Connect with us

KEO News Wire

Mighty Moerat: Why Rassie & Dobbo pick him as captain

Published

on

To quote so many of you Springboks supporters on social media, if Salmaan Moerat is so KAK to be the captain of the Springboks then the coach who made him captain must be really KAK. NOT QUITE, writes Mark Keohane.

Those of you who so liberally throw out the plaudits to the most revered man to coach the Springboks should maybe trust his judgement over yours in who he makes captain of the Springboks.

I can produce a thousand comments a day on ‘Rassie for President’.

I can produce a thousand comments on Rassie being lauded for not seeing colour, in terms of his selection, but seeing game minutes, opportunity and creating an environment for players to succeed.

I can produce a thousand comments on all of you agreeing with my article that Rassie should be appointed Springboks coach until thew 2035 World Cup final. And then we only revisit on his terms.

KEO: APPOINT RASSIE UNTIL THE 2035 RWC

‘RASSIE … RASSIE … RASSIE … HE’S IN YOUR HEAD …’

So calling his choice of Salmaan Moerat as starting No 4 lock and ‘KAK’ is in fact calling Rassie KAK.

I don’t think so.

Why would the coach who has transformed the Springboks into the most celebrated sporting team in South Africa, the most must-cultural, the back-to-back World Cup winners and No 1 in the world, feel the need to pick a player based on politics, on colour and on religion?

Where is his gain? Where is his necessity?

‘In Rassie we trust’ is the most regular response I hear to any statement about the Springboks.

So why the attack on Moerat, a Springbok captain, picked by Rassie and asked to captain the Springboks by Rassie?

Would you not trust Rassie’s judgement over yours in terms of who he makes his captain?

Would you not be embarrassed to tell Rassie that his choice of captain is KAK, which makes him a KAK selector? Just asking because no one on social media could do that because no one knows Moerat the Test player like Erasmus does. No one knows him like Stormers coach John Dobson.

Should the comments not be, could Dobbo and Rassie educate us mere rugby watching mortals, whose only exposure to the Boks is when they play 80 minutes on a Saturday, why they rate a player and why they rate him so highly to make him the Stormers and Springboks captain?

Is that not a logical question or statement of intent?

Instead, when chatting to Zels on the Keo & Zels show, and I applauded Moerat for leading the Boks to a 45-0 blank of Italy, these were some of the responses, just on YouTube. I don’t even want to share what was on the other social media channels.

Here is a sample after a Springboks 45-0 win.

‘Salmaan Moerat, more like Salamander Mud. Show the metrics and stats compared to other locks that make him the supposed better choice.

‘Moerat does nothing, FACT! he is juyst (sync) PR story and there for photo opportunities
Reply
Please give me a supporting argument for your statement
Reply
Moerat😂you guys must be smoking good stuff…he is not even a top 8 lock😱
Reply
So name me your top 8 and support your statement?
Moerat, for his size did an amazing trick of vanishing for about 60 minutes – takes skill!
Moerat is kaaaaaak!!!!!
You even took time to record that.
No Keo. Moerat was mediocre. We have much better locks in South Africa. Thought we would get some honesty about how kak he played!
Nobody knows why Keo has this love affair with Moerat.
Kak Keo. I agree on everything you said but putting the words Moerat and physical in one sentence is a joke
Moerat reminds me of the days of Qouta players.
Mark disagree with respect. Moerat is a casualty, and no leader. This continues it will be discouraging to other players. This is a passenger in the middle of 15 players . He has to make his presence and big body count.
Moerat was excellent … at being invisible

RASSIE ERASMUS ON MAKING SALMAAN MOERAT HIS SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN

NEWS 24: WHY RASSIE BACKS MOERAT AS A BOK CAPTAIN

Rassie to me on the rugby supporter’s disdain for Moerat: ‘Keo, he has it. Why would I make him captain of back to back World Cup winners if he did not have it?’

For those who make big statements but don’t quite know his history, Moerat captained the most successful Paarl Boys High team in SA Schools Rugby, captained SA Schools, SA under 18, SA under 20s, the Springboks, and in his 11 Tests played has been on the winning side nine times out of 11.

To call him KAK, as so many supposedly die-hard Springboks supporters have done on social media, is disgusting and speaks more to an embarrassing rugby ignorance than it does to Moerat’s rugby pedigree.

DON’T EVER QUESTION RASSIE ON EXCELLENCE AND TRANSFORMATION

190 Comments

190 Comments

  1. Israel Kaumans

    16th December 2025 at 10:02 am

    As a Newbie, I am continuously exploring online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you

  2. fdertol mrtokev

    20th December 2025 at 3:29 am

    Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! “Justice delayed is justice denied.” by William Gladstone.

  3. light installation austin

    29th December 2025 at 8:44 pm

    Magnificent web site. Lots of useful information here. I¦m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!

  4. hotéis na praia do rosa

    13th January 2026 at 10:50 pm

    I like this web site so much, saved to my bookmarks. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.

  5. rateio de cursos

    14th January 2026 at 2:11 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!

