KEO News Wire
Investec Champions Cup semi-finals preview: The final battle for a spot in Cardiff Finals
The path to the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final runs through Dublin and Bordeaux, as the top clubs in the competition prepare for the semi-finals.
- A rematch of last season’s semi-final, featuring Leinster Rugby against Northampton Saints, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 3 with new £30 tickets just released.
- An all-French face-off as Union Bordeaux-Bègles takes on Stade Toulousain at Matmut ATLANTIQUE on Sunday, May 4.
- All roads now lead to the greatest weekend in club rugby and the Cardiff 2025 Finals.
On the 3 and 4 May, fans can expect two thrilling clashes: Leinster Rugby will face Northampton Saints on Saturday, followed by Union Bordeaux-Bègles taking on Stade Toulousain on Sunday. With a spot in the Final on the line, both matchups are set to deliver high drama ahead of the grand finale of European rugby’s most prestigious club competition in Cardiff on the 24 May.
See the match-by-match preview statistics below, and the general round preview HERE.
KEY MATCH INFORMATION
Leinster Rugby v Northampton Saints
Saturday, May 3 – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (17.30)
RTE / Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / FloRugby
CLICK HERE for Leinster Rugby v Northampton Saints preview statistics.
A blockbuster clash awaits at Dublin’s iconic Aviva Stadium as four-time European champions Leinster Rugby take on the reigning English Premiership titleholders, Northampton Saints.
Leinster, cheered on by a passionate sea of blue, will be looking to draw on their vast experience at this level, having reached the Final in five of the last seven seasons, but having not claimed the title since 2018.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Leo Cullen, Leinster boast a squad packed with international superstars, including the likes of Caelan Doris, Jordie Barrett, and Jamison Gibson-Park – all shortlisted for this season’s Investec Player of the Year. Their 142 unanswered points over their last three Investec Champions Cup matches show that they are more determined than ever to reclaim the European crown.
Northampton Saints arrive in Dublin full of confidence after a clinical quarter-final victory over Castres Olympique. Led by Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, the Saints are spearheaded by dynamic players such as Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman and breakout star Henry Pollock – himself an Investec Player of the year nominee. An in-form Saints are looking to reach their first Investec Champions Cup final since 2011.
This semi-final is a repeat of last season’s dramatic encounter, where Northampton clawed back a second-half deficit to come within three points of Leinster. A crucial late turnover by Jack Conan sealed the 20-17 win for the Irish side, in what was a heart-stopping finish at Croke Park.
With the Aviva expected to be near capacity and fans from both nations descending on Dublin, this semi-final is again shaping up to be one of the matches of the season. £30 tickets are now available,and fans are encouraged to secure the last ones before the stadium sells out.
Matthieu Jalibert (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) during the quarter-final against Munster Rugby
Union Bordeaux-Bègles v Stade Toulousain
Sunday, May 4 – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (16.00)
France Télévisions / beIN SPORTS / Premier Sports / SuperSport/ FloRugby
CLICK HERE for Union Bordeaux-Bègles v Stade Toulousain preview statistics.
Rugby fans are in for a thrilling all-French showdown as Union Bordeaux-Bègles take on Stade Toulousain at Matmut ATLANTIQUE in the heart of Bordeaux.
This clash between the TOP 14 heavyweights, who currently occupy the top two spots in their league, promises to be fiercely competitive. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, unbeaten this season and boasting the highest points tally in the tournament, are riding a wave of momentum. Led by Head Coach Yannick Bru, their line-up features Investec Player of the Year nominees Maxime Lucu and Damian Penaud—the latter setting a record for most tries in a single season at 12. They are now just 80 minutes away from a historic first-ever Investec Champions Cup Final appearance.
Standing in their way are tournament giants Stade Toulousain. Under the guidance of Director of Rugby Ugo Mola, Toulouse arrives with an all-star squad that includes top points scorer Thomas Ramos and powerhouse Jack Willis, both also up for Investec Player of the Year honours. Like their opponents, Stade Toulousain are unbeaten this season and bring a wealth of knockout experience as they chase a record seventh Investec Champions Cup title in Cardiff.
The two sides last met in the competition in the 2021 semi-finals, with Stade Toulousain winning that encounter 21-9.
With both sides featuring a blend of homegrown talent and international stars, the stadium is already sold out with fans from across France and beyond gathering for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of European rugby.
KEO News Wire
Ellis Park is a Springboks audition for Julius and Van Wyk
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.
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
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
International Rugby
Round 3 of Six Nations: Everything you need to know
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
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
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.
International Rugby
Who’s running the hottest in the Six Nations
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.
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
International Rugby
France on fire as rugby’s media react to Six Nations
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
-
2026 Six Nations fixtures:
https://www.keo.co.za/2026-six-nations-fixtures-confirmed-france-to-open-blockbuster-campaign-on-a-thursday/ -
France v Ireland analysis:
https://www.keo.co.za/how-transformed-france-tortured-inept-ireland-in-paris/ -
Previous British media reaction piece:
https://www.keo.co.za/england-hammer-wales-as-british-media-deliver-brutal-six-nations-verdict/
International Rugby
Super Rugby Pacific: South African rugby is bigger without you
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.
International Rugby
England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict
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
International Rugby
How transformed France tortured inept Ireland in Paris
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.
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.
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
International Rugby
Fiery French applauded as alarm bells ring for Ireland
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.
International Rugby
Dupont gives France flex as Ireland face Paris power test
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.
KEO News Wire
JP Pietersen & his street-smart Sharks school stuttering Stormers
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
KEO News Wire
Ackerman’s rampant Bulls go on the charge against Lions
These are Johann Ackerman’s Bulls. Strong, physical, brave, enthusiastic, desperate and rugby intelligent. The Bulls who demolished the Lions 52-17 at Ellis Park in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship are the Bulls that have taken 14 matches in all competitions to confirm their 2025/26 season’s arrival.
The Bulls were so different, in every positive way, to the team playing a month ago.
They lost seven in a row in all competitions and were conceding on average 40 points a match and four-tries before half-time.
At Ellis Park, they kept the Lions scoreless for 40 minutes, conceded a try in the 45th minute and then coughed up one after the final whistle. In between they scored eight tries and dominated every facet.
