ease with which they raised the white flag defensively and the lack of appetite for the jersey.

They were a shambles.

URC ORIGIN WEEKEND: SA SCHOOLS SYSTEM WORKS

Ackermann had inherited support staff coaches in Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw, who had been long-time assistants to the departed head coach and Director of Rugby Jake White.

Ackermann had to make a change and get his own assistants into the coach’s box, take charge of the forwards and lay down the law that this was his team and that they would play his way, which has always been a convincing mixture of power and pizzaz.

What I saw at Loftus against the Sharks was a team coached by Johan Ackermann, playing with the balance he preaches as a coaching philosophy and with the heart that he has always demanded from players.

They cared.

They defended their try line when leading 36-12 as if they were leading 13-12.

There has been a cultural shift for the Bulls, led by Ackermann, who in the seven successive defeats in all competitions earlier in the season, insisted that things would change for the better.

They have and the wins against the Lions and Sharks are confirmation that the Bulls are back and that alone is a thing of beauty in the context of South African rugby.

As for the Sharks, to borrow from their coach JP Pietersen, the past fortnight has been a case of one step forward and three back, especially after the back-to-back wins against the Stormers.

AFRICA PICKS: WINNING WITH THE BULLS

Scorers

For the Bulls:
Tries: Moodie, De Klerk, Papier 2, Vorster, De Wet, Vorster
Cons: Pollard 3

For the Sharks:
Tries: Van der Merwe, Jacobs
Cons: Hendrikse

Teams:

Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Elrich Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Morne Smith, 2 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Substitutes: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Stravino Jacobs

Sharks: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Thomas Dyer, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Clarity beats clutter as lethal Lions outthink and outplay the Stormers

Published

on

By

The difference at Ellis Park was clarity of thought and a respect for ball possession. The Lions had it and the Stormers didn’t.

Heroic defence in the final quarter complemented an on-field rugby intelligence the Stormers could not match as the Lions won 24-10 in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby.

It was a match they never looked like losing as a double strike within a few minutes took them to 14-0 after the first 20 minutes had been scoreless.

Morné van den Berg controlled the derby from the first quarter and never loosened his grip. The Springbok scrumhalf was decisive, accurate and composed.

Van den Berg’s kicking game turned the Stormers repeatedly and his contestable kick led to winger Angelo Davids’ chase and offload for Siba Mahashe’s opening try. Minutes later, a clever short bounce kick from Van den Berg created indecision and Henco van Wyk profited. Two moments. Two correct decisions. Fourteen points.

The Lions kept it simple: catch, pass and kick when required. They attacked from the right areas and forced the Stormers to play from deep. They needed just 24 tackles in the first half because they owned territory and possession.

The Stormers looked like a side that had not played for a month. Their aerial work was poor. Their handling was loose and their decision-making was muddled. When they had the ball, they forced offloads and when they required patience, they rushed most things.

This is a team that in the last month has sought the sensational in execution when the situation screamed simplicity.

The Stormers improved at scrum time after the break and gained territory. The Lions conceded penalties and lost two players to head-contact cards, playing with 13 for a decisive period and 14 v 15 in the final five minutes.

That should have been the Stormers’ moment, when having 15 versus 13, but it wasn’t because of poor decision-making and a disregard for the preciousness of the ball in the contact.

Held up three times over the line, they failed to score a single point in the final half hour despite the numerical advantage. The Lions defended with determination, but also structure in the final quarter, and attacked with potency when transitioning. The Stormers, who self-destructed often in their own half, attacked without precision when given so many try-scoring opportunities in the second half.

URC ORIGIN WEEKEND:  SA’S SCHOOLS SYSTEM WORKS

The win was the Lions fourth from their six derby matches and it secured them the SA Shield, with the winner determined exclusively from the derby matches. The Lions also consolidated a top eight URC league position.

The Stormers, unbeaten and top a month ago, have now lost three straight league matches and four of their last five in all competitions.

AFRICA PICKS: RUGBY’S LATEST VALUE BETS

Scorers

Lions

Tries: Siba Mahashe, Henco Van Wyk, Erich Cronje.

Conversions: Chris Smith (3)

Penalties: Smith

Stormers

Try: JD Schickerling

Conversion: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Teams:

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Substitutes: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Erich Cronjé

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling (captain), 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Substitutes: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

South Africa’s State of Origin – our Schools system works

Published

on

By

The elite layer is concentrated but across the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers there are 64 schools represented. That tells you the base of the South African game is broad and that the state of Origin on this celebratory United Rugby Championship Origin weekend is healthy.

The natural feeder system is in Paarl and Stellenbosch. It has always been the case with Paarl Boys High, Paarl Gim, Paul Roos and Boland Landbou producing elite professional players with each matric cycle.