  6. tlover tonet

    14th January 2026 at 9:52 pm

    You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually one thing which I feel I would by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very wide for me. I’m looking forward on your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

  7. sports car rental Malaysia

    14th January 2026 at 11:17 pm

    What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

  8. gold rate chart in Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 9:22 am

    Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  9. box floral recife

    15th January 2026 at 10:11 am

    Great post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  10. best cricket betting sites in india

    15th January 2026 at 10:19 am

    Throughout the great scheme of things you’ll get a B+ for effort. Where exactly you actually lost me was in the details. As it is said, the devil is in the details… And it could not be much more accurate at this point. Having said that, let me inform you just what exactly did give good results. The text is incredibly convincing and that is most likely why I am taking an effort in order to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Secondly, despite the fact that I can certainly notice a leaps in reasoning you come up with, I am not really sure of how you appear to connect your points which inturn help to make your conclusion. For right now I shall subscribe to your position but wish in the near future you connect your dots better.

  11. kuala lumpur airport transfer

    15th January 2026 at 3:35 pm

    You are a very capable individual!

  12. airmatic Malaysia

    16th January 2026 at 12:11 am

    Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

  13. kilat333 link

    16th January 2026 at 2:58 pm

    You are a very bright person!

  14. deploy square cloud

    16th January 2026 at 9:54 pm

    You could definitely see your enthusiasm 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.

  15. mejor consulta de búzios online gratis

    17th January 2026 at 12:58 am

    Thank you so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily marvellous opportunity to check tips from this website. It really is so excellent and also packed with amusement for me personally and my office friends to visit your blog no less than three times every week to read through the fresh issues you have. Not to mention, I’m just certainly contented considering the splendid tips served by you. Selected 4 facts in this post are rather the most beneficial we have all ever had.

  16. dkwin

    17th January 2026 at 6:54 pm

    I’d have to check with you here. Which isn’t one thing I often do! I get pleasure from reading a submit that can make individuals think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

  17. neurodyne

    17th January 2026 at 11:55 pm

    I simply needed to say thanks yet again. I’m not certain the things I could possibly have worked on without the solutions documented by you regarding that concern. It actually was an absolute frightening scenario for me personally, however , taking note of this specialised tactic you resolved that took me to leap over gladness. Now i am grateful for this service as well as expect you know what an amazing job you are always getting into training people via your web site. Probably you’ve never come across any of us.

  18. kerassentials review

    18th January 2026 at 7:26 am

    Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!

  19. gelatin trick recipe

    18th January 2026 at 2:49 pm

    I have been reading out many of your articles and i can claim clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.

  20. high heels 43

    18th January 2026 at 3:01 pm

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

  21. pink salt trick

    18th January 2026 at 4:02 pm

    As I web-site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.

  22. kilat333

    18th January 2026 at 5:39 pm

    I conceive you have observed some very interesting points, regards for the post.

  23. pcxwin

    18th January 2026 at 8:03 pm

    Hello very cool website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds alsoKI’m glad to seek out a lot of helpful info right here in the post, we want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  24. pcxwin

    18th January 2026 at 9:53 pm

    I have learn several excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you place to create this sort of fantastic informative site.

  25. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 10:51 pm

    There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

  26. gelatin trick

    19th January 2026 at 12:32 am

    You really make it appear so easy along with your presentation but I to find this matter to be actually one thing which I think I would by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely huge for me. I am taking a look ahead for your subsequent publish, I will try to get the hold of it!

  27. Ancient ruins Pamukkale

    19th January 2026 at 7:20 am

    Ancient ruins Pamukkale Everything felt easy, smooth, and well planned. https://bento.me/travelshop

  28. ladang88 daftar

    19th January 2026 at 3:22 pm

    Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  29. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 6:05 pm

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is written on your site.Keep the posts coming. I liked it!

  30. suster slot

    19th January 2026 at 9:13 pm

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

  31. bandar toto macau

    20th January 2026 at 12:28 am

    Only wanna comment that you have a very nice website , I enjoy the design and style it really stands out.

  32. Keepdoing

    20th January 2026 at 5:41 am

    After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any approach you can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  33. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 11:29 am

    Really clear website , appreciate it for this post.

  34. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 2:37 pm

    I adore assembling useful information , this post has got me even more info! .

  35. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 5:54 pm

    Real wonderful visual appeal on this internet site, I’d value it 10 10.

  36. zabornatorilon

    20th January 2026 at 8:38 pm

    Some really interesting information, well written and generally user genial.

  37. citrusburn review

    21st January 2026 at 12:09 pm

    I just like the valuable info you provide on your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at again here regularly. I am relatively certain I’ll be informed a lot of new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the following!

  38. citrus burn review

    21st January 2026 at 3:48 pm

    Some truly superb information, Glad I observed this.

  39. optivell review

    21st January 2026 at 7:31 pm

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

  40. optivell

    22nd January 2026 at 12:31 am

    You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely extensive for me. I’m looking ahead for your subsequent publish, I¦ll try to get the hold of it!

  41. kilat333

    22nd January 2026 at 8:22 am

    It is truly a great and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  42. toilet cleaning foam

    22nd January 2026 at 6:46 pm

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or something. I feel that you simply could do with a few percent to pressure the message house a little bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

  43. comprar listas iptv

    22nd January 2026 at 7:31 pm

    I believe other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and good user genial layout.

