International Rugby
AfricaPicks & Keo dovetail in the name of rugby data
AfricaPicks will partner with Keo.co.za to bring data to life in the rugby landscape. The two platforms will combine in their coverage of all the major rugby matches.
Statistics aside, the biggest plus of Keo.co.za’s collaboration with AfricaPicks is the accessibility to data in the storytelling and an ability to give the rugby consumer an informed opinion, be it to retell the story or have a flutter on a match.
Sports betting is packaged with storytelling and the logical partnership was to give the African rugby fan the necessary information and breakdown of that information to make insightful choices, especially when betting on rugby matches.
‘The partnership will redefine the opinion, analysis and historical edge of the platform,” said Keo.co.za founder Mark Keohane.
Keo.co.za was launched in 2004 and is a legacy URL with a strong alignment to digital rugby giant SA Rugby Magazine.
Keohane has professionally reported on rugby in South Africa, Africa and across the world since South Africa’s international readmission in 1992.
“It is a new and exciting digital voice for rugby in the continent and the interest extends beyond South Africa, with the sport having a big following in Kenya, Namibia, Uganda and Zimbabwe,” said Keohane. “Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2027 RWC in Australia has only added to the interest.”
Keo.co.za has long been South Africa’s home of unfiltered opinion and analysis and its founder and primary content creator (Keohane) said AfricaPicks content direction was an obvious fit for his platform.
“It is opinion-first, data-backed rugby journalism that speaks to the punters and thinkers, and not followers of perception. The content vision at AfricaPicks is about education and inspiration, giving the punter something beyond the obvious and being responsible,” said Keohane.
“I believe betting, like sport, is about perspective — and AfricaPicks delivers that in every story. It is a digital presence that will add to the ecosystem and bring together fans bettors and experts on one platform.”
AfricaPicks will focus on rugby in Africa and France’ Top 14, England’s Premiership, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship that features 16 teams, including South Africa’s quartet of the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers, as well as the Springboks and the national teams of Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
International Rugby
Bok Damian de Allende is the best No 12 in the world
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
International Rugby
URC: Julius stars but the Lions roar loudest at Ellis Park
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
International Rugby
Ireland find their identity & Scotland find a way to win away from home
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.
International Rugby
Round 3 of Six Nations: Everything you need to know
Teams, kick-off times, data, match-ups. Look no further. We have everything you need to know for Round 3 of the Six Nations as France plays Italy, Wales host Scotland and England take on Ireland.
The big talking point this weekend will be the flamboyant England loose-forward Henry Pollock’s first start at No 8.
AFRICA PICKS: WHERE TO MAKE YOUR SIX NATIONS MONEY THIS WEEKEND
WHO’S RUNNING THE HOTTEST IN SIX NATIONS
Six Nations Round 3: Pollock’s Call, Ireland’s Test, Scotland’s Edge, France’s Warning
The headline is at Allianz Stadium. Henry Pollock gets his first start at No 8 for England against Ireland. It is refreshing from England coach Steve Borthwick and it changes the shape of England’s loose trio. Pollock joins Tom Curry and Ben Earl in a back row built for tempo and confrontation.
ENGLAND v IRELAND
Kick-off: 18:00 (UK), Saturday 21 February
Venue: Allianz Stadium
England
Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Pollock.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith.
Ireland
Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, McCarthy, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Bealham, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, O’Brien.
England’s 12-match winning run ended at Murrayfield, but at home they remain reliable. Their last defeat in London came in November 2024. Since then, nine straight wins. That matters.
Ireland, though, have owned this fixture recently. Five wins from the last six. The only loss in that stretch was a last-minute drop goal in this stadium two years ago.
Andy Farrell reshapes his spine. Jack Crowley starts at fly-half for control. Tadhg Furlong returns to strengthen the scrum. Beirne, Van der Flier and Gibson-Park are back. Ireland are leaning into experience because England at Twickenham demands it.
Recent results:
2025 (Dublin): Ireland 27–22 England
2024 (London): England 23–22 Ireland
2023 (Dublin): Ireland 29–16 England
View this post on Instagram
WALES v SCOTLAND
Kick-off: 16:40 (UK), Saturday 21 February
Venue: Principality Stadium
Wales
Rees-Zammit; Hamer-Webb, James, Hawkins, Adams; Costelow, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Plumtree, Mann, Wainwright.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, F Thomas, Botham, Hardy, J Evans, Murray.
Scotland
Kinghorn; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Van der Merwe; Russell, White; McBeth, Cherry, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, Brown, Darge, M Fagerson.
Replacements: Cherry, Schoeman, Millar-Mills, Williamson, M Fagerson, Horne, Hastings, Graham.
Wales are 0-from-2 and hurting. Scotland arrive confident after reclaiming the Calcutta Cup against England. Momentum says Scotland, recent history in this clash and Wales’s woeful two wins in their last 25 Tests, says it has to be Scotland.
Welsh coach Steve Tandy has made changes. Sam Costelow takes over at 10. Taine Plumtree strengthens the back row and Ben Carter’s form earns him reward. Blair Murray offers bench spark. Scotland have recalled power winger Duhan van der Merwe and Toulouse fullback Blair Kinghorn.
Recent results:
2025 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35–29 Wales
2024 (Cardiff): Wales 26–27 Scotland
2023 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35–7 Wales
View this post on Instagram
FRANCE v ITALY
Kick-off: 15:10 (UK), Sunday 15 February
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy
Italy left Dublin believing they are good enough to beat the very best, but still vulnerable in the big clutch plays. They pushed Ireland and were frustrated not to get the job done. The problem now is scale. France have opened this championship with authority and pace.
Last year in Rome, France dismantled Italy, but the more relevant match is the 13-all draw in Lille in 2024. Paolo Garbisi hit the post from a penalty attempt with the last kick of the match. It would have been Italy’s first win against France in France.
Italy’s backline is ambitious and their pack is no longer passive, but France, in the 2025 Six Nations and in the opening fortnight of 2026, have set the standard.
Recent results:
2025 (Rome): Italy 24–73 France
2024 (Marseille): France 13–13 Italy
2023 (Rome): Italy 24–29 France
If you want a snapshot of the weekend’s matches, England have entrusted youth in the name of Pollock, Ireland have opted for experience and the old guard, Wales, well they continue to search for relevance, and Scotland want consistency. Italy have belief but they are up against the best team in the competition who are playing with the authority of a champion.
International Rugby
Who’s running the hottest in the Six Nations
France have dominated the first fortnight of the Six Nations and they will continue the dream start to the 2026 tournament when hosting the improving Italy. Individually, the French players are also making the biggest statistical statements.
The French backs Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe and Matthee Jalibert are the most prominent in attack, with the two wingers three tries each second only to England winger Henry Arundell’s four.
No 10 Jalibert has scored two tries and made 32 carries, three more than his halfback partner Antoine Dupont, and four less than fullback Thomas Ramos’s 36. England’s No 8 Ben Earl has made the most carries (41).