Grey College, in the past 30 years, has owned the title of a Springboks and professional rugby player factory more than any other school in the country. Others, like Boshaai, Gim and Paul Roos are always present, but over this period Grey College has produced the greatest number.

In this URC season, Grey College and Boshaai share the top spot of providing 18 players, split across all four South African URC clubs.

Krugersdorp’s Monument (Lions) and Bishops (Stormers) are a celebration of home grown talent graduating from schoolboy to professional rugby without having to relocate, while the traditional rugby powerhouses in Kwazulu-Natal (Glenwood, Hilton, Westville and Maritzburg College) continue to make a statement that local is lekker in KZN.

The Bulls, of the four SA clubs, have the most extensive recruitment drive, and have over the years consistently been leaders in securing the most sought after talent, be it out of school or at a later stage.

Bloemfontein, by way of Grey College, and Paarl, are greater feeders for the Bulls, who have not relied exclusively on the Schools Big Five. Many a player from local schools has proven good enough to be contracted.

The Stormers will also feel they’ve been true to realism in their recruitment because there are only so many players who can be signed and the core of the country’s elite talent comes out of the Western Cape.

The fact that these players are willing to relocate and are so sought after is what ensures a balance in domestic strength, which is illustrated in this season’s URC SA Shield. With two rounds to play, any one of the four teams could win the Shield. The final SA derby is played at Loftus between the Bulls and Stormers, and the Shield winner could come down to this match.

There could also be a situation where all four teams end on three wins from six.

AFRICA PICKS: CASHING IN ON SA’S DERBY SUPER SATURDAY

BULLS v SHARKS: WIN WITH AFRICA PICKS

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SA Rugby magazine (@sarugbymag)

The elite layer is concentrated, with Grey College and Boshaai the most prominent producers of professional players, but the good news story is a reach that extends to another 62 schools.

What it says to me is that if you are good enough you will make it, regardless of the school you attended.

One only has to look at the composition of the back to back World Cup-winning Springboks to have this point reinforced. So many of those gold medal winners did not come through the elite and premier rugby schooling institutions.

The URC’s Origin weekend is a celebration of a player’s roots, and an acknowledgement of where it all started, but it is also a statement of what is good in the schools system in South African rugby.

TOP 10 SCHOOL PRODUCERS OF SA-BASED URC PLAYERS IN 2025/26

1. Grey College 18 players

  • Bulls: 8

  • Sharks: 4

  • Stormers: 4

  • Lions: 2

1. Paarl Boys’ High School 18 players

  • Lions: 6

  • Sharks: 5

  • Stormers: 4

  • Bulls: 3

Behind them:

3. Paul Roos Gymnasium 12

  • Stormers: 5

  • Sharks: 4

  • Bulls: 2

  • Lions: 1

4. Paarl Gimnasium 10

  • Bulls: 4

  • Stormers: 4

  • Sharks: 2

5. Hoërskool Monument 9

  • Lions: 7

  • Sharks: 2

Those five schools alone account for 67 contracted players across the four South African URC franchises.

That is the spine of the professional game.

Then comes the second tier:

Glenwood High School 8

  • Sharks: 4

  • Lions: 2

  • Bulls: 2

Bishops Diocesan College 8

  • Stormers: 6

  • Bulls: 1

  • Lions: 1

Westville Boys’ High School 5

  • Sharks: 3

  • Bulls: 1

  • Lions: 1

Maritzburg College 5

  • Sharks: 3

  • Stormers: 2

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) 4

  • Bulls: 1

  • Sharks: 1

  • Lions: 1

  • Stormers: 1

The deeper story is:

  • 64 schools represented

  • 37 schools with one player

  • 11 schools with two players

  • The rest clustered at three and above

So what does it tell us?

First, the elite rugby factories still dominate the professional pipeline. Grey and Paarl Boys are not historical brands they are current production leaders. Paarl Boys High, Paul Roos, Paarl Gim, Bishops and Grey College remain structurally embedded in the Stormers and Bulls pathways. Monument underpins the Lions and Glenwood, Westville and Maritzburg sustain the Sharks.

Second, recruitment has shifted. The Bulls are the most nationally constructed squad: eight from Grey, four from Paarl Gim, three from Paarl Boys, two from Paul Roos. Pretoria contracts beyond provincial borders better than any other franchise.

Third, accessibility remains real. Thirty-seven schools have one representative. That is opportunity and shows that the pathway is not closed but very competitive.

What the numbers from Origin weekend confirm is that the factor model works and that the professional door remains open to any player who is good enough.