They were very good in winning their third successive match on the road, in three different countries, after the horror run of seven defeats on the trot.
Ackerman once coached the Lions. They made two successive Super Rugby finals, hosting the Crusaders in the first one. He turned the Lions from a circus act into a national geographic documentary on why Lions should be respected.
It has taken two months longer than most thought, but now he is righting the wrongs of a Bulls team whose performances were a betrayal to the club’s history.
On Saturday, in the toughest of environments, a South African northern derby, the Bulls sent a message to every team in the league and to Glasgow, who they play in Glasgow in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 in April, that something has changed.
The bully boys in blue are back. Gone are the try-conceding fans of a freebie.
This is what Johan Ackermann has changed, as reflected in the post match reporting in South Africa.
1) The set-piece stopped being “a phase” and became a weapon
The Bulls earned the right to play, and it was not the Instagram version. This was real: scrum, lineout, maul threat, and then the carry pattern that forces defenders to make choices they don’t want to make. The tries were from repeat pressure and the Lions folding.
2) Discipline = possession that actually means something
“70% possession” is a dead stat if you hand it back with penalties, cheap turnovers and panic decisions. The Bulls didn’t. They played in the right areas early, squeezed the Lions, and were already out of sight at 26-3 at half-time. That’s control.
3) Defensive desire: no freebies and no soft shoulders
This was a Bulls attitude day more than a carnival all out attack day. This was 50 points scored because the pillars were bricks and not a hope for dodging quick sand areas at Ellis Park. The Bulls’ defensive work-rate and collision presence killed any Lions second half comeback prospects.
4) Carry, carry, carry… then strikes
This is the most important part: the Bulls’ attack looked better because the forwards made it simpler for everyone else. Hard carries, post-contact wins, and forward pods doing honest work so the backs don’t have to manufacture miracles from standing starts 20 metres beyond the gain line. This had Ackerman’s paw prints all over it.
5) Handre Pollard ran the game like a double World Cup winner
Pollard has been more accurate in games, but he played with presence and authority. With a functioning pack, led by a back three of Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw and Jeandre Rudolph, Pollard played with the comfort of front foot ball and, outside of him, inside centre Harold Vorster looked like a teenager in his impact and enthusiasm.
WATCH: Keo and Zels on the Lions v Bulls
Scorers
Lions 17
-
Tries: Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills
-
Conversions: Chris Smith (2)
-
Penalty: Chris Smith
Bulls 52
-
Tries: Harold Vorster (2), Johan Grobbelaar, Handré Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Embrose Papier, Mpilo Gumede, Keagan Johannes
-
Conversions: Pollard (5), Johannes
International Rugby
URC ROUND 11 – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Sharks host the Stormers in one of two South African URC derbies to end the first half of the league season. The Lions are at home to the Bulls in the northern derby. Here’s everything you need to know for the weekend’s Round 11 showdowns.
The South African teams have all chosen the best available squads in the last Saturday of the month and the last Saturday of URC action until the league resumes in the last weekend of February.
The Six Nations takes priority in February, with the first three rounds played before the URC starts up again for the last eight league matches and the play-offs.
The Stormers, beaten for the first time in the league last Saturday, get the chance of redemption in Durban. It was the Sharks who beat them in Cape Town. The same is true of the Lions and Bulls derby. The Lions earlier in the league, won at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Several of the Northern Hemisphere clubs are severely understrength for Round 11, as the leading current internationals have been in camp with their respective national teams preparing for next weekend’s Six Nations opening round.
It makes for a punter’s nightmare in these matches because the form guide is not a measurement with so many frontline players missing.
WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON SHARKS, STORMERS, LIONS & BULLS
AFRICA PICKS RUGBY: Keo calls the South African derbies
|
#BENvSCA
#GLAvMUN
#LIOvBUL
#SHAvSTO
#ZEBvCON
#LEIvEDI
#OSPvDRA
#ULSvCAR
|
|
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Benetton v Scarlets Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 113th league game) AR 1: Clara Munarini (FIR) AR 2: Bisetto Luca (FIR) TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU) Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Paolo Odogwu, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Nicolas Roger Farias, Andy Uren (CAPT), Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Marcos Gallorini, Giulio Marini, Eli Snyman, Alessandro Izekor, Jadin Kingi, So’otala Fa’aso’o Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Destiny Aminu, Tiziano Pasquali, Scott Scrafton, Nelson Casartelli, Alessandro Garbisi, Matt Gallagher, Filippo Drago
Scarlets: Jac Davies, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams (CAPT), Tomi Lewis; Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Archer Holz, Jac Price, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Jarrod Taylor, Fletcher Anderson Replacements: Harry Thomas, Josh Morse, Henry Thomas, Jake Ball, Dan Davis, Dane Blacker, Billy McBryde, Iori Badham Benetton Head Coach Calum MacRae said: “Scarlets are one of the Vodacom URC teams that uses the kicking game the most and builds their opportunities through territorial control. The aerial game is an area we definitely need to improve”
Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “We have looked at these Vodacom URC games, Ulster and Benetton, as a two-game series and it’s important we back up last weekend’s win – we’ve done the first bit, now our focus is on another massive game. “Benetton have recruited well, are coached well and play a good brand of rugby. Like us, they have players missing but will still be very strong. We have selected a side with a lot of talented young players who I am excited to see step up to the challenge on Friday night.” Glasgow Warriors v Munster Rugby Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 72nd league game) AR 1: Ian Kenny (SRU) AR 2: David Sutherland (SRU) TMO: Adam Jones (WRU) Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (CAPT), Kerr Yule, Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster, Ben Afshar, Jamie Bhatti, Seb Stephen, Murphy Walker, Alex Craig, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Angus Fraser, Ally Miller Replacements: Grant Stewart, Nathan McBeth, Sam Talakai, Dylan Cockburn, Sione Vailanu, Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Oliver, Matthew Urwin
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley, Thaakir Abrahams, Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron (CAPT), Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley, Seán Edogbo, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson Replacements: Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, John Ryan, Gavin Coombes, Jack O’Donoghue, Paddy Patterson, Tom Wood, Seán O’Brien Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: “We are looking forward to seeing our full squad involved this weekend, with everyone eager to finish this block in the right manner.”