Ramos, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert and Attissogbe are placed second to fifth in metres made, with Wales’s Louis Rees-Zammit topping the list with 238.
Jalibert, who was sensational for Bordeaux in the Investec Champions Cup Pool rounds, has been as good for France in the Six Nations.
No player has such a presence in so many facets of play.
Jalibert (10), Ramos (8) and Dupont (5) have made the most offloads, and Jalibert’s four try assists is the most.
Jalibert (10), along with Rees-Zammit, England’s Tommy Freeman and Scotland’s South African-born winger Kyle Steyn, has beaten the most defenders.
Jalibert (21) and Dupont (29) have combined for 50 kicks in play. England flyhalf George Ford leads the list with 34. Ford’s kick metres are the most, 1245, while Dupont (third with 827 metres) and Jalibert (sixth with 610 metres) total 1437 metres.
Jalibert (7) and Dupont (6), as a halfback duo, have no equal in the competition, combining for 13 kicks retained. Scotland’s Ben White, individually, is the leader with 10.
Jalibert (13) has bounced the most kicks, with Ford (11) in second place and Dupont third with 10.
Lineout steals have been minimal and Italy’s Manuel Zuliani and Michele Lamaro are the best with two each.
Defensively, Wales’s Aaron Wainwright (9) and Freeman (9) lead the dominant contact, with France’s Charles Ollivon and Earl (7) the next best.
Wainwright, with this dominance in contact, has the most post contact metres (55), followed by Freeman and Earl with 53 each.
The French attack has been on fire but defensively the French have been as good. Lenni Noguchi and Oscar Jegou, along with Italy’s Manuel Zuliani and Lorenzo Cannone and Steyn are grouped at the top with four each in the dominant tackle category.
(Lorenzo) Cannone, with 37, has the most successful tackles. Niccolo Cannone has 35 and Jegou 34.
Scotland’s Rory Darge (6) has won the most turnovers, with Zuliani second (5) and France’s Michael Guillard and Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey on four each. Winger Attissogbe has won three turnovers.
Wingers understandably dominate the attacking catch success with Ireland’s James Lowe, Arundell, Italy’s Louis Lynagh and Bielle-Biarrey all successful with two catches.
Ramos and Ford have scored the most points and they are the two most accurate sharpshooters, with Ramos tops with 85.7 percent and Ford striking at 81.8 percent.
EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT FROM THE 2026 SIX NATIONS
International Rugby
France on fire as rugby’s media react to Six Nations
France are on fire, dispatching Wales with ease in Cardiff in Round 2 of the Six Nations. Scotland were the Brave and Ireland were the fortunate in Dublin. But on the evidence of two Rounds the world champions and No 1 ranked Springboks are still some way ahead of the chasing pack, which is more France than anyone else.
For those who don’t have time to scan every rugby site for Six Nations reaction, here is your summary, with the scanning brilliance of Chat and my own wrap and understanding of what unfolded.
AFRICA PICKS: DID YOU CASH IN ON YOUR SIX NATIONS BETS?
WALES v FRANCE (Cardiff) Reaction: “France are ruthless; Wales are broken”
Result context: France ran in 8 tries and hammered Wales 54–12 in Cardiff.
Six Nations official tone: “record-breaking” French performance; clinical, fast, and brutal.
The Northern Hemisphere themes (what the NH media agreed on)
1) France’s attack is now operating at “Grand Slam pace.”
The common thread: France didn’t just win – they stacked pressure, scored early, and never came down. Their execution looked title-ready, not “round-two ready.”
2) Jalibert ran the game; the French back three feasted.
Reuters singled out Matthieu Jalibert as “masterful”, with France’s shape and kicking hurting Wales repeatedly.
The Guardian focus: wings/finishers cashing in, with Théo Attissogbe front-and-centre.
3) Wales’ defensive system was the story and not in a good way.
Wales missed 31 tackles, with a 68% tackle success figure doing the rounds.
It also wasn’t lost on anyone that the crowd mood and attendance reflected a nation’s frustration.
-
Six Nations official: framed France as the tournament’s most clinical force; “run riot / record-breaking” framing.
-
Reuters: Jalibert masterclass; Wales defensive collapse; low attendance noted.
-
The Guardian: Attissogbe-led romp; France’s young backs looked fearless; Wales outclassed.
South African view (SA Rugby Mag / SA angle)
-
SA Rugby Mag (digital): blunt headline energy – “Rampant France rout woeful Wales” and the key SA takeaway: France are the only side still tracking a Grand Slam after two rounds.
-
Times Live: explicitly positioned this French run as a Springbok warning shot, tying it to SA’s own demolition job in Cardiff last November.
SCOTLAND v ENGLAND (Murrayfield) Reaction: “Scotland ambushed them; England had no Plan B”
Result context: Scotland beat England 31–20 and lifted the Calcutta Cup, ending England’s long winning run.
The Northern Hemisphere themes
1) Scotland’s start won it (and England never truly recovered).
Reuters captured it cleanly: Scotland sprinted into an early lead and played with belief; England spent the match chasing field position and control.
2) Finn Russell ran the show.
Across reports: Russell was the conductor control when needed, ambition when it was on.
3) Discipline (and Arundell) became England’s headline.
The red-card narrative dominated English-facing reaction, especially tabloid coverage.
4) “Plan A stalled” became the RugbyPass verdict.
RugbyPass pushed the familiar critique: England look blunt when their first pattern doesn’t land.
-
The Guardian: Scotland “stunned” England; big tries, big moments, and England’s errors/discipline issues.
-
Reuters: Scotland’s recent Calcutta Cup dominance underlined; Russell masterclass; Arundell card pivotal.
-
The Sun: framed it as Arundell “hero-to-zero”, Grand Slam hopes crushed on the Murrayfield hoodoo.
-
Sky Sports: breakdown angle on why England unravelled (discipline, start, game control).
South African view (SA Rugby Mag)
-
SA Rugby Mag: “Storming Scotland end England’s winning run” straightforward: England’s streak snapped; Scotland revived their campaign; Townsend milestone context.
-
SA Rugby Mag follow-up: quotes/angle pieces include Borthwick acknowledging England “gave them too big a start.”
IRELAND v ITALY (Dublin) Reaction: “Italy proved they belong; Ireland survived”
Result context: Ireland won 20–13, but the reaction was far more about Ireland’s wobble and Italy’s growth than Irish dominance.
The Northern Hemisphere themes
1) Ireland were “unconvincing” Italy dragged them into a scrap.
That “Ireland survived” framing is consistent across live reports and match wrap language.
2) Italy’s first-half performance made the story.
Italy led at the break; a maul try and defensive bite put Ireland under heat.
3) The Italian press angle: pride + frustration (and ‘it was there’).
Italian coverage leaned into: “great Italy for a half”, match flipped after the break, and the missed chance to land a historic result.