SA URC ORIGIN – THE SCHOOLS

18 Players

  • Grey College

  • Paarl Boys’ High


12 Players

  • Paul Roos Gymnasium


10 Players

  • Paarl Gimnasium


9 Players

  • Hoërskool Monument


8 Players

  • Glenwood High School

  • Bishops (Diocesan College)


5 Players

  • Westville Boys’ High School

  • Maritzburg College


4 Players

  • Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies)

  • Hilton College


3 Players

  • Northcliff High School

  • King Edward VII School (KES)


2 Players

  • St Albans College

  • Hoër Landbouskool Boland

  • Hoërskool Garsfontein

  • Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale

  • Michaelhouse

  • Jeppe High School for Boys

  • Potchefstroom Gimnasium


1 Player Each

  • St Stithians

  • Bersig

  • Hudson Park

  • Linden

  • SACS

  • Stellenberg

  • Transvalia

  • Frikkie Meyer

  • Fichardtpark

  • Graeme College

  • Ben Vorster

  • EG Jansen

  • St Andrew’s College (Makhanda)

  • Dale College

  • HTS Middelburg

  • Durban High School (DHS)

  • Hoërskool Klerksdorp

  • Hoërskool Tygerberg

  • Huguenot High School

  • Grey High School

  • Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary

  • Piet Retief High School

  • Churchill Boys High School

  • HTS Louis Botha

  • Queens College

  • Hoërskool Oos-Moot

  • Diamantveld

  • Wonderboom

  • Outeniqua High School

  • Hoërskool Eldoraigne

  • Northwood

  • St John’s College

  • Rondebosch Boys’ High

  • Wynberg Boys’ High

  • Hoërskool Pietersburg

  • Welkom Gimnasium

  • Hoërskool Brandwag

  • Hermanus High School

  • Hoërskool Riebeeckstad

  • Klein Nederburg

  • Hoërskool Standerton

  • Total schools represented: 64

  • 2 schools with 18 players

  • 1 school with 12

  • 1 school with 10

  • 1 school with 9

  • 2 schools with 8

  • 2 schools with 5

  • 2 schools with 4

  • 2 schools with 3

  • 7 schools with 2

  • 42 schools with 1

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Bok Damian de Allende is the best No 12 in the world

Published

on

By

Springboks and Wild Knights Damian de Allende continues to set the standards among No 12s in world rugby. He is the best – and has been for some time.

In the Keo & Zels show earlier this week, there was agreement that De Allende remains the standout No 12 in the game.

Keo: Damian de Allende has done it all. Two World Cups. Rugby Championships. Outstanding for Munster in the URC and Investec Champions Cup. A superstar in Japan. A force for the Stormers and Western Province.

Yet when the “best No 12 in the world” debate starts, his name is often an afterthought.

Ireland’s Stu McCloskey has had a strong Six Nations and suddenly some commentators are calling him the benchmark. That’s recency bias. De Allende has been the benchmark for a decade.

He is the glue in the Springbok midfield. When he plays, they are a different side. When he doesn’t, you feel it. Sonny Bill Williams said last season that the most undervalued piece of the South African World Cup puzzle is Damian de Allende. He’s right.

De Allende has strength in contact, a complete passing game and a rugby IQ that the public underrates but coaches don’t. Tony Brown rates him the best passer in the Bok set-up.

The move to Japan extended his career. League One is improving every season, but it’s not the weekly collision of the URC or Top 14. It has preserved him and I believe he has another World Cup in him.

 If we’re picking a No 12 tomorrow? I take him. Every time. He is the best No 12 in the world.

ALL BLACKS GREATS RAVE ABOUT DE ALLENDE


Zels:
That’s the difference between media noise and player reality.

In player circles, “Doogz” gets huge respect. It’s the same story as Franco Mostert. At the Lions people asked what he actually did. Then he became a Bok and suddenly everyone understood the work rate and detail.

De Allende does the heavy lifting. He wins collisions. He cleans up. He organises. He makes the right decision more often than not. Players and coaches see it immediately.

In his prime? For me, absolutely – he’s the best 12 in world rugby.


RECALL: HOW RASSIE REINVENTED DE ALLENDE IN 2019

Last weekend he played his 50th match for the Wild Knights in Japan – another reminder of his consistency and professionalism. Whether it was Milnerton High in Cape Town, a World Cup final with the Springboks, Munster on a European night, or League One in Japan, the standard never drops.

ALL BLACKS MIDFIELD MASTER SONNY BILL WILLIAMS GIVES DOOGZ HIS DUES

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

 

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

URC: Julius stars but the Lions roar loudest at Ellis Park

Published

on

By

Morne van den Berg 21 February 2026 Anton Geyser Gallo Images

URC: The Lions, with Morne van den Berg massive, roared the loudest at Ellis Park with an emphatic win against the Sharks, for whom Jurenzo Julius was the best player.

Morne van den Berg was the pick of the Lions and the best player on display in the Lions bonus point win. The Springboks scrum half was at the heart of everything good about the Lions performance, in a Round 8 match that was played between Rounds 11 and 12 of the competition.