  44. fizzclean toilet cleaning foam

    22nd January 2026 at 9:58 pm

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

  45. flixy tv

    23rd January 2026 at 6:28 am

    Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  46. flixy tv stick review

    23rd January 2026 at 10:15 am

    Hello my friend! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.

  47. entrega de flores hoje balneário camboriú

    23rd January 2026 at 7:17 pm

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

  48. lk21

    24th January 2026 at 1:09 am

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

  49. wellaheat socks

    24th January 2026 at 4:45 am

    Virtually all of the things you assert happens to be supprisingly precise and it makes me wonder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. This piece truly did turn the light on for me personally as far as this specific issue goes. However at this time there is one particular position I am not really too cozy with and while I make an effort to reconcile that with the main theme of your issue, allow me observe exactly what all the rest of your visitors have to say.Well done.

  50. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 9:39 am

    Only wanna comment on few general things, The website design and style is perfect, the content is rattling fantastic : D.

  51. Onde vender ouro

    24th January 2026 at 10:47 am

    Some really excellent information, Glad I observed this. “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” by Henry David Thoreau.

  52. iblbet login

    24th January 2026 at 2:14 pm

    Hello there, You’ve done a great job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

  53. iblbet

    24th January 2026 at 5:22 pm

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

  54. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 7:18 pm

    We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive process and our whole group can be grateful to you.

  55. kilat333

    24th January 2026 at 9:12 pm

    Thanks , I have recently been looking for information approximately this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far. However, what about the conclusion? Are you positive about the source?

  56. pick a car with lower insurance symbols

    25th January 2026 at 1:52 am

    Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a bad determination great post! .

  57. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 4:52 am

    I conceive this internet site contains some real excellent information for everyone :D. “Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” by Samuel Ullman.

  58. iptv

    25th January 2026 at 3:54 pm

    It’s in reality a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  59. lotto champ review

    25th January 2026 at 7:11 pm

    Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

  60. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 7:44 pm

    I like this post, enjoyed this one thank you for posting. “The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” by Oscar Wilde.

  61. men balance pro

    25th January 2026 at 11:56 pm

    you are really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a wonderful job on this topic!

  62. boostaro

    26th January 2026 at 4:50 am

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

  63. slimburn drops

    26th January 2026 at 6:38 am

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

  64. optivell

    26th January 2026 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you, I’ve recently been looking for info approximately this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the source?

  65. gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 9:14 pm

    Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a fair price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  66. gelatin trick recipe

    26th January 2026 at 11:29 pm

    Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what about the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the source?

  67. the brain song

    27th January 2026 at 4:05 am

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web-site.

  68. slot online

    27th January 2026 at 8:07 am

    As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling wonderful , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

  69. kilat333

    27th January 2026 at 11:54 am

    Thank you for another wonderful article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.

  70. 구글seo

    27th January 2026 at 2:49 pm

    F*ckin¦ amazing issues here. I¦m very happy to see your article. Thank you so much and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  71. iptv smarters pro assinar

    27th January 2026 at 6:45 pm

    hello there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon..

  72. cara jualan online di facebook

    28th January 2026 at 1:13 am

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  73. royal138

    28th January 2026 at 2:49 am

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

  74. jewelry manufacturer

    28th January 2026 at 8:07 am

    Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  75. kilat333

    29th January 2026 at 2:34 am

    I conceive this web site contains very superb composed articles articles.

  76. david hoffmeister

    29th January 2026 at 9:12 am

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognise what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my web site =). We could have a link alternate agreement among us!

  77. wiki wax

    29th January 2026 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you for every other informative site. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a challenge that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

  78. resume

    30th January 2026 at 1:25 am

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

  79. cheap flights usa

    30th January 2026 at 5:45 am

    USA Flights 24 — search engine helps you compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites in seconds — so you can find cheap flights fast. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country adventure, or an international vacation, we make it easy to fly for less.

  80. how to turn off ads on fire tv

    30th January 2026 at 12:02 pm

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

  81. bariatric gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 12:15 pm

    I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am glad to convey that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make certain to don¦t overlook this website and provides it a look on a constant basis.

  82. secaps black composição

    30th January 2026 at 9:06 pm

    My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page again.

  83. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 12:41 am

    Thanks, I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain about the supply?

  84. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 5:08 am

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

  85. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 9:14 am

    Woh I enjoy your content, bookmarked! .

  86. nustar casino

    31st January 2026 at 1:30 pm

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

  87. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 2:23 pm

    I think you have observed some very interesting points, thankyou for the post.

  88. new online slot games

    2nd February 2026 at 7:32 am

    A lot of of what you assert is supprisingly appropriate and it makes me wonder why I had not looked at this with this light previously. Your piece really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this topic goes. But there is just one factor I am not necessarily too cozy with so while I attempt to reconcile that with the actual main idea of your issue, let me see what the rest of your readers have to say.Nicely done.

  89. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 8:26 am

    I am impressed with this web site, very I am a big fan .

  90. pcxwin login

    2nd February 2026 at 8:59 am

    I’ve recently started a web site, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “The inner fire is the most important thing mankind possesses.” by Edith Sodergran.