Outlet-by-outlet snapshot (Ireland + Italy)
-
Irish Times: Italy led 10–5 at half-time; Ireland turned it with second-half tries (Conan/Baloucoune) to regain control.
-
The Independent (UK): headline framing: “Unconvincing Ireland overcome half-time deficit” again, the win without the glow.
-
Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): strong Italy for a half; Ireland “trembled” but won; the swing came after the break.
-
RAI News (Italy): second half “capsized” what looked like an Italian day; Italy started “azzurro” but Ireland flipped it.
-
Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR): official Italian union tone: “grandissima Italia” that scared Ireland; positives to take even in defeat.
-
OnRugby (Italy): positioned it as the “almost” moment and a national conversation piece (reaction roundup).
FOR ALL THE LATEST PLAYER AND TEAM STATS FROM ROUND 2 OF THE SIX NATIONS
-
2026 Six Nations fixtures:
https://www.keo.co.za/2026-six-nations-fixtures-confirmed-france-to-open-blockbuster-campaign-on-a-thursday/ -
France v Ireland analysis:
https://www.keo.co.za/how-transformed-france-tortured-inept-ireland-in-paris/ -
Previous British media reaction piece:
https://www.keo.co.za/england-hammer-wales-as-british-media-deliver-brutal-six-nations-verdict/
International Rugby
Super Rugby Pacific: South African rugby is bigger without you
A message to Super Rugby Pacific. South Africa doesn’t want back into your competition. Not now. Not ever.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley, speaking to Martin Devlin on DSPN, dismissed the idea of South African teams ever returning.
Pressed directly, he said:
“No.”
Asked why he would not welcome South Africa back into the competition, Mesley replied:
“If you go back and look at the data, those games did not rate well. They did not attend well. They did not rate like we’re rating now. They did not attend like we are attending now.”
He added:
“I think there is a romance associated with the South African days.”
Devlin joked:
“It always is about the girlfriend who leaves, mate.”
Mesley laughed and concluded:
“Even a South African one.”
Romance?
Let’s deal in reality.
The Springboks have thrived post Super Rugby’s exit.
Since South Africa shifted north post-Covid and into the United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup, the Springboks have become the dominant force in world rugby.
- Two Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
- Back-to-back Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.
- Five wins in their last six Tests against the All Blacks.
- A record 43-10 demolition in Wellington.
- A 35-7 humiliation at Twickenham.
This is more a measurable dominance than it is a sentimental nostalgia.
South African clubs now play in a weekly high-intensity cross-hemisphere competition against Ireland’s provinces, French heavyweights and English power clubs. They play against Welsh, Scottish and Italian teams. The URC and Champions Cup demand travel, adaptability, and confrontation with contrasting styles.
It has hardened South African players tactically and physically.
They are preparing for Test rugby and World Cups. This is not the exhibition of Bledisloe or the basketball of Super Rugby Pacific.
The All Blacks have regressed since South Africa left Super Rugby
New Zealand’s post-Covid Test record tells a different story.
For the first time in the professional era, the All Blacks have looked physically vulnerable. They have been bullied at the collision and they have lost multiple home Tests. They have been beaten consistently by the Springboks.
The annual three-week Super Rugby tours to South Africa once conditioned New Zealand franchises for brutality. Playing the Bulls at Loftus, the Stormers in Cape Town, the Sharks in Durban, and making trips to Bloemfontein and Ellis Park were a weekend physical audit.
That audit no longer exists.
Super Rugby Pacific is now largely an internal New Zealand competition with Australian and Pacific participation. The physical edge that South African teams brought has disappeared.
Eddie Jones, speaking to Devlin, bluntly addressed the decline.
“That’s the other thing that’s changed for New Zealand Rugby; Super Rugby was the greatest influence on world rugby for a long period of time. Whatever happened in Super Rugby basically set the trend for the game.”
He continued:
“Unfortunately, Super Rugby has dropped in terms of status. We all know South Africa has left, and now it’s a competition that doesn’t have as much influence around the world.”
What Jones is articulating is the structural erosion of the competition. Super Rugby, in its original Super 12 guise, had no equal in world rugby’s club environment. Super Rugby Pacific is now an afterthought to competitions like the Investec Champions Cup, the URC, the English Prem and France’s Top 14.
Super Rugby Pacific produces strong local derbies and healthy domestic numbers, but globally, its relevance has shrunk.
The winner is almost invariably a New Zealand side, the style is about attack and little regard for the nuances of Test rugby, especially World Cup rugby, and the buzz word is entertainment, ball in play and no respect for the pressure moments that define World Cup titles.
Test rugby is not exhibition rugby.
When confronted by the Springboks’ power game or France and England’s pack-driven precision, the All Blacks have looked less conditioned for the grind.
South Africa, meanwhile, are conditioned weekly in Europe and then sharpened further in the Rugby Championship.
The Arrogance
New Zealand Rugby previously dismissed South Africa’s contribution to Super Rugby. The outgoing CEO Mark Robinson made clear that the competition would move on without South Africa before even formally informing SA Rugby leadership.
Robinson, an average All Black, has been even more mediocre as NZ Rugby CEO. His reward for cocking it up was to get a job from his Aussie mate (World Rugby Chair) and namesake Brett Robinson, as the Chief of Rugby.
Chief of Rugby? What the Chair means is a portfolio created before appointing Robinson as the CEO of World Rugby.
It is messy, but not as messy as the illusion that Super Rugby Pacific has a global appeal.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC CEO MESLEY MOCKS SA RUGBY
Mesley speaks of romance and laughs at the idea of a South African return. Look, he is an Aussie, so that explains a few things.
But to believe he knows rugby is a stretch, despite the purple prose on his appointment.
Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said Mesley’s strong marketing background and practical skillset made him ideally suited to the Super Rugby Pacific CEO role.
“What set Jack apart from a strong pool of candidates following a thorough search was his passion for rugby, his enthusiasm and a breadth of experience in both marketing and sports,” Malloy said.
OK, if you want to believe that Kev!
These are strange times in New Zealand rugby.
An ex-All Black in Robinson rejuvenated the Springboks in kicking South Africa out of Super Rugby and an Aussie marketer has added to New Zealand’s misery with his promotion of an insular Pacific competition.
The irony in the Republic is that South Africa still respects New Zealand. It is the Test South Africans always want to experience.
The Greatest Rivalry Tour later this year is sold out, within hours of tickets going on sale.
The All Blacks remain rugby’s most recognisable brand in South Africa, and there is no smugness in the Republic when South African rugby people speak of NZ Rugby or the All Blacks. There is only respect and a varying degree of adulation.
Mesley speaks with a smirk about South African romance in Super Rugby, but the South African game has grown stronger on every front since moving north and New Zealand rugby has grown smaller without South Africa.
There is a word in South Africa for dismissive arrogance dressed up as data. There is a word for Mesley.
It starts with a P … and it isn’t Pacific.
International Rugby
England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict
England didn’t just hammer Wales 48-7 at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham; they reminded the visitors that they will only be good for the wooden spoon in the 2026 Six Nations.