The win moves the Lions into seventh place in the URC and it also kept alive the SA Shield. Had the Sharks won, they would have claimed the Shield, given they already had three bonus-point wins in four matches against their South African colleagues.

The Sharks have beaten the Bulls and the Stormers twice and lost in the final play against the Lions in Durban a month ago.

But it is the Lions who now can claim the Shield if they beat the Stormers at Ellis Park next Saturday.

The Sharks will play the Bulls at Loftus in Pretoria next week and the Stormers and Bulls will complete the South African derbies within the URC in Pretoria on the 14th March.

The Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen picked his strongest match 23 and they were too powerful and precise for a Sharks match 23 missing seven of their first choice Springboks. Sharks coach JP Pietersen invested in youth and some hardened veterans, but the collective of the Sharks could not match the individual class of 21 year-old centre Jurenzo Julius, who ran with condition and with reward, scored a try, had one disallowed and always made metres in the tackle.

JULIUS IN BOKS MIDFIELD AUDITION

Veteran lock Jason Jenkins battled hard, but that was the lot for the visitors who are ninth in the URC league standings. They have four wins in 11 matches.

Van den Berg was the general at No 9, his halfback partner Chris Smith did not miss a kick at posts and the Lions midfield of Bronson Mills and Henco Van Wyk were convincing as a pairing.

Wingers Angelo Davids and Kelly Mpeku chased everything and turned every kick into an attacking one.

Lions fullback Quan Horn was confident and flanker Ruan Venter, lock Ettienne Oosthuizen were a menace and a presence. My personal favourite Asenathi Ntlabakanye produced trademark tackles, handled the tighthead side of the scrum effectively and was regular in taking the ball to the line.

Van den Berg was very good and the Lions were very good in responding from the 52-17 defeat a fortnight ago against the Bulls at Ellis Park.

The Lions have beaten the Sharks in the last three matches at Ellis Park in the URC, each time comfortably, and have won five of the last six matches against the Sharks.

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP LATEST – WATCH THE LIONS v SHARKS HIGHLIGHTS

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Ireland find their identity & Scotland find a way to win away from home

Published

on

By

Jamison Gibson-Park 21 Feb 2026 Warren Little Getty Images

Ireland are celebrated for finding their identity in a record 42-21 win against England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham and Scotland are lauded for finding a way to win a Six Nations match away from home. Here’s your media summary.

What the English media led with

  • England’s recurring fast-start problem became the story again – an opening half-hour where Ireland went 22-0 up and effectively ended the contest.

  • The post-match tone is brutal: “humiliation”, “nightmare”, “questions everywhere” around England’s direction, selection calls, and a side that’s messy under pressure (turnovers, set-piece errors, poor exits).

  • Even where England “had entries”, the message is the same: they didn’t convert pressure into points, and Ireland did –  clinically.

What the Irish media led with

  • A statement win built on speed, accuracy and edge – Ireland’s first-half blitz, then second-half control (Sheehan’s early score after the break = the hammer).

  • The Irish framing is “old guard / leaders / selection calls justified” – Crowley steering, Gibson-Park snapping, McCloskey giving them gainline ballast.

  • Farrell’s tone in reaction coverage: values + connection + belief (less “tactics board”, more “identity restored”).

Former players / influential voices (social + pundit loop)

  • Dan Sheehan (via ITV quote carried by SA Rugby Mag): framed it as hunger + belief + emotional lift after the France loss – and called it one of their best performances.

  • The wider pundit theme (echoed across liveblogs + post-match reaction): Ireland’s dominance wasn’t fluke finishing – it was system + tempo + accuracy, with England chasing shadows and confidence.

  • “I backed England” regret content is already circulating (ex-player prediction culture) with former England fullback Mike Brown getting stick in UK rugby-content spaces after calling it wrong. He is just one of many. Andy Goode called for a rethink of Steve Borthwick as head coach and challenged Borthwick for a rethink of his selections.

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

Two clean angles SA Rugby Mag are pushing:

  • Mocke the notion that three weeks ago England were favourites to win the World Cup, according to their media, and now they have been destroyed, away to Scotland and at home to Ireland on successive weekends.

  • Player-reaction line: Sheehan’s “special” framing – Ireland tapped into travelling support and came out of the blocks.

What Six Nations official platform says …

The official match report leans hard into:

  • Frenetic start, Crowley penalty, then Gibson-Park’s quick-tap try as the tone-setter.

  • The decisive rhythm: England scratched (Dingwall / Lawrence / Underhill), but Ireland had answers (Sheehan + Osborne) and controlled the contest after going 22-0 up.