“Munster are a proud club with a strong heritage of challenging across all competitions – they will be pushing for the top four once again this season and will bring a strong, physical challenge tomorrow night. “Everyone is looking forward to the test that lies ahead, and running out in front of what’s set to be another sold out Scotstoun.”
|
| SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
Lions v Vodacom Bulls Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA / 14.30 SA Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 20th league game) AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU) TMO: Egon Seconds (SARU) Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Lions: Quan Horn, Angelo Davids, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Richard Kriel, Chris Smith, Morne van den Berg, SJ Kotze, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Reinhard Nothnagel, Jarod Cairns, Batho Hlekani, Francke Horn (CAPT) Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Erich Cronje Vodacom Bulls: Devon Williams, Stravino Jacobs, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Elrich Louw, Jeandre Rudolph Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, David Kriel Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann said: “The DNA of the Lions of being a running team is still there, so I expect them to play a fast game at Ellis Park because it was always one of our go-to strategies when I coached there. I think it will be an entertaining game.” ANDRE THE GIANT SLAUGHTERS STORMERS IN CAPE TOWN Hollywoodbets Sharks v DHL Stormers Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 7th league game) AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU) TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU) Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen (CAPT), Jaco Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi Replacements: Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius DHL Stormers: Damian Willemse, Dylan Maart, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (CAPT), Cobus Reinach, Oli Kebble, André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, Adré Smith, Ruben van Heerden, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos Replacements: JJ Kotzé, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, JD Schickerling, Marcel Theunissen, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee, Warrick Gelant Zebre Parma v Connacht Rugby Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 113th league game) AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Lorenzo Pedezzi (FIR) TMO: Keith David (WRU) Live on: Sky Italia, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Zebre Parma: Giovanni Montemauri, Mirko Belloni, Giulio Bertaccini, Marco Zanon, Simone Gesi, Martin Roger Farias, Gonzalo Garcia, Paolo Buonfiglio, Giampietro Ribaldi, Enrique Pieretto, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov (CAPT), Giacomo Ferrari, Iacopo Bianchi, Davide Ruggeri Replacements: Shilo Klein, Luca Franceschetto, Juan Pitinari, Franco Carrera, Alessandro Ortombina, Thomas Dominguez, Enrico Lucchin, Bautista Stavile Connacht Rugby: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Jordan Duggan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle (CAPT), Sean O’Brien, Sean Jansen Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Niall Murray, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton, Oisín McCormack Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We were all gutted not to win last week on such a special night for the club, but we’ve had to quickly move on. The same amount of points are on offer this weekend and we know a win will keep us in the hunt for a playoff spot. We’re obviously missing the lads away on Ireland duty but overall, we’ve been able to keep selection relatively consistent these last few weeks, particularly in the backs. It’s been a long stretch of games, but we’ll do everything we can to finish it on a high and hopefully head into the next block of games with a spring in our step.”
Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby Aviva Stadium, Dublin – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 59th league game) AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Shane Gaughan (IRFU) TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR) Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Leinster Rugby: Andrew Osborne, Joshua Kenny, Rieko Ioane, Ciarán Mangan, Ruben Moloney, Charlie Tector, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Jerry Cahir, John Mckee, Andrew Sparrow, RG Snyman, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Diarmuid Mangan Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Niall Smyth, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Josh Ericson, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Hugo McLaughlin
Edinburgh Rugby: Harry Paterson, Malelili Satala, Wes Goosen, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott; Boan Venter, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Paul Hill, Callum Hunter-Hill, Glen Young, Ben Muncaster, Freddy Douglas, Magnus Bradbury (CAPT) Replacements: Harri Morris, Mikey Jones, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Tom Dodd, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Cammy Scott, Piers O’Conor Leinster Rugby Assistant Coach Robin McBryde said: “Edinburgh are a pretty cohesive bunch. I think they’ll be hurting after their result last weekend. They’ll be keen to finish this block on a high as well. It’s always good to finish on a victory before any sort of break because the result sits with you. So it’ll be tough enough. We’ve just got to improve on certain aspects of the game from last Saturday and really knuckle down.” Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Going away to Leinster is one of the toughest tests in the Vodacom URC, but it’s a challenge we’re ready to embrace – we’re going over there to have a real crack at it. “Magnus [Bradbury] resumes the captaincy and his experience in these big away fixtures is invaluable for the group. “We know exactly what we are capable of when we put it all together. The key for us this week is a complete 80-minute performance to get the result we want.” Ospreys v Dragons RFC Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Ben Connor (WRU, 7th league game) AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU) TMO: Jenny Davies (WRU) Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins, Dan Kasende, Phil Cokanasiga, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Jack Walsh (C.CAPT), Reuben Morgan-Williams, Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry (C.CAPT), Tom Botha, James Fender, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morse Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Steffan Thomas, Rhys Henry, Marco de Witt, Gwilym Evans, Cormac Foley, Max Nagy, Harri Houston Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CAPT), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Che Hope, Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie Replacements: Oli Burrows, Jordan Morris, Cebo Dlamini, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Fetuli Paea, Cai Evans Dragons RFC Coach Dale MacLeod said: “Ospreys will be tough. They are a team with a big forward pack, they general start well and are tough to beat at home. “It’s exciting that all four Welsh teams are starting to put some performances together, through all the emotion going on. “They’ll be two good teams playing, I don’t think there will be much in it, and it will be about who holds their head, stays in the game, and owns the little moments. “We’re looking forward to it, they will be too, so it’s going to be a massive challenge.” Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Rugby Affidea Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 26th league game) AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU) TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU) Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Ulster Rugby: Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, James Hume, Ben Carson, Zac Ward, Jack Murphy, Conor McKee, Angus Bell, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Charlie Irvine, Matthew Dalton, Marcus Rea, David McCann Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Bryan O’Connor Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, David Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Ioan Lloyd, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen, Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally (CAPT), George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Lucas de la Rua, Aled Davies, Elijah Evans, Leigh Halfpenny Cardiff Rugby Coach Corniel van Zyl said: “There’s a real excitement about going up to Belfast and putting in a good performance. That’s been the big aim for the week. “Like every club at this stage of the season, we’re in the same boat. We are missing players to the international game, and it tests our squad. But it is an opportunity and that’s how we’re treating it. “What we’ve seen from Ulster is a team that’s very good at keeping the ball in hand and moving the point of contact. We’ll have to be very good defensively to stay in front of them and keep them out. “They’re very potent in the 22. They’re probably one of the top teams for points scored per entry, so we’ll have to be smart around that.” |
KEO News Wire
Andre the Giant leads Sharks to slaughter of Stormers
Andre the Giant brought his own storm to Cape Town on the most perfect of January summer evenings. The Stormers mantra is to make Cape Town smile but all they did was make Cape Town cry as Esterhuizen owned the hosts in a complete performance.