The contest was over before kick-off but confirmed as officially over before the 20th minute when Wales trailed 10-0 and were reduced to 13 players. That score doubled to 22-0 before the 30th minute and it could have been even more damning but for England’s inaccuracy and many poor decisions when playing 15 versus 13.
The British media were ruthless in their assessment of England’s demolition of the Welsh, with the flameless Dragons offering no resistance. Their discipline collapsed, belief vanished, and England didn’t need to be spectacular to be savage.
Henry Arundell scored a hat-trick and No 10 George Ford was voted Player of the Match. Wales’ catastrophic discipline, turned a historic rivalry into a one-sided examination.
Across the UK press, the only argument was about how deep Wales’ problems run.
Planet Rugby
Planet Rugby framed the match as an England statement, focusing on clarity of attack and ruthless punishment of Welsh indiscipline. Their assessment was that England didn’t chase miracles – they simply played what was in front of them and dismantled a side repeatedly reduced by yellow cards.
🔗 https://www.planetrugby.com
RugbyPass
RugbyPass led with England “running riot”, highlighting Arundell’s finishing and Ford’s authority at No 10. The tone was decisive: Wales lost control early and never recovered, leaving England to dictate tempo, territory and scoreboard.
🔗 https://www.rugbypass.com/news/england-stars-run-riot-as-wales-dismantled-in-six-nations-opener/
BBC Sport
BBC Sport focused on England’s composure, stressing how quickly the contest slipped away once Wales started collecting yellow cards. England were praised for discipline and patience – doing nothing spectacular, but everything right.
🔗 https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union
The Guardian
The Guardian called it a resounding win, pointing out England left points on the field while Wales self-destructed. Their report linked the performance to wider Welsh instability, suggesting the problems extend well beyond 80 minutes.
🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/07/england-wales-six-nations-match-report
Rugby365
Rugby365’s reaction was blunt and familiar: ill-discipline killed Wales, England simply obliged. The outcome was decided early, repeated penalties and cards ensuring no route back.
🔗 https://rugby365.com
SA Rugby Magazine
SA Rugby Mag viewed the result through a global lens – England rising, Wales regressing. Less about the score, more about trajectory, with England building momentum in winning for a 12th successive match, and Wales stuck in survival mode.
🔗 https://www.sarugbymag.co.za
Welsh response
Welsh media reaction were more sombre than angry. Discipline, fragility and a lack of physical authority were recurring themes. The concern is no longer about losing to England; it’s about how easily Wales are folding under pressure.
*Italy beat Scotland 18-15 in Saturday’s early game.
HOW THE MEDIA RATED FRANCE BEATING IRELAND 36-14
ALL THE PLAYER AND TEAM STATS FROM ROUND 1 MATCH CENTRE OF THE 2026 SIX NATIONS
International Rugby
How transformed France tortured inept Ireland in Paris
France changed players, approach and tactics to torture Ireland 36-14 in Paris in the Six Nations. We look at the difference between 2026 win and the 2025 win by France against Ireland in Dublin.
Ireland 27 France 42
Six Nations 2026 – Paris
France 36 Ireland 14
Here’s what France did differently.
1) 2026: France dominated the match. 2025: France stole it with efficiency.
Dublin 2025: Ireland had 58% possession and 53% territory, and France still won by 15. France were happy to defend for long stretches (they made 187 tackles) and then punish Ireland when the game fractured.
Paris 2026: France flipped that script. They had 55% possession and 59% territory and played the game mostly in Ireland’s half. That’s not “clinical counterpunching”. That’s control.
The tell: France ran for 588 metres in 2026 vs Ireland’s 385. In 2025 it was basically even (474 vs 477). France went from “equal metres, better strike-rate” to “more ball, more territory, more metres, more everything.”
2) 2026: France carved Ireland open. 2025: France finished better than Ireland.
Clean breaks
-
2025: France 7 clean breaks, Ireland 5 (tight margin).
-
2026: France 19 clean breaks, Ireland 5 (a gulf).
That’s the difference between a game you win and a team you hurt.
3) 2026: France’s pressure forced Irish errors at scale.
Ireland’s “handling under heat” fell apart in Paris:
-
2026 turnover knock-ons: Ireland 11, France 6
-
2025 turnover knock-ons: Ireland 7, France 3
France didn’t just wait for mistakes in 2026. They manufactured them with territory, line-speed, and contestable moments.
4) 2026: Ireland couldn’t tackle France. In 2025 they couldn’t stop France finishing.
-
2025 missed tackles: Ireland 23 (France 16)
-
2026 missed tackles: Ireland 42 (France 21)
That’s not “a few soft shoulders”. That’s structural stress: repeated breaks, repeated reloads, repeated one-on-ones lost.
5) 2026: France won the first hour. 2025: France won the key moments (and the second-half surge).
In Paris, Ireland were 29–0 down before they got going. France had already cashed the bonus point and then eased.
In Dublin, France’s big statement was the second-half blitz, after losing Antoine Dupont early (he went off around the half-hour and later it was confirmed as a cruciate injury).
So:
-
2025: a win built on resilience + clinical finishing after disruption.
-
2026: a win built on front-foot brutality + sustained dominance.
6) The halfback axis changed – and so did the type of threat.
In 2026, with Ntamack out, Jalibert started and had a direct hand in multiple tries, while Dupont called their connection “very positive.”
That matters tactically: Jalibert tends to play flatter and more visibly, and France’s attack in 2026 looked like a team choosing to rip you open in-phase, not just punish you when you overplay.
The simplest summary
Dublin 2025: France were ruthless in chaos – even while defending for long spells.
Paris 2026: France were ruthless in control – more territory, more breaks, more metres, and Ireland cracked.
This is where the regression is most obvious – and most damaging.
1) Physical dominance at the contact point
Ireland’s biggest slide is brutally simple: they are no longer winning collisions consistently.
Against France in Paris, Ireland were regularly knocked backwards in contact, which killed their ability to play fast, accurate phase rugby. Once that happens, everything else collapses – tempo, shape, decision-making.
A season earlier in Dublin, Ireland could still absorb France’s power and recycle quickly. In 2026, France dictated the gainline on both sides of the ball and Ireland were playing from behind bodies instead of on top of them.
This is the clearest regression because Ireland’s entire system is built on fast ruck ball. Take that away and the system has no oxygen.
2) Defensive resilience under sustained pressure
Ireland used to bend without breaking. They now bend, fracture, and then leak tries.
The missed-tackle spike in Paris wasn’t about effort – it was about:
-
repeated reloads
-
fatigued edge defenders
-
centres and back-three players making late, reactive reads
In Dublin 2025, Ireland could survive France’s big moments and reset. In Paris 2026, once France scored early, Ireland never regained defensive authority. The scoreline at halftime wasn’t a fluke it was the logical outcome of structural stress.