KEO’S VIEW

I had England to win 30-21 based on Ireland’s lack of form in November against the All Blacks and the Springboks, and their defeat against France in Paris, coupled with their escape at home against Italy a week ago. What I overestimated was the quality of the England team to respond to last weekend’s drubbing against Scotland at Murrayfield. I also thought England would lift for captain Maro Itoje’s 100th Test for England. I underestimated that Ireland would find their identity or play in a way that speaks to the identity that made them a top two side and momentarily had them ranked one in the world. The visitors were superb. This is the first time they have beaten England by more than 20 points. I thought they were as inspiring as England were inept.

EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT AFTER ROUND 3 OF THE SIX NATIONS


WALES v SCOTLAND – Wales improved, Scotland escaped

Result: Wales 23 Scotland 26 (Turner try + Russell conversion in the 75th minute).

Scottish media tone (and Scotland lens generally)

  • The Scotland lens is “not pretty, but champion teams steal these” – resilience, finish, Russell influence, and bench impact (Turner delivering the match winner).

  • Scotland’s broader narrative: they’re alive in the championship picture (table pressure) because they can now win away, even when off their game.

Welsh media tone (and Wales lens generally)

  • The Wales lens is heartbreak with a sliver of hope: this was their best showing of the championship so far, but they still found a way to lose it late (errors, discipline, closing moments).

  • The hard number that will sit in every Welsh recap: 14 straight Six Nations losses (and counting).

Former players / influential voices (social + pundit loop)

  • The Guardian’s live coverage explicitly notes former Welsh captain Sam Warburton praising Wales’ belief/performance despite the late gut-punch.

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

  • Scotland “snatch” it from a “passionate Wales” – which tells you the editorial emphasis is Wales’ emotional performance and Scotland’s late ruthlessness.

What Six Nations official platform says …

The official report makes it very usable for your structure:

  • Wales deserved the first-half lead: Carre + Adams tries, Costelow kicking, and a genuine edge in the arm-wrestle.

  • The swing: Scotland’s second-half surge, and Wales being denied their first win again a “remarkable comeback” headline win for Scotland.

KEO’S VIEW

The question is what hurts most for the hapless Welsh supporters; to concede 50 points each time at home or to be five minutes away from winning and then to lose by a late converted try after leading 20-5 early in the second half? Scotland showed composure in the final 10 minutes and Wales, so desperate and filled with desire, had nothing left in the tank once Scotland took the lead 26-23. For a neutral it was a bloody good Test, filled with every drama.

SIX NATIONS ROUND 3 … WHAT WE CALLED

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Ellis Park is a Springboks audition for Julius and Van Wyk

Published

on

By

Jurenzo Julius and Henco van Wyk were colossal midfielders as schoolboys. Now they get the chance to make a statement to Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus that they should be on the national radar, if not for 2027, then definitely for the 2031 World Cup in the USA.

The Lions host the Sharks in the URC at Ellis Park on Saturday, and it is the performances of Julius, for the Sharks, and Van Wyk, for the Lions, that excites me the most in this match.

Julius, many forget, is still just 21 years-old. Equally is Van Wyk’s youthfulness at 24. The latter seems to have been around for a decade.

Both have carried the tag for best of in their class, with Van Wyk the Junior Springbok of the Year in 2021 and Julius the Junior Springbok of the Year in 2024.

Erasmus has never selected on sentiment and he has always been consistent that he differentiates between who is considered the best in a particular position and who is the best for his national squad.

He rates Julius and Van Wyk, having invited them to national alignment camps and picked Van Wyk for the senior SA XV that toured the north a few seasons ago.

Both players fit the mould of what Erasmus wants in a player. They have physical presence, skill and an engine.

Julius was so good when playing for Paul Roos in Stellenbosch, and equally imposing for SA under 18s and SA under 20s. Van Wyk, a few years before that, enjoyed as many accolades as the premier South African junior midfielder.

CASH IN WITH AFRICA PICKS

Van Wyk’s biggest challenge has not been that of selection at the Lions, but being consistently fit and available, whereas Julius walked into a Sharks set-up of Springbok midfielders in Lukhanyo Am, Francois Venter and current captain Andre Esterhuizen.

Ethan Hooker, who was used at centre and on the wing, played Test rugby for the Springboks in 2025 as a winger, but Sharks coach JP Pietersen has paired him with Esterhuizen in the past month. AM has left for Japan and Venter, alongside Julius on Saturday, has a greater mentoring role.

The beauty of Julius is that each time he has been given an opportunity, he has delivered. Van Wyk has shown the same pedigree when injury has not derailed his season.

Julius can play 12 and 13 and would not be out of place on the wing, and Van Wyk’s skillset makes him an option at 12 and 13.