Esterhuizen, at inside centre, scored the try-scoring bonus point which finished off the home team in the 72nd minute.
The Sharks beat the Stormers 30–19 at a sold-out DHL Stadium and there was nothing accidental about it. From the first kick-off they were ahead on the scoreboard, ahead in intent and ahead in appetite. They scored inside four minutes and they were never behind.
This was a win built on desire, discipline and leadership and Esterhuizen, the captain at inside centre, embodied all three.
The Stormers imploded from he kick-off when they dropped the ball and within two minutes they’d made three errors, conceded a penalty and within five minutes they trailed by seven points.
It never got better as they shunned any hint of a team effort and individuals chased a glory moment to transform a match they had served to the Sharks on a silver platter.
The Sharks didn’t overplay. They didn’t chase magic. They trusted their systems and trusted each other. Their early try came from pressure and accuracy and not invention. Lineout five metres from the Stormers try line. Five points.
The Stormers had five such opportunities in the 81 minutes, lost three to contesting and two to skew throws.
It was a shocker from the hosts.
Not so Esterhuizen. He was immense. He did not dabble with speculation or theatrics. He was just relentless.
He was strong over the gain line, brutal in the tackle, smart with ball in hand, calm with ball at foot and lethal when striking.
He led and the rest of his players followed.
There was a moment that defined him and the match. Leolin Zas broke clear on the counter. The crowd rose. The Stormers needed something. Esterhuizen hunted him down from inside centre and smashed him into touch. No celebration. Back to work. That was the difference between the teams. The visitors were desperate and the hosts were dazed.
The Sharks won the breakdown battle and they defended with numbers and purpose. They kicked with intent. They didn’t gift territory. When the Stormers made mistakes, the Sharks punished them.
At halftime it was 17–12, and that felt generous to the home side.
The Stormers were frantic. They chased the game instead of managing it. Five line-outs lost in attacking positions. Two yellow cards. Passes forced that didn’t need to be thrown. Kicks played because panic demanded it, not because space existed.
The Sharks stayed composed. They trusted their leaders.
When Ox Nche came on, the tone hardened at the set piece. He dominated his side of the scrum and added another layer of control. The Sharks played like a side that knew exactly what was required and exactly how to deliver it.
The bonus-point try in the final quarter made it 30–12 and ended the contest. The late Stormers score changed nothing.
This wasn’t about league positions. It wasn’t about form tables. It was about attitude. One team arrived ready to fight for every inch. The other looked surprised that a fight had started.
Stormers:
Tries: Willemse 2, Penalty Try
Con: Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Sharks:
Tries: Jenkins, Williams, Buthelezi, Esterhuizen
Cons: Jordan Hendrikse 2
Pens: Jordan Hendrikse 2
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
KEO News Wire
Johan Grobbelaar pure gold in precious Bulls URC win
Johan Grobbelaar was pure gold in a precious Bulls URC win. Lions captain Francke Horn was on fire in the 24-all draw against Ospreys.
The Bulls did not win pretty in Edinburgh, but they won properly, with defensive grunt again the take away from a desperate finish. The Lions, having drawn 20-all against Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup a week ago, drew again in Bridgend, Wales.
Handre Pollard’s second conversion proved the decisive scoreline differential for the Bulls and the biggest positive is that Pollard, back at the Bulls from Leicester’s Tigers, started and completed both Bulls matches in against Pau and Edinburgh respectively.
The Bulls are now two from two in all competitions, having snapped a seven-match losing streak. They also ended a four match losing sequence in the URC.
Friday night matches in the United Rugby Championship in the north in late January is not about shape and style but about never, accuracy, honesty in defence, desire to make a tackle and intelligence in worshipping the advantage of field position.
The rain is a leveller and the cold adds to so many of these match-ups being decided by one score.
The Bulls win was a team effort, but hooker Johan Grobberlaar was the stand out in this collective.
Grobberlaar maximised his playing opportunities against Italy and Wales on the Boks northern tour last November, and he is the one Springbok in the Bulls set-up who has played with the authority of a Test player.
Grobbelaar played the full 80 minutes. At hooker. In Edinburgh. And was deservedly named Player of the Match. His numbers tell the story: 43 attacking metres, 15 carries, 13 tackles.
Grobbelaar scored the Bulls’ first try, but his real value was in work rate and accuracy. He carried into traffic. He made his tackles. He hit his throws. There was no fuss.
The Bulls trailed at half-time and never looked comfortable, but they never panicked. They stayed direct, backed their pack and trusted that Edinburgh would blink first. That moment came after the break when the Bulls’ substitutes started making the right kind of noise.
The Bulls Springboks flanker Marco van Staden’s impact was immediate and decisive.
He brought urgency, physicality and intent. His try shifted momentum and his work around the ruck lifted the Bulls when the game was still in the balance. Van Staden doesn’t need long minutes to influence matches. He needs moments, and he made them count.
WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON THE BULLS & LIONS
This win matters for the Bulls.
The URC table is unforgiving and away wins are gold. The Bulls needed one.
The Lions didn’t get a win, but they didn’t lose either – and they took three league points from Bridgend.
A draw away to Ospreys keeps the Lions in the fight and showed again that this group competes, even when the margins are thin. They were good in patches, vulnerable in others, but never folded.
Captain Francke Horn led from the front. He scored early, worked tirelessly and set the tone defensively. On a wet night when control was hard to come by, Horn provided it through effort and presence.
The Lions remain vulnerable in their inability to close matches they should be winning, but they have shown character and desire to stay in the fight until the final whistle. They scrap for everything, and that is something that can’t be coached.
SA Rugby Mag match reviews on Bulls and Lions
All the latest from the URC’s ROUND 10
Bulls 19 Edinburg 17
Ospreys 24 Lions 24
KEO News Wire
Why the Stormers will beat the Sharks in Cape Town
The Stormers will beat the Sharks because they are clearer in what they want to do, more accurate in how they do it, and far more reliable at home than the Sharks are on the road.