3) Attacking clarity without Johnny Sexton
This is not about nostalgia – it’s about control.
Ireland have regressed in:
-
in-game management
-
territory selection
-
when to slow down a match
In Paris, Ireland chased the game far too early, forcing passes under pressure instead of building pressure. Sexton’s absence isn’t about individual brilliance – it’s about knowing when not to play.
Ireland still have quality decision-makers, but they don’t yet have a single, dominant conductor who can steady the ship when momentum is gone.
4) Backline punch against elite defences
Ireland’s backs no longer frighten top-tier defences the way they did in 2022–2024.
Against France:
-
line breaks were rare
-
defenders were not fixed
-
edge space was never clean
France could defend honestly and aggressively, without having to overfold or gamble. That is a massive red flag.
A year ago, Ireland could create indecision. In Paris, France defended with certainty.
5) Psychological authority
This is subtle – but it matters.
Ireland used to walk onto the field believing they could impose themselves on anyone. In Paris, once France landed early blows, Ireland looked like a team hoping the storm would pass rather than one capable of changing the weather.
The best Ireland sides of recent years could absorb momentum swings and reassert control. This version struggled to do either.
The uncomfortable truth
Ireland haven’t fallen off a cliff – but they have slipped off a plateau.
They are no longer physically dominant, tactically inevitable, or psychologically imposing against the very best.
FRANCE 36 IRELAND 14: EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT
AFRICA PICKS: YOUR BEST MONEY-MAKING SIX NATIONS BETS
*CHAT supported
International Rugby
Fiery French applauded as alarm bells ring for Ireland
Conviction in the performance, but caution in the storytelling summarised the French media reaction to their brutal 36-14 Six Nations win against Ireland Paris. For the Irish, it was a case of alarm bells ringing.
France had destroyed the Irish in Dublin 42-27 a season ago having led 42-15 with 10 minutes to play. Two late tries added some comfort for Irish supporters. Then came the defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago and the humiliation against the Springboks in Dublin.
Paris was equally damning for Ireland as they were steamrolled.
France led 22 nil at half time and 29 nil after 57 minutes.
Two Irish tries between the 60th and 65th minutes offered more caution to France than hope to Ireland and the hosts finished the final five minutes attacking the Irish try line before crossing for their fifth try.
France are the bookies’ favourites to defend the Six Nations title won last season.
I asked my mate at ChatGPT to do a round up of how the Irish and French Rugby Media reacted to the match.
The Irish Times
Tone: bruised realism.
Summary: framed it as a throwback “Parisian beating” and a reminder of “bad old days” patterns, with Ireland blown away early and left trying to salvage dignity late.
Irish Independent
Tone: alarm bells, big-picture worry.
Summary: leaned into “new reality” language: Ireland didn’t lose a classic, they lost a mismatch, and the margin could have been uglier without the late rally.
Irish Examiner
Tone: sharp critique of Ireland, plus the French pace-setter angle.
Summary: sold it as France starting and finishing with a flourish while Ireland were “abject” for too long; a fast French start “filleted” Ireland before the game ever became a contest.
The Times
Tone: statement win, title warning shot.
Summary: framed it as France sending a message to the championship, with the emphasis on the bonus-point dominance, the early avalanche to 29–0, and Ireland being outmuscled and out-thought until the contest was gone.
L’Équipe (“Le Quippe”)
Tone: controlled praise with a small caution.
Summary: credited a brilliant, accurate French first-half and “seductive” spell, then noted France were less sovereign after the break when they conceded two tries that slightly stained the overall polish.
Rugbyrama
Tone: France’s tempo and discipline as the headline.
Summary: stressed how France’s pace exhausted Ireland, how clean the first-half was (discipline/accuracy), then pointed out Ireland only found daylight when France dropped intensity after building the lead.
SA Rugby Magazine
Tone: acknowledgement of quality and statement intent.
SA RugbyMag’s headlines framed the result as France making a statement in their Six Nations title defence, highlighting coach Fabien Galthié’s praise of France’s attacking display in Paris. The emphasis was on the dominance and intent shown by the defending champions rather than harsh analysis of Ireland’s shortcomings.
Rugby365
Tone: bold and definitive.
Rugby365 was unequivocal: France “made a statement” in this opener, labelling the performance a demolition job on one of the Six Nations’ traditional heavyweights. Their report leaned into the idea that France weren’t just winning they were announcing their intentions for the tournament from the first whistle.
Planet Rugby (South African audience perspective)
Tone: tactical and analytical.
Planet Rugby’s reaction, widely read by South African fans, focused on key takeaways from the match: France’s first-half masterclass, sharp player ratings (with Sam Prendergast singled out as struggling for Ireland), and how the French backs and playmakers ran the Irish defence ragged. They combined phrase-by-phrase insights with ratings and analytic angles rather than pure storytelling.
Overall SA reaction themes
South African rugby media weren’t interested in gentle language and they saw France’s dominance as clear and meaningful:
-
Statement performance: France announcing themselves as early title favourites.
-
Clinical attacking rugby: emphasis on the French backs and strategic intensity that pushed Ireland on the back foot.
-
Confirmation of expectations: the result was consistent with pre-match previews and broader Six Nations narratives.
International Rugby
Dupont gives France flex as Ireland face Paris power test
Antoine Dupont is the flex in a fantastic French match 23 that will be too powerful for Ireland in Paris in the Six Nations season opener.
Dupont alters the physics of the contest, and he adds an extra layer of muscle, authority and inevitability to a side already designed to win Test matches through force. His long injury absence is irrelevant now. What matters is what he brings back with him, and that is control, collision dominance and an edge.
Dupont is the best scrumhalf in the world and he he is the national team’s talisman.
But it is up front where all the work will be done for Dupont to play conductor. France’s selection confirm intent and physicality. It is a pack chosen for confrontation.
Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand and Dorian Aldegheri are a front row built to scrum, carry and squeeze the life out of opponents, while locks Charles Ollivon and Mickaël Guillard bring physical presence, aerial dominance and edge in the tight exchanges. The back row of François Cros, Oscar Jegou and Anthony Jelonch are physically relentless and they feed off collisions.
This is a French pack that creates the tempo and then Dupont determines the range of this tempo.
Ireland’s pack has peaked and France coach Fabian Galthie would have studied their capitulation to world champions South Africa in Dublin last November. The Boks destroyed Ireland in the scrums and the collisions.
Props Thomas Clarkson and Jeremy Loughman face an enormous examination against Gros and Aldegheri, and if Ireland concede scrum dominance, their entire game model collapses because it is built on control, rhythm and precision rather than chaos.
The French halfback pairing only amplifies that threat. Matthieu Jalibert plays flatter and faster than the Ireland flyhalves of recent seasons, and Dupont’s presence ensures defenders are constantly torn between folding around the ruck or drifting early, a dilemma that France exploit ruthlessly.