SHARKS SCHOOL STORMERS IN THE URC

Van Wyk, at Monument High and with the Golden Lions Craven Week side, was exceptional at age group level. His transition into junior international rugby and senior rugby was as smooth, until injuries rocked him. From 2022 to 2024, injuries were more damaging than any opponent.

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

What he is showing this season is the result of uninterrupted rugby. He is sharp, his confidence is obvious and he is the primary point of attack in a talented Lions backline.

South African rugby produces outstanding schoolboy midfielders every year, and the latest is Paarl Gim’s Markus Muller, who is part of the Stormers squad and is currently on national duty with the SA under 20s.

Julius and Van Wyk will be mindful of the hype around Muller and they will be keen to remind him and another 2025 schools graduate, Grey College and Free State’s Ethan Adams, that there is a senior midfield queue and that the class of 2019 and 2024 are on the rise.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

Recent head-to-head (URC meetings)

  • Jan 2026: Sharks 22–23 Lions (Durban)

  • Mar 2025: Sharks 14–38 Lions (Johannesburg)

  • Mar 2025: Sharks 22–25 Lions (Durban)

  • 2024: Lions 40–10 Sharks (Johannesburg)

  • 2024: Sharks 20–18 Lions (Durban)

Recent encounters show a clear home-field bias in Johannesburg, with the Lions winning comfortably there and edging the most recent contest in Durban.

LIONS v SHARKS: ALL THE TEAM NEWS

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21

Lions v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.00 IRE & UK / 13.00 ITA / 14.00 SA

Referee: Griffin Colby (SARU, 12th league game)

AR 1: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) AR 2: Zoe Naude (SARU)

TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

LATEST URC NEWS

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Round 3 of Six Nations: Everything you need to know

Published

on

By

Teams, kick-off times, data, match-ups. Look no further. We have everything you need to know for Round 3 of the Six Nations as France plays Italy, Wales host Scotland and England take on Ireland.

The big talking point this weekend will be the flamboyant England loose-forward Henry Pollock’s first start at No 8.

AFRICA PICKS: WHERE TO MAKE YOUR SIX NATIONS MONEY THIS WEEKEND

WHO’S RUNNING THE HOTTEST IN SIX NATIONS

Six Nations Round 3: Pollock’s Call, Ireland’s Test, Scotland’s Edge, France’s Warning

The headline is at Allianz Stadium. Henry Pollock gets his first start at No 8 for England against Ireland. It is refreshing from England coach Steve Borthwick and it changes the shape of England’s loose trio. Pollock joins Tom Curry and Ben Earl in a back row built for tempo and confrontation.

ENGLAND v IRELAND

Kick-off: 18:00 (UK), Saturday 21 February
Venue: Allianz Stadium

England
Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Pollock.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith.

Ireland 
Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, McCarthy, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Bealham, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, O’Brien.

England’s 12-match winning run ended at Murrayfield, but at home they remain reliable. Their last defeat in London came in November 2024. Since then, nine straight wins. That matters.

Ireland, though, have owned this fixture recently. Five wins from the last six. The only loss in that stretch was a last-minute drop goal in this stadium two years ago.

Andy Farrell reshapes his spine. Jack Crowley starts at fly-half for control. Tadhg Furlong returns to strengthen the scrum. Beirne, Van der Flier and Gibson-Park are back. Ireland are leaning into experience because England at Twickenham demands it.

Recent results:
2025 (Dublin): Ireland 27–22 England
2024 (London): England 23–22 Ireland
2023 (Dublin): Ireland 29–16 England

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

WALES v SCOTLAND

Kick-off: 16:40 (UK), Saturday 21 February
Venue: Principality Stadium

Wales
Rees-Zammit; Hamer-Webb, James, Hawkins, Adams; Costelow, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Plumtree, Mann, Wainwright.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, F Thomas, Botham, Hardy, J Evans, Murray.

Scotland
Kinghorn; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Van der Merwe; Russell, White; McBeth, Cherry, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, Brown, Darge, M Fagerson.
Replacements: Cherry, Schoeman, Millar-Mills, Williamson, M Fagerson, Horne, Hastings, Graham.

Wales are 0-from-2 and hurting. Scotland arrive confident after reclaiming the Calcutta Cup against England. Momentum says Scotland, recent history in this clash and Wales’s woeful two wins in their last 25 Tests, says it has to be Scotland.

Welsh coach Steve Tandy has made changes. Sam Costelow takes over at 10. Taine Plumtree strengthens the back row and Ben Carter’s form earns him reward. Blair Murray offers bench spark. Scotland have recalled power winger Duhan van der Merwe and Toulouse fullback Blair Kinghorn.

Recent results:
2025 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35–29 Wales
2024 (Cardiff): Wales 26–27 Scotland
2023 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35–7 Wales

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SA Rugby magazine (@sarugbymag)

FRANCE v ITALY

Kick-off: 15:10 (UK), Sunday 15 February
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy

Italy left Dublin believing they are good enough to beat the very best, but still vulnerable in the big clutch plays. They pushed Ireland and were frustrated not to get the job done. The problem now is scale. France have opened this championship with authority and pace.