The DHL Stadium will be a sell-out, with 54 000 in attendance.
The Stormers, unbeaten in eight URC matches this season, will give the home support a ninth league win.
This United Rugby Championship derby won’t be decided by Springbok reputations or squad depth. It will be decided by decision-making, defensive pressure and who controls the last 20 minutes. In all three areas, the Stormers have the edge.
The Stormers’ game is built on tempo and continuity. At the DHL Stadium they play flatter, faster and with more intent than most teams in the URC. They don’t chase collisions for the sake of it. They move defenders, stretch big bodies and force repeat defensive efforts.
That matters against the Sharks.
The Sharks are at their best when games are slow, structured and physical. Give them front-foot ball and time at the breakdown and they can overwhelm sides. Take that away, rush their decision-makers and make them defend laterally, and their power game loses impact.
The Stormers’ defensive system at home is aggressive and organised. Line speed is consistent, tackles are completed, and breakdown contests are selective rather than reckless. It’s a system designed to deny momentum, not win highlight turnovers.
Against the Sharks, denying momentum is everything.
The Stormers also manage pressure better late in games. They don’t panic when the scoreboard is tight. They stay in the contest, trust territory and back their conditioning. The Sharks, by contrast, have too often drifted in tight finishes, trying to force moments rather than build them.
If the Stormers control field position and stay disciplined, the Sharks will be forced to chase the game – and that is when they will be in trouble.
KEO News Wire
Where SA rates in the Investec Champions Cup stats
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Sebastian de Klerk feature in the top five of individual categories, but most facets of the Investec Champions Cup four-round Pool phase are dominated by defending champions Bordeaux and high-flying Glasgow Warriors.
Surprisingly, Stormers loose-forward Paul de Villiers, who won two Investec Champions Cup Player of the Match awards in three matches, did not make the final 10.
Clinton Swart, on loan to the Stormers from South Africa’s Pumas, kicked four penalties agains Bayonne, which was the only full match he played. It was also the only match in which he kicked, yet his four penalties ranked in the top five of penalties kicked across all teams.
This illustrates the premium put on scoring tries, with Bordeaux’s 27 tries the best in the competition.
HOW THE STORMERS CAN HOST AN INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP QUARTER-FINAL
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s eight line breaks in two matches is the fifth most, while De Klerk’s 279 attack metres is ranked fourth.
South African-born Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn is in the top three for defenders beaten and South Africa’s Ernst van Rhyn made the most tackles with 66.
Bordeaux and Glasgow were the only two teams in 24 who completed their Pool campaign unbeaten. The Stormers were South Africa’s best with three wins in four matches, including an away win in France against Bayonne.
The Stormers, as a collective, rank in the top five for clean breaks and turnovers won.
The Bulls scrum success rate of 97 % was joint fourth.
INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP – ALL THE LATEST NEWS
Top performers (pool stage)
Points: Thomas Ramos (Toulouse) – 53
Carries: Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) – 58
Metres: Caden Murley (Harlequins) – 344
Defenders beaten: Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets) – 25
Offloads: Tom Farrell (Munster) – 10
Tackles: Ernst van Rhyn (Sale Sharks) – 66
ALSO: Champions Cup Team of the Week (Round 4)
Key stats (pool stage)
– Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux Bègles) finished the pool stage as the competition’s leading try scorer with six.
– Freddie Douglas (Edinburgh) topped the turnovers chart, winning a total of 12 at the breakdown.
– Clinton Swart (Stormers) featured among the top five penalty kickers, slotting four penalties in the two matches he played
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
-
International Rugby5 days agoFrance on fire as rugby’s media react to Six Nations
-
International Rugby2 days agoWho’s running the hottest in the Six Nations
-
International Rugby15 hours agoRound 3 of Six Nations: Everything you need to know
-
KEO News Wire13 hours agoEllis Park is a Springboks audition for Julius and Van Wyk
💥 Dating for sex. Let's Go >>> yandex.com/poll/LZW8GPQdJg3xe5C7gt95bD?hs=3343d1c38aa4bf5c979cf4b37916e9d6& ticket № 8856 💥
5th December 2025 at 10:28 pm
fzyin4
Garth Onorata
16th December 2025 at 9:09 am
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot 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 bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
fdertolmrtokev
19th December 2025 at 7:21 am
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again!
home stereo installs in austin
29th December 2025 at 6:00 pm
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
ayuda PFG arquitectura
30th December 2025 at 6:51 pm
Real clear web site, thanks for this post.
alquiler de habitaciones pamplona
31st December 2025 at 1:21 am
Hi there very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I am happy to search out a lot of useful information right here in the post, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing.
🧎♀️ Sex Dating. Go → yandex.com/poll/43o224okZdReGRb1Q8PXXJ?hs=3343d1c38aa4bf5c979cf4b37916e9d6& Incident # DXXU6476834 🧎♀️
3rd January 2026 at 10:29 pm
1krcct
Groupesogesti Cam2cam
11th January 2026 at 11:41 am
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!
live nfl streaming
12th January 2026 at 7:35 pm
Great post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I deal with such information a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
manutenção corretiva ar condicionado
14th January 2026 at 1:35 pm
I got what you intend,saved to bookmarks, very nice internet site.
kedai bateri kereta near me
14th January 2026 at 6:09 pm
Thanks, I have just been searching for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive in regards to the supply?
solar power water heater Malaysia
15th January 2026 at 2:58 am
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
new online slot games
15th January 2026 at 9:12 am
I’ve read several excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you place to create this sort of wonderful informative site.
harga emas hari ini
15th January 2026 at 11:22 am
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this website is real user genial! .
airport transfer klia
15th January 2026 at 2:08 pm
Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
mercedes workshop Malaysia
15th January 2026 at 6:24 pm
Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 9:59 am
You could definitely see your expertise within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 12:30 pm
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great site.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 5:00 pm
With the whole thing which seems to be developing throughout this particular area, a significant percentage of points of view are somewhat refreshing. However, I am sorry, because I do not subscribe to your entire suggestion, all be it exhilarating none the less. It looks to me that your commentary are not totally rationalized and in reality you are yourself not completely certain of the argument. In any event I did appreciate examining it.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 7:51 pm
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
backdrop banner
17th January 2026 at 3:47 am
I am always browsing online for articles that can help me. Thanks!