  91. ethical hackers vs black-hat hackers

    2nd February 2026 at 8:25 pm

    Its superb as your other articles : D, regards for posting. “The squeaking wheel doesn’t always get the grease. Sometimes it gets replaced.” by Vic Gold.

  92. plataforma nova

    3rd February 2026 at 4:11 pm

    For anyone confused about the Gelatin Trick, I put everything in one place (ingredients + how to do it + common mistakes). Hope it helps:

  93. Aretabet Hoki Gacor Maxwin

    4th February 2026 at 3:26 am

    Spot on, Keohane. The hypocrisy is loud. Rassie Erasmus hasn’t built a No. 1 ranked team by making ‘token’ appointments. He builds for depth, longevity, and a specific system.

  94. bottle blowing machine

    4th February 2026 at 4:26 am

    Would you be eager about exchanging hyperlinks?

  95. pcxwin

    4th February 2026 at 8:13 am

    I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

  96. david hoffmeister wikipedia

    4th February 2026 at 9:38 am

    It?¦s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  97. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 3:20 pm

    You are my intake, I possess few blogs and occasionally run out from to brand : (.

  98. women's probiotic

    4th February 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Attractive component of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact loved account your weblog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing on your feeds or even I achievement you get entry to constantly fast.

  99. vigorlong

    4th February 2026 at 11:18 pm

    I have read several good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a excellent informative website.

  100. depo 5k

    5th February 2026 at 12:53 am

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

  101. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 2:47 am

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

  102. tesla begagnad

    5th February 2026 at 3:08 am

    Thanks – Enjoyed this article, is there any way I can get an update sent in an email whenever you make a new article?

  103. vigorlong review

    5th February 2026 at 5:56 am

    Some genuinely excellent articles on this internet site, appreciate it for contribution. “The spirit is the true self.” by Marcus Tullius Cicero.

  104. boostaro reviews

    5th February 2026 at 4:23 pm

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!

  105. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 5:40 pm

    Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve obtained right here, really like what you are saying and the way in which in which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to learn far more from you. That is really a wonderful site.

  106. onlinecasinocasinorelayforau

    5th February 2026 at 6:58 pm

    What is the best online casino in Australia for real money?

  107. vigor long

    6th February 2026 at 3:26 am

    Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.

  108. ฉาก แต่งงาน

    6th February 2026 at 6:43 am

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

  109. hello there and thanks on your information – I have definitely picked up anything new from proper here. I did however experience a few technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site a lot of instances previous to I may get it to load properly. I have been thinking about in case your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, however slow loading cases times will often impact your placement in google and can harm your high quality ranking if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could glance out for much more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you replace this again very soon..

  110. Preparatório Ministério Público PB 2025

    6th February 2026 at 5:27 pm

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

  111. Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025

    6th February 2026 at 9:23 pm

    Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your put up is simply cool and i can assume you’re a professional on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  112. Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025

    6th February 2026 at 10:21 pm

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

  113. Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025

    7th February 2026 at 1:19 am

    I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

  114. kilat333

    7th February 2026 at 10:44 am

    Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I would like to see extra posts like this.

  115. slot deposit 5k

    7th February 2026 at 1:56 pm

    hi!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  116. bandar togel

    7th February 2026 at 5:54 pm

    You can certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “The point of quotations is that one can use another’s words to be insulting.” by Amanda Cross.

  117. fdertolmrtokev

    8th February 2026 at 6:54 pm

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

  118. codigo unitv

    8th February 2026 at 7:38 pm

    Thanks, I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive in regards to the source?

  119. linetogel

    9th February 2026 at 2:57 pm

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

  120. BEST FREE PORN VIDEOS

    9th February 2026 at 3:51 pm

    Latest adult websites bring innovative content for adult
    entertainment. Explore trusted BEST FREE PORN VIDEOS hubs for a modern experience.

  121. pcxwin

    9th February 2026 at 6:08 pm

    Hey very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am happy to seek out numerous useful information right here in the publish, we want work out more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  122. bingo plus update download

    10th February 2026 at 5:57 pm

    bingoplus ph refers to the Philippine-facing version of Bingo Plus, tailored for users located in the Philippines.

  123. ar condicionado em guarulhos

    11th February 2026 at 2:11 am

    Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design. “Treat the other man’s faith gently it is all he has to believe with.” by Athenus.

  124. deposit 1000

    11th February 2026 at 3:42 am

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

  125. 갤럭시가라오케

    11th February 2026 at 9:03 am

    excellent 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 have a great readers’ base already!

  126. Autoclave durável

    11th February 2026 at 12:02 pm

    Some genuinely interesting information, well written and loosely user genial.

  127. advogado tributarista

    11th February 2026 at 4:01 pm

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

  128. bariatric gelatin trick recipe

    11th February 2026 at 4:45 pm

    I like looking through and I conceive this website got some genuinely useful stuff on it! .

  129. gelatin trick

    11th February 2026 at 7:32 pm

    Greetings I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a tremendous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

  130. rateio de cursos

    11th February 2026 at 7:49 pm

    Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out : D.