Last year in Rome, France dismantled Italy, but the more relevant match is the 13-all draw in Lille in 2024. Paolo Garbisi hit the post from a penalty attempt with the last kick of the match. It would have been Italy’s first win against France in France.

Italy’s backline is ambitious and their pack is no longer passive, but France, in the 2025 Six Nations and in the opening fortnight of 2026, have set the standard.

Recent results:
2025 (Rome): Italy 24–73 France
2024 (Marseille): France 13–13 Italy
2023 (Rome): Italy 24–29 France

If you want a snapshot of the weekend’s matches, England have entrusted youth in the name of Pollock, Ireland have opted for experience and the old guard, Wales, well they continue to search for relevance, and Scotland want consistency. Italy have belief but they are up against the best team in the competition who are playing with the authority of a champion.

ALL THE LATEST FROM THE SIX NATIONS

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Who’s running the hottest in the Six Nations

Published

on

By

France have dominated the first fortnight of the Six Nations and they will continue the dream start to the 2026 tournament when hosting the improving Italy. Individually, the French players are also making the biggest statistical statements.

The French backs Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe and Matthee Jalibert are the most prominent in attack, with the two wingers three tries each second only to England winger Henry Arundell’s four.

No 10 Jalibert has scored two tries and made 32 carries, three more than his halfback partner Antoine Dupont, and four less than fullback Thomas Ramos’s 36. England’s No 8 Ben Earl has made the most carries (41).

Ramos, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert and Attissogbe are placed second to fifth in metres made, with Wales’s Louis Rees-Zammit topping the list with 238.

Jalibert, who was sensational for Bordeaux in the Investec Champions Cup Pool rounds, has been as good for France in the Six Nations.

No player has such a presence in so many facets of play.

Jalibert (10), Ramos (8) and Dupont (5) have made the most offloads, and Jalibert’s four try assists is the most.

Jalibert (10), along with Rees-Zammit, England’s Tommy Freeman and Scotland’s South African-born winger Kyle Steyn, has beaten the most defenders.

Jalibert (21) and Dupont (29) have combined for 50 kicks in play. England flyhalf George Ford leads the list with 34. Ford’s kick metres are the most, 1245, while Dupont (third with 827 metres) and Jalibert (sixth with 610 metres) total 1437 metres.

Jalibert (7) and Dupont (6), as a halfback duo, have no equal in the competition, combining for 13 kicks retained. Scotland’s Ben White, individually, is the leader with 10.

Jalibert (13) has bounced the most kicks, with Ford (11) in second place and Dupont third with 10.

Lineout steals have been minimal and Italy’s Manuel Zuliani and Michele Lamaro are the best with two each.

Defensively, Wales’s Aaron Wainwright (9) and Freeman (9) lead the dominant contact, with France’s Charles Ollivon and Earl (7) the next best.

Wainwright, with this dominance in contact, has the most post contact metres (55), followed by Freeman and Earl with 53 each.

FRANCE ON FIRE

The French attack has been on fire but defensively the French have been as good. Lenni Noguchi and Oscar Jegou, along with Italy’s Manuel Zuliani and Lorenzo Cannone and Steyn are grouped at the top with four each in the dominant tackle category.

(Lorenzo) Cannone, with 37, has the most successful tackles. Niccolo Cannone has 35 and Jegou 34.

Scotland’s Rory Darge (6) has won the most turnovers, with Zuliani second (5) and France’s Michael Guillard and Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey on four each. Winger Attissogbe has won three turnovers.

Wingers understandably dominate the attacking catch success with Ireland’s James Lowe, Arundell, Italy’s Louis Lynagh and Bielle-Biarrey all successful with two catches.

Ramos and Ford have scored the most points and they are the two most accurate sharpshooters, with Ramos tops with 85.7 percent and Ford striking at 81.8 percent.

EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT FROM THE 2026 SIX NATIONS

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

France on fire as rugby’s media react to Six Nations

Published

on

By

Emilien Gailleton France 15 February 2026 David Rogers Getty Images

France are on fire, dispatching Wales with ease in Cardiff in Round 2 of the Six Nations. Scotland were the Brave and Ireland were the fortunate in Dublin. But on the evidence of two Rounds the world champions and No 1 ranked Springboks are still some way ahead of the chasing pack, which is more France than anyone else.

For those who don’t have time to scan every rugby site for Six Nations reaction, here is your summary, with the scanning brilliance of Chat and my own wrap and understanding of what unfolded.

AFRICA PICKS: DID YOU CASH IN ON YOUR SIX NATIONS BETS?