miototo
17th January 2026 at 8:59 am
I like this web blog so much, saved to my bookmarks. “To hold a pen is to be at war.” by Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire.
neurodyne
18th January 2026 at 12:27 am
I simply wanted to say thanks once more. I do not know what I would’ve followed without the entire points shown by you relating to my industry. It had been a intimidating situation in my opinion, however , spending time with the expert style you dealt with it made me to jump for joy. Now i’m happy for your service and even expect you know what an amazing job you have been carrying out instructing men and women thru a web site. I am certain you have never come across any of us.
herpafend
18th January 2026 at 5:15 am
Well I really liked reading it. This tip provided by you is very constructive for correct planning.
kerassentials review
18th January 2026 at 7:58 am
I was just searching for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
neurosharp review
18th January 2026 at 12:04 pm
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really irritating. A good website with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 1:01 pm
I must show thanks to this writer just for bailing me out of this type of circumstance. Right after looking out throughout the internet and obtaining concepts which are not powerful, I believed my entire life was done. Existing devoid of the approaches to the problems you’ve resolved through your good website is a critical case, and those that would have in a wrong way affected my entire career if I had not come across your site. Your skills and kindness in taking care of all the details was useful. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a point like this. I am able to at this time relish my future. Thank you very much for the reliable and sensible help. I will not hesitate to suggest the blog to anybody who wants and needs guidance about this subject.
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 3:00 pm
Thank you for every other informative website. The place else could I am getting that type of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a project that I am simply now working on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.
pink salt trick
18th January 2026 at 4:46 pm
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 5:14 pm
Whats Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its aided me. Great job.
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 7:37 pm
Howdy very nice site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?KI’m glad to seek out so many helpful info here within the publish, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
pcxwin
18th January 2026 at 9:18 pm
I beloved as much as you’ll receive carried out proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you want be handing over the following. in poor health unquestionably come more in the past again since precisely the similar nearly a lot continuously within case you defend this hike.
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 9:25 pm
hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
gelatin trick
19th January 2026 at 1:20 am
Really clear internet site, appreciate it for this post.
gelatin trick for weight loss
19th January 2026 at 5:59 am
I conceive this website has some very wonderful information for everyone : D.
kilat333
19th January 2026 at 1:02 pm
I?¦ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much indubitably will make certain to don?¦t fail to remember this site and give it a look on a continuing basis.
lgopro99
19th January 2026 at 7:35 pm
Some really interesting info , well written and broadly user friendly.
Software de CRO
20th January 2026 at 7:01 am
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
top up royal dream
20th January 2026 at 10:36 am
I very glad to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D also saved to favorites.
royal138
20th January 2026 at 2:32 pm
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
royal138
20th January 2026 at 7:10 pm
There are some fascinating cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There’s some validity but I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
zaborna torilon
21st January 2026 at 12:07 am
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
citrus burn
21st January 2026 at 10:44 am
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂
citrus burn review
21st January 2026 at 3:52 pm
You are my inhalation, I own few web logs and very sporadically run out from to post .
simple vision protocol
22nd January 2026 at 11:54 am
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up.
best electric shaver for men
22nd January 2026 at 11:57 am
I see something genuinely special in this web site.
simple vision protocol
22nd January 2026 at 1:10 pm
I envy your piece of work, thanks for all the useful articles.
air duct cleaning troy mi
22nd January 2026 at 8:00 pm
Hello.This article was extremely fascinating, especially since I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last Wednesday.
fizzclean review
22nd January 2026 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
flixy tv
23rd January 2026 at 7:00 am
Awsome info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂
flixy tv stick review
23rd January 2026 at 9:46 am
obviously like your web site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I will definitely come again again.
nuroclean
23rd January 2026 at 4:29 pm
Perfect work you have done, this web site is really cool with excellent info .
sistema completo floricultura
23rd January 2026 at 9:10 pm
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
lk21
24th January 2026 at 12:58 am
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i am satisfied to show that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot undoubtedly will make sure to don’t overlook this site and give it a glance on a relentless basis.
Ourives em Copacabana
24th January 2026 at 10:55 am
Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is really frustrating. A good site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
wuffy review
24th January 2026 at 12:34 pm
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
wuffy robot puppy
24th January 2026 at 4:49 pm
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!
kilat333
24th January 2026 at 8:58 pm
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. However think of if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the very best in its field. Good blog!
teste iptv gratis
25th January 2026 at 4:01 pm
Thanks for this wonderful post, I am glad I observed this internet site on yahoo.
the brain song review
25th January 2026 at 4:02 pm
Very clean web site, appreciate it for this post.
kilat333
25th January 2026 at 6:08 pm
I was more than happy to seek out this web-site.I wished to thanks on your time for this excellent learn!! I positively having fun with each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
IP Test Chambers
25th January 2026 at 9:47 pm
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some great points, I besides believe this s a very superb website.
men balance pro
26th January 2026 at 12:29 am
Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written and come with approximately all important infos. I’d like to peer extra posts like this.
internal communication platform
26th January 2026 at 1:11 am
F*ckin’ awesome issues here. I’m very happy to peer your article. Thanks a lot and i’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
7swin
26th January 2026 at 4:16 am
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
slim burn
26th January 2026 at 8:42 am
Yay google is my queen assisted me to find this outstanding site! .
OLXTOTO
26th January 2026 at 10:50 am
Wow, incredible blog structure! How lengthy
have you been running a blog for? you make blogging glance
easy. The whole glance of your site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
optivell
26th January 2026 at 1:21 pm
I and my pals have already been taking note of the excellent key points from your site and suddenly I got a terrible feeling I had not thanked the web blog owner for them. The men happened to be so very interested to see all of them and have unquestionably been taking pleasure in these things. Thank you for truly being considerably kind as well as for selecting this sort of incredibly good things millions of individuals are really wanting to learn about. My personal honest apologies for not saying thanks to sooner.
kilat333
26th January 2026 at 11:00 pm
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!
gelatin trick
27th January 2026 at 1:15 am
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
the brain song
27th January 2026 at 3:04 am
I keep listening to the news update talk about getting free 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?
akongcuan
27th January 2026 at 8:24 am
You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the subject matter and found most guys will agree with your website.