  131. martha maa

    11th February 2026 at 10:17 pm

    Stop Cheating Spells IN Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Malta, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain
    My Stop Cheating Spells are designed to address issues of infidelity within relationships. These spells focus on fostering trust, loyalty, and open communication between partners. By drawing on traditional methods and positive energies, the aim is to create a strong, faithful bond and help prevent future instances of cheating, promoting a healthier and more secure relationship
    call/whats app +27839237133
    [email protected]

  132. 송파가라오케

    11th February 2026 at 11:27 pm

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

  133. gelatin trick review

    11th February 2026 at 11:55 pm

    I’m not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  134. 잠실가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 1:50 am

    You have brought up a very great points, thankyou for the post.

  135. 강남가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 6:35 am

    My wife and i ended up being absolutely excited that Louis could conclude his investigations because of the precious recommendations he obtained from your web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply always be offering techniques which usually many others might have been trying to sell. And now we fully grasp we now have you to appreciate for that. The main illustrations you made, the easy website menu, the friendships your site give support to promote – it’s mostly incredible, and it’s really aiding our son in addition to us imagine that this subject is brilliant, and that is especially pressing. Thanks for all!

  136. tratamento autismo

    12th February 2026 at 6:42 am

    Definitely, what a magnificent blog and enlightening posts, I surely will bookmark your site.All the Best!

  137. bolo de coco fofinho

    12th February 2026 at 9:08 am

    Very interesting subject, regards for posting. “I am convinced that life in a physical body is meant to be an ecstatic experience.” by Shakti Gawain.

  138. campos dos goytacazes agora

    12th February 2026 at 11:02 am

    But wanna state that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.

  139. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 1:42 pm

    I truly wanted to construct a word to be able to thank you for these pleasant pointers you are giving at this website. My time consuming internet investigation has at the end been paid with professional know-how to exchange with my friends and family. I ‘d repeat that most of us website visitors are very fortunate to exist in a superb community with many perfect professionals with interesting secrets. I feel pretty lucky to have seen your web page and look forward to tons of more cool times reading here. Thanks once more for everything.

  140. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 6:33 pm

    Very interesting topic, regards for posting.

  141. Elenora Linz

    12th February 2026 at 7:54 pm

    Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all vital infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  142. boostaro

    13th February 2026 at 3:02 am

    Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss drawback? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  143. 中職戰績

    13th February 2026 at 11:51 am

    iyftv海外华人首选,智能AI观看体验优化,提供最新华语剧集、美剧、日剧等高清在线观看。

  144. Delegado Piauí Reta Final Dedicacao Delta

    14th February 2026 at 2:39 pm

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

  145. Curso Pós-Edital Estratégia 2025

    14th February 2026 at 8:46 pm

    You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the topic and found most guys will consent with your site.

  146. Thomas Gonzalez

    15th February 2026 at 12:16 am

    I totally agree with your points about finding a great morning vape—it really sets the tone for the day! For anyone else looking for that perfect bold-but-sweet blend, you HAVE to check out sweet espresso kilo salts; it’s my new favorite!

  147. jackwin77

    17th February 2026 at 12:52 am

    You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually one thing which I think I might by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely large for me. I am having a look ahead to your subsequent publish, I?¦ll try to get the grasp of it!

  148. situs slot depo 5k

    17th February 2026 at 2:27 am

    I like this web site very much, Its a very nice billet to read and obtain info .

  149. slot depo 5k

    17th February 2026 at 2:42 am

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  150. Learn more

    18th February 2026 at 1:25 pm

    Escolher o WhatsApp GB significa optar por mais funcionalidades e personalização. Ele amplia as possibilidades de uso, trazendo ferramentas que ajudam a organizar conversas e ajustar detalhes conforme a preferência de cada usuário.

  151. LhaneFluew

    19th February 2026 at 6:40 am

    This is very interesting, You’re a very professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
    byueuropaviagraonline

  152. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 10:13 am

    Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share. Kudos!

  153. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 1:32 pm

    I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks a lot

  154. tlover tonet

    20th February 2026 at 6:36 am

    I am also writing to let you know what a perfect encounter my wife’s girl experienced studying your web site. She learned too many things, with the inclusion of what it is like to possess an ideal teaching style to get folks quite simply have an understanding of specific specialized things. You actually surpassed our expectations. I appreciate you for presenting those interesting, trusted, informative and as well as easy thoughts on that topic to Lizeth.

  155. pink gelatin trick

    20th February 2026 at 9:56 am

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

  156. https://odougkp.ru/obzor-kazino-lev/

    20th February 2026 at 10:12 pm

    great points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?

  157. ice gelatin trick

    20th February 2026 at 10:31 pm

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

  158. gelatin trick

    21st February 2026 at 1:32 am

    I’ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Her grandmother, as she gets older, is not fading but rather becoming more concentrated.” by Paulette Bates Alden.

  159. KennethHoapy

    21st February 2026 at 3:54 am

    sparkdex ai SparkDex is redefining decentralized trading with speed, security, and real earning potential. On spark dex, you keep full control of your assets while enjoying fast swaps and low fees. Powered by sparkdex ai, the platform delivers smarter insights and optimized performance for confident decision-making. Trade, earn from liquidity, and grow your crypto portfolio with sparkdex — the future of DeFi starts here.