WALES v FRANCE (Cardiff) Reaction: “France are ruthless; Wales are broken”

Result context: France ran in 8 tries and hammered Wales 54–12 in Cardiff.
Six Nations official tone: “record-breaking” French performance; clinical, fast, and brutal.

The Northern Hemisphere themes (what the NH media agreed on)

1) France’s attack is now operating at “Grand Slam pace.”
The common thread: France didn’t just win – they stacked pressure, scored early, and never came down. Their execution looked title-ready, not “round-two ready.”

2) Jalibert ran the game; the French back three feasted.
Reuters singled out Matthieu Jalibert as “masterful”, with France’s shape and kicking hurting Wales repeatedly.
The Guardian focus: wings/finishers cashing in, with Théo Attissogbe front-and-centre.

3) Wales’ defensive system was the story and not in a good way.
Wales missed 31 tackles, with a 68% tackle success figure doing the rounds.
It also wasn’t lost on anyone that the crowd mood and attendance reflected a nation’s frustration.

  • Six Nations official: framed France as the tournament’s most clinical force; “run riot / record-breaking” framing.

  • Reuters: Jalibert masterclass; Wales defensive collapse; low attendance noted.

  • The Guardian: Attissogbe-led romp; France’s young backs looked fearless; Wales outclassed.

South African view (SA Rugby Mag / SA angle)

  • SA Rugby Mag (digital): blunt headline energy – “Rampant France rout woeful Wales” and the key SA takeaway: France are the only side still tracking a Grand Slam after two rounds.

  • Times Live: explicitly positioned this French run as a Springbok warning shot, tying it to SA’s own demolition job in Cardiff last November.

SCOTLAND v ENGLAND (Murrayfield) Reaction: “Scotland ambushed them; England had no Plan B”

Result context: Scotland beat England 31–20 and lifted the Calcutta Cup, ending England’s long winning run.

The Northern Hemisphere themes

1) Scotland’s start won it (and England never truly recovered).
Reuters captured it cleanly: Scotland sprinted into an early lead and played with belief; England spent the match chasing field position and control.

2) Finn Russell ran the show.
Across reports: Russell was the conductor control when needed, ambition when it was on.

3) Discipline (and Arundell) became England’s headline.
The red-card narrative dominated English-facing reaction, especially tabloid coverage.

4) “Plan A stalled” became the RugbyPass verdict.
RugbyPass pushed the familiar critique: England look blunt when their first pattern doesn’t land.

  • The Guardian: Scotland “stunned” England; big tries, big moments, and England’s errors/discipline issues.

  • Reuters: Scotland’s recent Calcutta Cup dominance underlined; Russell masterclass; Arundell card pivotal.

  • The Sun: framed it as Arundell “hero-to-zero”, Grand Slam hopes crushed on the Murrayfield hoodoo.

  • Sky Sports: breakdown angle on why England unravelled (discipline, start, game control).

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

  • SA Rugby Mag: “Storming Scotland end England’s winning run” straightforward: England’s streak snapped; Scotland revived their campaign; Townsend milestone context.

  • SA Rugby Mag follow-up: quotes/angle pieces include Borthwick acknowledging England “gave them too big a start.”


IRELAND v ITALY (Dublin) Reaction: “Italy proved they belong; Ireland survived”

Result context: Ireland won 20–13, but the reaction was far more about Ireland’s wobble and Italy’s growth than Irish dominance.

The Northern Hemisphere themes

1) Ireland were “unconvincing” Italy dragged them into a scrap.
That “Ireland survived” framing is consistent across live reports and match wrap language.

2) Italy’s first-half performance made the story.
Italy led at the break; a maul try and defensive bite put Ireland under heat.

3) The Italian press angle: pride + frustration (and ‘it was there’).
Italian coverage leaned into: “great Italy for a half”, match flipped after the break, and the missed chance to land a historic result.

Outlet-by-outlet snapshot (Ireland + Italy)

  • Irish Times: Italy led 10–5 at half-time; Ireland turned it with second-half tries (Conan/Baloucoune) to regain control.

  • The Independent (UK): headline framing: “Unconvincing Ireland overcome half-time deficit” again, the win without the glow.

  • Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): strong Italy for a half; Ireland “trembled” but won; the swing came after the break.

  • RAI News (Italy): second half “capsized” what looked like an Italian day; Italy started “azzurro” but Ireland flipped it.

  • Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR): official Italian union tone: “grandissima Italia” that scared Ireland; positives to take even in defeat.

  • OnRugby (Italy): positioned it as the “almost” moment and a national conversation piece (reaction roundup).

FOR ALL THE LATEST PLAYER AND TEAM STATS FROM ROUND 2 OF THE SIX NATIONS

Continue Reading

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

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Keo.co.za