구글seo
27th January 2026 at 2:57 pm
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were extremely helpful very beneficial
recarga iptv
27th January 2026 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for some other wonderful post. The place else may anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect approach of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
cara jualan online di facebook bagi pemula
27th January 2026 at 11:42 pm
I reckon something truly interesting about your weblog so I saved to my bookmarks.
royal138 pengacara korporasi
28th January 2026 at 3:33 am
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful info specifically the remaining phase 🙂 I handle such information a lot. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
jewelry supplier
28th January 2026 at 1:01 pm
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find numerous useful info here within the publish, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.
Chinese green tea
28th January 2026 at 4:23 pm
Very fantastic visual appeal on this internet site, I’d value it 10 10.
kilat333
29th January 2026 at 2:23 am
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again
david hoffmeister
29th January 2026 at 11:21 am
You have brought up a very wonderful points, regards for the post.
wikiwax blog
29th January 2026 at 2:25 pm
I like this blog so much, saved to bookmarks. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.
igm247 live chat
29th January 2026 at 7:44 pm
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding pattern.
ai-powered job search platform
30th January 2026 at 12:20 am
This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 10:04 am
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
what is the gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 11:45 am
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
how to download the crew on firestick
30th January 2026 at 1:23 pm
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great posts.
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 2:02 pm
You are a very clever person!
tlover tonet
30th January 2026 at 3:46 pm
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 6:23 pm
I beloved up to you will receive performed proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you would like be turning in the following. unwell definitely come further until now once more since exactly the similar nearly very continuously inside case you defend this increase.
secaps black site oficial
30th January 2026 at 11:41 pm
I used to be very happy to find this web-site.I needed to thanks for your time for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
gelatin trick
31st January 2026 at 6:43 am
It’s onerous to search out educated people on this matter, however you sound like you already know what you’re talking about! Thanks
nustar game
31st January 2026 at 12:55 pm
The NuStar Online App offers a mobile-optimized way to access platform features. Designed for smartphones and tablets, the app focuses on responsive controls, optimized layouts, and smooth performance for users who prefer mobile access.
ghdrol
31st January 2026 at 3:55 pm
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
penetration testing and ethical hackers
1st February 2026 at 1:25 pm
Excellent website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!
ethical hacking and data security
1st February 2026 at 5:51 pm
I really prize your work, Great post.
ethical hacking best practices
2nd February 2026 at 2:18 am
Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is really frustrating. A good website with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 5:30 am
I have recently started a web site, the info you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
casino card games
2nd February 2026 at 7:06 am
I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
pcxwin login
2nd February 2026 at 8:28 am
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all important infos. I’d like to peer extra posts like this .
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 9:14 am
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Personalised NETS FlashPay printing
2nd February 2026 at 11:26 am
Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy 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 something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
penetration testing and ethical hackers
2nd February 2026 at 11:35 am
Hello! I simply would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the good info you may have here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your blog for extra soon.
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 3:02 pm
I think this website holds some real great information for everyone. “There is nothing so disagreeable, that a patient mind cannot find some solace for it.” by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
ethical hacking vulnerabilities
2nd February 2026 at 6:04 pm
Thankyou for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting info .
wireless calling system
3rd February 2026 at 10:02 pm
wonderful post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
power adapter manufacturer
4th February 2026 at 12:52 am
Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
water flow meter
4th February 2026 at 4:15 am
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
david hoffmeister
4th February 2026 at 8:55 am
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I may just I wish to suggest you some interesting issues or advice. Maybe you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to read even more things approximately it!
pcxwin
4th February 2026 at 9:26 am
I¦ve recently started a site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
flixy tv stick
4th February 2026 at 10:55 am
I?¦ve recently started a site, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
probiotic foods
4th February 2026 at 4:07 pm
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.
vigor long review
4th February 2026 at 10:41 pm
I¦ve learn several excellent stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to create such a great informative site.
vigorlon
5th February 2026 at 4:41 am
I reckon something genuinely special in this website.
boostaro reviews
5th February 2026 at 3:13 pm
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!
herpafend
5th February 2026 at 11:46 pm
Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my site something like that. Can I include a fragment of your post to my blog?
พิธี แต่งงาน
6th February 2026 at 4:49 am
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
เสริมจมูก ไร้ ซิ ลิ โคน ข้อ เสีย
6th February 2026 at 8:38 am
You got a very good website, Gladiolus I found it through yahoo.
ต้นแขนใหญ่ กรรมพันธุ์
6th February 2026 at 11:25 am
It’s onerous to search out educated folks on this matter, but you sound like you understand what you’re speaking about! Thanks
Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025
6th February 2026 at 6:33 pm
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Preparatório Assembleia Legislativa RJ 2025
6th February 2026 at 8:42 pm
I besides conceive thence, perfectly indited post! .
Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025
6th February 2026 at 10:26 pm
What i don’t realize is if truth be told how you are not actually much more neatly-liked than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore considerably relating to this topic, made me individually believe it from numerous various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated except it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs great. All the time maintain it up!
Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025
7th February 2026 at 3:19 am
As I website owner I think the articles here is very good, regards for your efforts.
Concurso MPE MT 2025
7th February 2026 at 5:33 am
Some genuinely superb information, Gladiola I discovered this. “As long as a word remains unspoken, you are it’s master once you utter it, you are it’s slave.” by Solomon Ibn Gabirol.
Preparatório Ministério Público GO 2025
7th February 2026 at 7:00 am
Keep functioning ,fantastic job!
achtformpool bestellen
7th February 2026 at 6:36 pm
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
seoul outcall
7th February 2026 at 11:02 pm
I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
smoking accessories
8th February 2026 at 1:58 am
Very interesting points you have observed, thanks for posting.
fdertolmrtokev
8th February 2026 at 10:20 pm
I love what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to my personal blogroll.
http://futbolfemeninoboliviano.com/
9th February 2026 at 6:41 am
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, thanks.
pcxwin
9th February 2026 at 5:15 pm
naturally like your website but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality however I will certainly come back again.
iptv plano
10th February 2026 at 9:13 am
I conceive this internet site contains some really wonderful info for everyone : D.
painel iptv
10th February 2026 at 12:38 pm
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up. “‘I have done my best.’ That is about all the philosophy of living one needs.” by Lin Yutang.