Ireland’s continued struggle to replace the authority and game management of Johnny Sexton remains an issue. Sam Prendergast is a talent, but opening a Six Nations campaign in Paris against this French pack is a brutal assignment, and he will be targeted physically and mentally.
ALL THE 2026 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES
The Irish backline, stripped of key personnel, looks noticeably less imposing as a unit. Without Hugo Keenan at fullback, without the aerial pressure and edge of Mack Hansen and James Lowe on the wings, and without the direct power of Bundee Aki at inside centre, Ireland lack the punch that previously allowed them to play beyond the gain line.
France, by contrast, look balanced and settled, with Thomas Ramos offering control and goal-kicking, Louis Bielle-Biarrey providing genuine pace, and Jalibert bringing attacking ambition, supported by centres and wings comfortable in a collision-heavy Test.
Add the significance of the Stade de France on opening night, where French energy multiplies and visiting teams feel pressure accumulate with every lost carry and every retreating scrum, and the advantage tilts decisively towards the hosts. When France dominate the gain line and Dupont starts probing around fatigued forwards, Ireland will be forced to chase a game they are no longer structurally equipped to chase.
This is not about flair or reputation, it is about force, physical authority and control, and France hold the upper hand in the pack, at scrumhalf, off the bench and in the stands.
Just as they did in last season’s match-up in Dublin, which they won comfortably 42-27, having led 42-15 with five minutes to play.
AFRICA PICKS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR FRANCE V IRELAND BETTING
My call: France 33 Ireland 22.
International Rugby
URC ROUND 11 – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Sharks host the Stormers in one of two South African URC derbies to end the first half of the league season. The Lions are at home to the Bulls in the northern derby. Here’s everything you need to know for the weekend’s Round 11 showdowns.
The South African teams have all chosen the best available squads in the last Saturday of the month and the last Saturday of URC action until the league resumes in the last weekend of February.
The Six Nations takes priority in February, with the first three rounds played before the URC starts up again for the last eight league matches and the play-offs.
The Stormers, beaten for the first time in the league last Saturday, get the chance of redemption in Durban. It was the Sharks who beat them in Cape Town. The same is true of the Lions and Bulls derby. The Lions earlier in the league, won at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Several of the Northern Hemisphere clubs are severely understrength for Round 11, as the leading current internationals have been in camp with their respective national teams preparing for next weekend’s Six Nations opening round.
It makes for a punter’s nightmare in these matches because the form guide is not a measurement with so many frontline players missing.
WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON SHARKS, STORMERS, LIONS & BULLS
AFRICA PICKS RUGBY: Keo calls the South African derbies
|
#BENvSCA
#GLAvMUN
#LIOvBUL
#SHAvSTO
#ZEBvCON
#LEIvEDI
#OSPvDRA
#ULSvCAR
|
|
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Benetton v Scarlets Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 113th league game) AR 1: Clara Munarini (FIR) AR 2: Bisetto Luca (FIR) TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU) Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Paolo Odogwu, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Nicolas Roger Farias, Andy Uren (CAPT), Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Marcos Gallorini, Giulio Marini, Eli Snyman, Alessandro Izekor, Jadin Kingi, So’otala Fa’aso’o Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Destiny Aminu, Tiziano Pasquali, Scott Scrafton, Nelson Casartelli, Alessandro Garbisi, Matt Gallagher, Filippo Drago
Scarlets: Jac Davies, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams (CAPT), Tomi Lewis; Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Archer Holz, Jac Price, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Jarrod Taylor, Fletcher Anderson Replacements: Harry Thomas, Josh Morse, Henry Thomas, Jake Ball, Dan Davis, Dane Blacker, Billy McBryde, Iori Badham Benetton Head Coach Calum MacRae said: “Scarlets are one of the Vodacom URC teams that uses the kicking game the most and builds their opportunities through territorial control. The aerial game is an area we definitely need to improve”
Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “We have looked at these Vodacom URC games, Ulster and Benetton, as a two-game series and it’s important we back up last weekend’s win – we’ve done the first bit, now our focus is on another massive game. “Benetton have recruited well, are coached well and play a good brand of rugby. Like us, they have players missing but will still be very strong. We have selected a side with a lot of talented young players who I am excited to see step up to the challenge on Friday night.” Glasgow Warriors v Munster Rugby Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 72nd league game) AR 1: Ian Kenny (SRU) AR 2: David Sutherland (SRU) TMO: Adam Jones (WRU) Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (CAPT), Kerr Yule, Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster, Ben Afshar, Jamie Bhatti, Seb Stephen, Murphy Walker, Alex Craig, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Angus Fraser, Ally Miller Replacements: Grant Stewart, Nathan McBeth, Sam Talakai, Dylan Cockburn, Sione Vailanu, Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Oliver, Matthew Urwin
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley, Thaakir Abrahams, Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron (CAPT), Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley, Seán Edogbo, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson Replacements: Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, John Ryan, Gavin Coombes, Jack O’Donoghue, Paddy Patterson, Tom Wood, Seán O’Brien Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: “We are looking forward to seeing our full squad involved this weekend, with everyone eager to finish this block in the right manner.”
“Munster are a proud club with a strong heritage of challenging across all competitions – they will be pushing for the top four once again this season and will bring a strong, physical challenge tomorrow night. “Everyone is looking forward to the test that lies ahead, and running out in front of what’s set to be another sold out Scotstoun.”
|
| SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
Lions v Vodacom Bulls Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA / 14.30 SA Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 20th league game) AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU) TMO: Egon Seconds (SARU) Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Lions: Quan Horn, Angelo Davids, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Richard Kriel, Chris Smith, Morne van den Berg, SJ Kotze, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Reinhard Nothnagel, Jarod Cairns, Batho Hlekani, Francke Horn (CAPT) Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Erich Cronje Vodacom Bulls: Devon Williams, Stravino Jacobs, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Elrich Louw, Jeandre Rudolph Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, David Kriel Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann said: “The DNA of the Lions of being a running team is still there, so I expect them to play a fast game at Ellis Park because it was always one of our go-to strategies when I coached there. I think it will be an entertaining game.” ANDRE THE GIANT SLAUGHTERS STORMERS IN CAPE TOWN Hollywoodbets Sharks v DHL Stormers Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 7th league game) AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU) TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU) Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen (CAPT), Jaco Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi Replacements: Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius DHL Stormers: Damian Willemse, Dylan Maart, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (CAPT), Cobus Reinach, Oli Kebble, André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, Adré Smith, Ruben van Heerden, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos Replacements: JJ Kotzé, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, JD Schickerling, Marcel Theunissen, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee, Warrick Gelant Zebre Parma v Connacht Rugby Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 113th league game) AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Lorenzo Pedezzi (FIR) TMO: Keith David (WRU) Live on: Sky Italia, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Zebre Parma: Giovanni Montemauri, Mirko Belloni, Giulio Bertaccini, Marco Zanon, Simone Gesi, Martin Roger Farias, Gonzalo Garcia, Paolo Buonfiglio, Giampietro Ribaldi, Enrique Pieretto, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov (CAPT), Giacomo Ferrari, Iacopo Bianchi, Davide Ruggeri Replacements: Shilo Klein, Luca Franceschetto, Juan Pitinari, Franco Carrera, Alessandro Ortombina, Thomas Dominguez, Enrico Lucchin, Bautista Stavile Connacht Rugby: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Jordan Duggan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle (CAPT), Sean O’Brien, Sean Jansen Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Niall Murray, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton, Oisín McCormack Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We were all gutted not to win last week on such a special night for the club, but we’ve had to quickly move on. The same amount of points are on offer this weekend and we know a win will keep us in the hunt for a playoff spot. We’re obviously missing the lads away on Ireland duty but overall, we’ve been able to keep selection relatively consistent these last few weeks, particularly in the backs. It’s been a long stretch of games, but we’ll do everything we can to finish it on a high and hopefully head into the next block of games with a spring in our step.”
Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby Aviva Stadium, Dublin – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 59th league game) AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Shane Gaughan (IRFU) TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR) Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Leinster Rugby: Andrew Osborne, Joshua Kenny, Rieko Ioane, Ciarán Mangan, Ruben Moloney, Charlie Tector, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Jerry Cahir, John Mckee, Andrew Sparrow, RG Snyman, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Diarmuid Mangan Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Niall Smyth, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Josh Ericson, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Hugo McLaughlin
Edinburgh Rugby: Harry Paterson, Malelili Satala, Wes Goosen, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott; Boan Venter, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Paul Hill, Callum Hunter-Hill, Glen Young, Ben Muncaster, Freddy Douglas, Magnus Bradbury (CAPT) Replacements: Harri Morris, Mikey Jones, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Tom Dodd, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Cammy Scott, Piers O’Conor Leinster Rugby Assistant Coach Robin McBryde said: “Edinburgh are a pretty cohesive bunch. I think they’ll be hurting after their result last weekend. They’ll be keen to finish this block on a high as well. It’s always good to finish on a victory before any sort of break because the result sits with you. So it’ll be tough enough. We’ve just got to improve on certain aspects of the game from last Saturday and really knuckle down.” Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Going away to Leinster is one of the toughest tests in the Vodacom URC, but it’s a challenge we’re ready to embrace – we’re going over there to have a real crack at it. “Magnus [Bradbury] resumes the captaincy and his experience in these big away fixtures is invaluable for the group. “We know exactly what we are capable of when we put it all together. The key for us this week is a complete 80-minute performance to get the result we want.” Ospreys v Dragons RFC Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Ben Connor (WRU, 7th league game) AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU) TMO: Jenny Davies (WRU) Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins, Dan Kasende, Phil Cokanasiga, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Jack Walsh (C.CAPT), Reuben Morgan-Williams, Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry (C.CAPT), Tom Botha, James Fender, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morse Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Steffan Thomas, Rhys Henry, Marco de Witt, Gwilym Evans, Cormac Foley, Max Nagy, Harri Houston Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CAPT), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Che Hope, Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie Replacements: Oli Burrows, Jordan Morris, Cebo Dlamini, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Fetuli Paea, Cai Evans Dragons RFC Coach Dale MacLeod said: “Ospreys will be tough. They are a team with a big forward pack, they general start well and are tough to beat at home. “It’s exciting that all four Welsh teams are starting to put some performances together, through all the emotion going on. “They’ll be two good teams playing, I don’t think there will be much in it, and it will be about who holds their head, stays in the game, and owns the little moments. “We’re looking forward to it, they will be too, so it’s going to be a massive challenge.” Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Rugby Affidea Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 26th league game) AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU) TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU) Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv Ulster Rugby: Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, James Hume, Ben Carson, Zac Ward, Jack Murphy, Conor McKee, Angus Bell, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Charlie Irvine, Matthew Dalton, Marcus Rea, David McCann Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Bryan O’Connor Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, David Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Ioan Lloyd, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen, Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally (CAPT), George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Lucas de la Rua, Aled Davies, Elijah Evans, Leigh Halfpenny Cardiff Rugby Coach Corniel van Zyl said: “There’s a real excitement about going up to Belfast and putting in a good performance. That’s been the big aim for the week. “Like every club at this stage of the season, we’re in the same boat. We are missing players to the international game, and it tests our squad. But it is an opportunity and that’s how we’re treating it. “What we’ve seen from Ulster is a team that’s very good at keeping the ball in hand and moving the point of contact. We’ll have to be very good defensively to stay in front of them and keep them out. “They’re very potent in the 22. They’re probably one of the top teams for points scored per entry, so we’ll have to be smart around that.” |
International Rugby
Brilliant Bordeaux bulldoze bewildered Bulls
Bordeaux arrived at Loftus as reigning Investec Champions Cup winners and played like a side intent on keeping the crown. The French giants dismantled a disjointed Bulls outfit 46-33, producing a display that was composed, ruthless and dripping with international class, writes Mark Keohane.
And yes – the Bulls somehow led 33-22 at halftime.
The hosts scored five tries in 40 minutes yet never looked in control. The scoreboard offered false comfort and little else.
Bordeaux’s rhythm, tempo and accuracy suggested they were always the side dictating the contest, even when chasing the game.
Bordeaux travelled with 16 internationals in their match-day squad and their stars delivered. With Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert running the game like seasoned Test generals, and with Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey finishing with the brutality expected of world-class wings, the Pretoria crowd saw the gulf between elite European champions and a South African side still searching for cohesion.
It was breathless early on.
Bordeaux were seven points clear inside three minutes. The Bulls replied, faltered, struck back again, conceded again, and then surged with three late first-half tries. It looked dramatic on paper, but on the field the French were calmer, more accurate and operating with a clarity the Bulls could not match.
Jalibert toyed with the defence, his footwork and timing repeatedly opening space for a slick midfield. Bielle-Biarrey crossed twice, Penaud added to his outrageous tournament tally, and Bordeaux’s pack kept supplying clean, quick ball.
Once the second half kicked off, the Bulls vanished as an attacking threat. The champions tightened their grip, erased the deficit, and moved into a commanding lead with the kind of composure that wins knockout matches.
The Bulls had chances to claw it back to a single-score game, but their basics imploded. A crucial line-out was lost, the scrum wobbled, and the handling in the backline betrayed panic rather than purpose. Bordeaux, on the counter, could easily have added more.
This was a thorough reminder of what a title-winning squad looks like. Seven tries, four conversions and a penalty told the story.
Handré Pollard was solid early, kicked four from five, but a yellow card and two poor decisions shifted momentum the wrong way. De Klerk and Moodie worked tirelessly on the wings, and the loose trio put in the hard metres, but collectively the Bulls were outclassed.
And the biggest red flag: defence.
It hasn’t been good in the URC and it was worse here. Too many missed one-on-one tackles. Too little scramble. Too little structure. Bordeaux didn’t so much pick locks as walk through open doors.