  160. 成何体统爱壹帆

    22nd February 2026 at 3:48 pm

    Athletic Bilbao vs Elche 2026 La Liga最新比分即将开踢21:00,主场毕尔巴鄂强势迎战升班马,西班牙足球比分直播实时更新。

  161. bariatric gelatin trick

    23rd February 2026 at 6:49 am

    Very interesting subject, thank you for posting.

  162. lavanderia automatica

    23rd February 2026 at 10:03 am

    you may have an amazing weblog here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my weblog?

  163. gelatin trick

    23rd February 2026 at 11:58 am

    I was studying some of your content on this internet site and I think this site is really informative! Keep posting.

  164. massar service

    23rd February 2026 at 12:23 pm

    مسار متمدرس هو الحساب الشخصي الخاص بالتلميذ داخل نظام مسار، حيث يمكنه الاطلاع على نتائجه ونقطه بشكل مباشر. يوفر مسار متمدرس خدمات إلكترونية تساعد على متابعة الأداء الدراسي بكل سهولة وأمان.

  165. seltoto situs

    24th February 2026 at 3:49 am

    I and my pals appeared to be reviewing the good hints from your web page then the sudden I had a terrible feeling I had not thanked the web site owner for them. These women were definitely absolutely excited to see all of them and now have in fact been tapping into these things. Appreciation for being really considerate as well as for choosing such great issues millions of individuals are really wanting to be informed on. Our honest regret for not expressing gratitude to you sooner.

  166. situs slot777

    24th February 2026 at 6:36 am

    Great write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.

  167. gelatin trick

    24th February 2026 at 9:43 am

    With almost everything that appears to be building within this specific subject matter, all your points of view are generally rather stimulating. However, I appologize, but I can not give credence to your whole idea, all be it stimulating none the less. It would seem to me that your opinions are actually not entirely rationalized and in simple fact you are yourself not really thoroughly certain of the assertion. In any event I did appreciate examining it.

  168. aufstellbecken set

    24th February 2026 at 11:49 pm

    Real clean website , regards for this post.

  169. toto

    26th February 2026 at 11:06 am

    I genuinely enjoy examining on this internet site, it holds superb blog posts. “A short saying oft contains much wisdom.” by Sophocles.

  170. renting motos 125

    26th February 2026 at 12:51 pm

    Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!

  171. link slot 1000

    26th February 2026 at 2:33 pm

    Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different customers like its helped me. Good job.

  172. alojamientos pamplona

    26th February 2026 at 3:38 pm

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this web site. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  173. mancuernas de neopren

    27th February 2026 at 7:14 am

    Regards for this marvellous post, I am glad I observed this site on yahoo.

  174. av. petit thouars 1775

    27th February 2026 at 12:42 pm

    I’ve learn some excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to create this kind of fantastic informative web site.

  175. pink gelatin trick

    27th February 2026 at 3:01 pm

    I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You are wonderful! Thanks!

  176. omaslot

    27th February 2026 at 4:39 pm

    Thanks for helping out, excellent info. “Courage comes and goes. Hold on for the next supply.” by Vicki Baum.

  177. THCA disposables

    27th February 2026 at 7:55 pm

    Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

  178. tonic greens

    27th February 2026 at 10:19 pm

    I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I found this on google .

  179. Delta 9 THC

    27th February 2026 at 11:08 pm

    Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know easy methods to bring a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and perceive this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre no more fashionable because you positively have the gift.

  180. login susterslot

    28th February 2026 at 12:41 am

    Real clear web site, thanks for this post.

  181. schlüsselanhänger gitarre

    28th February 2026 at 3:56 am

    Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, thankyou.

  182. burnslim

    28th February 2026 at 6:06 am

    Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

  183. hire a hacker for iPhone

    28th February 2026 at 2:09 pm

    Some genuinely nice and utilitarian info on this site, likewise I believe the design has got fantastic features.

  184. streamate afinaloveyou

    28th February 2026 at 5:53 pm

    You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and rarely run out from post :). “No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.” by W. H. Auden.

  185. https://streamate.com

    28th February 2026 at 10:55 pm

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

  186. quiz4d situs online terpercaya

    1st March 2026 at 2:09 pm

    Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you’ll be able to remove me from that service? Thanks!

  187. 7ywin

    2nd March 2026 at 9:17 am

    Wohh precisely what I was looking for, regards for putting up.

Leave a Reply

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

KEO News Wire

Brutal Bulls. Beautiful rugby. Bumper crowd.

Published

on

By

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

And 33 000 made it to Loftus for the celebration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They were a shambles.

URC ORIGIN WEEKEND: SA SCHOOLS SYSTEM WORKS

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

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

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

They cared.