강남도파민
10th February 2026 at 2:51 pm
you are really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you have done a fantastic job on this topic!
bingo plus lite
10th February 2026 at 6:14 pm
Bingo Plus app download refers to installing the official app from supported platforms to access bingo games on mobile devices.
ativação ibo player
10th February 2026 at 9:57 pm
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up.
ar condicionado em guarulhos
11th February 2026 at 1:16 am
Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
AI girlfriend
11th February 2026 at 6:48 am
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…
Autoclave 127v
11th February 2026 at 12:18 pm
Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
execucao fiscal
11th February 2026 at 2:27 pm
Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.
gelatin trick recipe
11th February 2026 at 8:17 pm
Some genuinely nice and utilitarian information on this web site, also I believe the layout has got wonderful features.
rateio concurso
11th February 2026 at 8:33 pm
I have recently started a website, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
gelatin trick
11th February 2026 at 10:37 pm
I simply couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info an individual provide for your visitors? Is gonna be again frequently in order to investigate cross-check new posts
송파가라오케
11th February 2026 at 10:53 pm
I am now not positive where you are getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
gelatin trick recipe
12th February 2026 at 2:54 am
Very nice info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂
psiquiatra bh
12th February 2026 at 4:46 am
Really fantastic visual appeal on this web site, I’d rate it 10 10.
receita de virado à paulista
12th February 2026 at 8:38 am
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
강남가라오케
12th February 2026 at 10:49 am
I like forgathering useful information , this post has got me even more info! .
notícias locais do rio de janeiro
12th February 2026 at 11:51 am
You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually one thing which I think I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me. I am having a look ahead on your subsequent submit, I’ll try to get the hold of it!
casimon giriş
12th February 2026 at 3:00 pm
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks a lot!
선릉가라오케
12th February 2026 at 4:26 pm
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
gelatin trick
12th February 2026 at 6:41 pm
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with useful info to work on. You have done a formidable activity and our whole group will be grateful to you.
Aubrey Yum
12th February 2026 at 7:41 pm
There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure good points in features also.
situs slot 5000
13th February 2026 at 1:02 am
hey there and thanks on your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did alternatively experience several technical issues the use of this website, as I skilled to reload the web site a lot of instances previous to I could get it to load properly. I were puzzling over in case your web host is OK? Now not that I am complaining, however sluggish loading cases occasions will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am including this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you replace this once more very soon..
boostaro
13th February 2026 at 2:48 am
Excellent weblog right here! Also your website a lot up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate link to your host? I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
vegas108 login
13th February 2026 at 4:55 am
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was once a leisure account it. Glance complicated to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we be in contact?
atom108
13th February 2026 at 11:12 am
Some genuinely prime content on this website , saved to bookmarks.
david hoffmeister
13th February 2026 at 11:43 am
Its wonderful as your other posts : D, appreciate it for putting up. “To be at peace with ourselves we need to know ourselves.” by Caitlin Matthews.
Curso Dedicacao Delta 2025
14th February 2026 at 2:12 pm
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks!
Concurso PC ES 2025
14th February 2026 at 4:57 pm
Wow! Thank you! I continually needed to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my website?
Porno Gratis Español Hd
14th February 2026 at 6:30 pm
Wow! Thank you! I continually needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a fragment of your post to my blog?
Concurso ALE RJ 2025
14th February 2026 at 7:25 pm
I believe this site holds some really superb info for everyone. “Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.” by Francis Bacon.
Preparatório Educação SC 2025
15th February 2026 at 7:21 am
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
jaya bet slot
15th February 2026 at 10:58 am
This really answered my problem, thank you!
xciptv
16th February 2026 at 7:16 am
I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i?¦m glad to convey that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much indubitably will make certain to do not put out of your mind this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.
iptv grátis
16th February 2026 at 8:40 am
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I’m very satisfied to look your post. Thank you so much and i am looking ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
mantap555
17th February 2026 at 4:14 am
Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact was once a enjoyment account it. Glance complicated to far introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
trusted real estate agents in nairobi
17th February 2026 at 10:12 am
Together with every little thing which seems to be building within this particular subject matter, all your opinions tend to be relatively radical. Even so, I appologize, because I do not give credence to your entire suggestion, all be it stimulating none the less. It seems to everyone that your comments are generally not completely rationalized and in reality you are your self not totally confident of the assertion. In any event I did take pleasure in examining it.
consultoria tributaria empresarial
18th February 2026 at 10:44 pm
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.
gelatin trick
19th February 2026 at 10:54 am
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, thanks.
tlover tonet
19th February 2026 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for this post, I am a big big fan of this website would like to proceed updated.
mantap555 login
20th February 2026 at 4:44 am
Precisely what I was searching for, thankyou for putting up.
pink gelatin trick
20th February 2026 at 10:03 am
I real thankful to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D likewise saved to fav.
gelatin trick
20th February 2026 at 12:14 pm
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you
gelatin trick recipe
20th February 2026 at 3:46 pm
An attention-grabbing discussion is value comment. I believe that you need to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however usually people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
gelatin trick
20th February 2026 at 4:55 pm
You could certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart. “There are only two industries that refer to their customers as users.” by Edward Tufte.
gelatin trick recipe
20th February 2026 at 5:52 pm
A lot of thanks for every one of your hard work on this web page. My niece enjoys making time for investigations and it’s really obvious why. All of us notice all about the compelling medium you provide priceless tips and hints through the web site and attract participation from the others on this content and our child has always been starting to learn a great deal. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. You have been conducting a splendid job.
new gelatin trick
21st February 2026 at 12:35 am
My spouse and i felt joyous Albert could do his preliminary research from the precious recommendations he had using your blog. It is now and again perplexing to simply find yourself offering thoughts that many people have been selling. We really take into account we’ve got you to be grateful to for that. The specific explanations you made, the simple site navigation, the relationships you can help engender – it’s got everything spectacular, and it’s really leading our son and the family understand this theme is interesting, and that’s truly indispensable. Thanks for the whole thing!
visit their website
21st February 2026 at 12:55 am
I am constantly thought about this, appreciate it for putting up.