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

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

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

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

AFRICA PICKS: WINNING WITH THE BULLS

Scorers

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

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

Teams:

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

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

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Clarity beats clutter as lethal Lions outthink and outplay the Stormers

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

URC ORIGIN WEEKEND:  SA’S SCHOOLS SYSTEM WORKS

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

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

AFRICA PICKS: RUGBY’S LATEST VALUE BETS

Scorers

Lions

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

Conversions: Chris Smith (3)

Penalties: Smith

Stormers

Try: JD Schickerling

Conversion: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Teams:

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

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

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

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

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BULLS v SHARKS: WIN WITH AFRICA PICKS

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SA Rugby magazine (@sarugbymag)

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

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

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

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

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

1. Grey College 18 players

  • Bulls: 8

  • Sharks: 4

  • Stormers: 4

  • Lions: 2

1. Paarl Boys’ High School 18 players

  • Lions: 6

  • Sharks: 5

  • Stormers: 4

  • Bulls: 3

Behind them:

3. Paul Roos Gymnasium 12

  • Stormers: 5

  • Sharks: 4

  • Bulls: 2

  • Lions: 1

4. Paarl Gimnasium 10

  • Bulls: 4

  • Stormers: 4

  • Sharks: 2

5. Hoërskool Monument 9

  • Lions: 7

  • Sharks: 2

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

That is the spine of the professional game.

Then comes the second tier:

Glenwood High School 8

  • Sharks: 4

  • Lions: 2

  • Bulls: 2

Bishops Diocesan College 8

  • Stormers: 6

  • Bulls: 1

  • Lions: 1

Westville Boys’ High School 5

  • Sharks: 3

  • Bulls: 1

  • Lions: 1

Maritzburg College 5

  • Sharks: 3

  • Stormers: 2

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) 4

  • Bulls: 1

  • Sharks: 1

  • Lions: 1

  • Stormers: 1

The deeper story is:

  • 64 schools represented

  • 37 schools with one player

  • 11 schools with two players

  • The rest clustered at three and above

So what does it tell us?

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

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

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

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

SA URC ORIGIN – THE SCHOOLS

18 Players

  • Grey College

  • Paarl Boys’ High


12 Players

  • Paul Roos Gymnasium


10 Players

  • Paarl Gimnasium


9 Players

  • Hoërskool Monument


8 Players

  • Glenwood High School

  • Bishops (Diocesan College)


5 Players

  • Westville Boys’ High School

  • Maritzburg College


4 Players

  • Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies)

  • Hilton College


3 Players

  • Northcliff High School

  • King Edward VII School (KES)


2 Players

  • St Albans College

  • Hoër Landbouskool Boland

  • Hoërskool Garsfontein

  • Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale

  • Michaelhouse

  • Jeppe High School for Boys

  • Potchefstroom Gimnasium


1 Player Each

  • St Stithians

  • Bersig

  • Hudson Park

  • Linden

  • SACS

  • Stellenberg

  • Transvalia

  • Frikkie Meyer

  • Fichardtpark

  • Graeme College

  • Ben Vorster

  • EG Jansen

  • St Andrew’s College (Makhanda)

  • Dale College

  • HTS Middelburg

  • Durban High School (DHS)

  • Hoërskool Klerksdorp

  • Hoërskool Tygerberg

  • Huguenot High School

  • Grey High School

  • Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary

  • Piet Retief High School

  • Churchill Boys High School

  • HTS Louis Botha

  • Queens College

  • Hoërskool Oos-Moot

  • Diamantveld

  • Wonderboom

  • Outeniqua High School

  • Hoërskool Eldoraigne

  • Northwood

  • St John’s College

  • Rondebosch Boys’ High

  • Wynberg Boys’ High

  • Hoërskool Pietersburg

  • Welkom Gimnasium

  • Hoërskool Brandwag

  • Hermanus High School

  • Hoërskool Riebeeckstad

  • Klein Nederburg

  • Hoërskool Standerton

  • Total schools represented: 64

  • 2 schools with 18 players

  • 1 school with 12

  • 1 school with 10

  • 1 school with 9

  • 2 schools with 8

  • 2 schools with 5

  • 2 schools with 4

  • 2 schools with 3

  • 7 schools with 2

  • 42 schools with 1

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

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

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL BLACKS GREATS RAVE ABOUT DE ALLENDE


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

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

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

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


RECALL: HOW RASSIE REINVENTED DE ALLENDE IN 2019

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

ALL BLACKS MIDFIELD MASTER SONNY BILL WILLIAMS GIVES DOOGZ HIS DUES

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

 

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

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

Published

on

By

Morne van den Berg 21 February 2026 Anton Geyser Gallo Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JULIUS IN BOKS MIDFIELD AUDITION

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP LATEST – WATCH THE LIONS v SHARKS HIGHLIGHTS

Continue Reading

International Rugby

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

Published

on

By

Jamison Gibson-Park 21 Feb 2026 Warren Little Getty Images

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

What the English media led with

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

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

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

What the Irish media led with

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

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

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

Former players / influential voices (social + pundit loop)

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

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

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

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

Two clean angles SA Rugby Mag are pushing:

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

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

What Six Nations official platform says …

The official match report leans hard into:

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

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

KEO’S VIEW

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

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


WALES v SCOTLAND – Wales improved, Scotland escaped

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

Scottish media tone (and Scotland lens generally)

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

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

Welsh media tone (and Wales lens generally)

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

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

Former players / influential voices (social + pundit loop)

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

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

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

What Six Nations official platform says …

The official report makes it very usable for your structure:

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

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

KEO’S VIEW

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

SIX NATIONS ROUND 3 … WHAT WE CALLED

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Ellis Park is a Springboks audition for Julius and Van Wyk

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASH IN WITH AFRICA PICKS

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

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

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

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

SHARKS SCHOOL STORMERS IN THE URC

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

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

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

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

Recent head-to-head (URC meetings)

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

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

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

  • 2024: Lions 40–10 Sharks (Johannesburg)

  • 2024: Sharks 20–18 Lions (Durban)

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

LIONS v SHARKS: ALL THE TEAM NEWS

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21

Lions v Hollywoodbets Sharks

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

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

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

TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

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

LATEST URC NEWS

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Round 3 of Six Nations: Everything you need to know

Published

on

By

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

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

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

WHO’S RUNNING THE HOTTEST IN SIX NATIONS

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

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

ENGLAND v IRELAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keo_Zels_Show (@keo_zels_show)

WALES v SCOTLAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SA Rugby magazine (@sarugbymag)

FRANCE v ITALY

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL THE LATEST FROM THE SIX NATIONS

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Who’s running the hottest in the Six Nations

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRANCE ON FIRE

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

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

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

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

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

EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT FROM THE 2026 SIX NATIONS

 

 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

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

Published

on

By

Emilien Gailleton France 15 February 2026 David Rogers Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South African view (SA Rugby Mag / SA angle)

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

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

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

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

The Northern Hemisphere themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South African view (SA Rugby Mag)

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

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


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

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

The Northern Hemisphere themes

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

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

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

Outlet-by-outlet snapshot (Ireland + Italy)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific: South African rugby is bigger without you

Published

on

By

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

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

Pressed directly, he said:

“No.”

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

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

He added:

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

Devlin joked:

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

Mesley laughed and concluded:

“Even a South African one.”

Romance?

Let’s deal in reality.

The Springboks have thrived post Super Rugby’s exit.

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

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

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

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

It has hardened South African players tactically and physically.

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

The All Blacks have regressed since South Africa left Super Rugby

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

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

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

That audit no longer exists.

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

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

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

He continued:

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

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

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

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

Test rugby is not exhibition rugby.

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

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

The Arrogance

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

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

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

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

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC CEO MESLEY MOCKS SA RUGBY

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

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

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

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

OK, if you want to believe that Kev!

These are strange times in New Zealand rugby.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Reading

International Rugby

England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict

Published

on

By

Henry Arundell 7 Feb 2025 Mike Hewitt Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

Planet Rugby

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

RugbyPass

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

BBC Sport

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

The Guardian

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

Rugby365

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

SA Rugby Magazine

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

Welsh response

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

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

HOW THE MEDIA RATED FRANCE BEATING IRELAND 36-14

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

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

Continue Reading

International Rugby

How transformed France tortured inept Ireland in Paris

Published

on

By

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

Six Nations 2025 – Dublin

Ireland 27 France 42

Six Nations 2026 – Paris

France 36 Ireland 14

Here’s what France did differently.

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

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

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

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

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

Clean breaks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 2025 missed tackles: Ireland 23 (France 16)

  • 2026 missed tackles: Ireland 42 (France 21)

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

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

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

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

So:

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

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

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

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

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

The simplest summary

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

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

FIERY FRENCH APPLAUDED 

1) Physical dominance at the contact point

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

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

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

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

2) Defensive resilience under sustained pressure

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

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

  • repeated reloads

  • fatigued edge defenders

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

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

3) Attacking clarity without Johnny Sexton

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

Ireland have regressed in:

  • in-game management

  • territory selection

  • when to slow down a match

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

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

4) Backline punch against elite defences

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

Against France:

  • line breaks were rare

  • defenders were not fixed

  • edge space was never clean

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

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

5) Psychological authority

This is subtle – but it matters.

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

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

The uncomfortable truth

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

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

FRANCE 36 IRELAND 14: EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT 

AFRICA PICKS: YOUR BEST MONEY-MAKING SIX NATIONS BETS

*CHAT supported 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Fiery French applauded as alarm bells ring for Ireland

Published

on

By

Louis Bielle-Biarrey 5 Feb 2026 David Rogers Getty Images

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

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

Paris was equally damning for Ireland as they were steamrolled.

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

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

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

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

The Irish Times

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

Irish Independent

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

Irish Examiner

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

The Times

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

L’Équipe (“Le Quippe”)

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

Rugbyrama

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

SA Rugby Magazine

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

Rugby365

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

Planet Rugby (South African audience perspective)

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


Overall SA reaction themes

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

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

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

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

AFRICA PICKS: WHAT TOTAL POINTS WON YOU IN CASH

KEO & ZELS CALLED A DOUBLE DIGITS FRANCE WIN

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Dupont gives France flex as Ireland face Paris power test

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL THE 2026 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

My call: France 33 Ireland 22.

DuPont on Jalibert’s influence 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

JP Pietersen & his street-smart Sharks school stuttering Stormers

Published

on

By

Aphelele Fassi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOBBO AND SACHA RUE ILL-DISCIPLINE 

ALL THE TEAMS AND MATCH-UPS FROM URC ROUND 11

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Keo.co.za