With just 7,300 supporters turning up, the Bulls needed to deliver something worthy of their faithful. Instead, they teased with ten minutes of excellence and followed it with forty minutes of confusion and concession.
Bordeaux left Pretoria looking every bit a team chasing consecutive European titles. The Bulls left with more questions than answers, too few of them comforting.
Scorers
Bulls
Tries: Sebastian de Klerk, Reinhardt Ludwig, Akker van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Jeandré Rudolph
Conversions: Handré Pollard (4)
Bordeaux
Tries: Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey (2), Maxime Lamothe, Boris Palu, Matthieu Jalibert, Salesi Rayasi
Conversions: Jalibert (3), Maxime Lucu
Penalty: Jalibert
BULLS – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Marcell Coetzee (c), 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Bench: 16 Johann Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Jeandré Rudolph, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Stravino Jacobs.
BORDEAUX BÈGLES – 15 Romain Buros, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu (c), 8 Temo Matiu, 7 Cameron Woki, 6 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Boris Palu, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 Maxime Lamothe, 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Bench: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Matis Perchaud, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Jonny Gray, 20 Tiaan Jacobs, 21 Arthur Retiere, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Salesi Rayasi.
International Rugby
Super Stormers dream of Investec Champions Cup glory
John Dobson’s super Stormers are starting to dream of Investec Champions Cup glory after a stunning away win against Bayonne in France in the 2025/26 season’s opening round.
The Stormers won 26-17, despite being a player down for the final half hour.
Dobson was thrilled with the win, coming a week after a history-making first win the URC against Munster in Limerick, Ireland.
The Stormers, who are six from six in the URC, return to South Africa to play another French giant, La Rochelle next weekend. It won’t be in Cape Town as the DHL Stadium is not available and the match will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Dobson mixed and matched for the Bayonne showdown, but pre-match insisted he had picked a match 23 good enough and talented enough to win against Bayonne, who had lost just once at home in the 2024/25 season in all competitions.
Dobson entrusted the talented 21 year-old scrum half Imad Khan to start and the former Bishops pupil and SA Schools star produced a Player of the Match performance. Loose-forward Paul de Villiers, the former SA under 20 captain, was against outstanding, having been the Player of the Match in Limerick a week ago.
WATCH: MATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STORMERS WIN V BAYONNE
Several of the Stormers backs are not regular starting options, which makes the win that much more impressive, but Dobson said it was a credit to the depth within the squad that results like the one in Bayonne are possible without the likes of Springboks Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach and Warrick Gelant, with the backline quartet not in action in Bayonne.
The Stormers made twelve line breaks to Bayonne’s two, but will lament not being more accurate in their finishing.
SA TEAMS CHASE THEIR FIRST STAR
Loose-forwards De Villiers (14 tackles), BJ Dixon (10) and Ruan Ackermann (7) were strong defensively and lock Connor Evans made 11 tackles. Dixon secured five line out takes, the most for the Stormers, and De Villiers’ all-round contribution was impressive, winning two turnovers, one offload, a line break, nine carries, and 21 metres on attack. He also beat four defenders, as did fullback Simelane.
Dixon (70 minutes), Ackermann (48) and Roos (42), were strong in their carries.
AFRICA PICKS: PICK THE STORMERS TO WIN
Clinton Swart, in his first start at flyhalf kicked two conversions and four penalties for 16 points, while fullback Wandisile Simelane made the most attacking metres (94).
The Stormers line out return was 100 percent.
Bayonne:
Tries: Mori, Erbinartagaray, Paulos
Con: Segonds
DHL Stormers:
Tries: Khan, De Villiers
Cons: Swart 2
Pens: Swart 4
DHL Stormers: 15 Wandisile Simelane, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Jonathan Roche, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Ruan Ackermann, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adré Smith, 20 JD Schickerling, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Ruhan Nel.
BREAKDOWN OF ALL STORMERS AND BAYONNE”S PLAYER AND TEAM STATISTICS
International Rugby
Investec Champions Cup: Bulls back their Boks to bully Bordeaux
The Bulls are backing their Boks to bully champions Bordeaux of France in this weekend’s opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, writes Mark Keohane.
Every Bulls player on tour with the Springboks in November will be involved as the Bulls look to maker a statement performance against last season’s champions.
Bordeaux and the Bulls played each other at Loftus in the 2024 Pool Stages, with the Bulls winning a 12-try thriller 46-40. Both teams scored six tries two seasons ago and the difference ultimately proved two penalty kicks.
Handre Pollard, the king of kickers, returns to Loftus for his first start in the Champions Cup in the colours of the Bulls. Pollard’s previous Champions Cup history had been with French club Montpellier and English club Leicester.
Pollard will be significant to any Bulls challenge in the greatest club competition in the world, but it is the potency of a power bench that will be the determining factor in this match.
The starting front row from the Springboks 73-0 against Wales in Cardiff a week ago, are on the bench in Gerhard Steenekamp, Johann Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw. Ruan Nortje, the Boks form lock, is among the replacements, as are Elrigh Louw and Embrose Papier, who have played for the Springboks.
AFRICA PICKS: HOW TO CASH IN ON BULLS, SHARKS AND STORMERS
Louw will start his first match in a year after a lengthy spell out of the game because of injury.
Springboks flyer Canan Moodie links up with Springboks Test Centurion Willie le Roux in a back three complimented by the talents of winger Sebastian de Klerk and current Bok Marco van Staaden joins former Bok Marcelle Coetzee in the back row.
There are 13 Springboks in the match 23, with eight of them part of the Springboks 2025 squads. That includes Elrigh Louw, who was picked in the initial squads but did not play because of injury rehabilitation.
WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON THE BULLS, STORMERS AND SHARKS
The Stormers have also mixed and matched for their opening round at Bayonne, where the hosts only home defeat last season was to the Bulls in the Champions Cup.
Boks back superstars Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach were not considered for the match, given their heavy workloads for the Stormers and Boks over the past two months, but Boks flanker BJ Dixon will play.
The Sharks, who play six-times champions Toulouse, are without several of their current Boks, but will still field a match 23 with international experience.
It is unlikely to be enough to prevent a one-side beating, given the Sharks struggles all season in the URC.
BORDEAUX BÈGLES – 15 Romain Buros, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu (c), 8 Temo Matiu, 7 Cameron Woki, 6 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Boris Palu, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 Maxime Lamothe, 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Bench: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Matis Perchaud, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Jonny Gray, 20 Tiaan Jacobs, 21 Arthur Retiere, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Salesi Rayasi.
SOUTH AFRICA’S INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP TRIO CHASE THEIR FIRST STAR
International Rugby
Van Graan’s true impact at Munster revisited
If ever there was a weekend to revisit Johann van Graan’s time at Munster then this is surely the one. And it could be that history is starting to pass more favourable judgement on his time there, and certainly of him as a coach. It should do.
As Bath host Munster in the Investec Champions Cup, in part this view is coloured by what van Graan has achieved at the Rec. On foot of leaving Munster in 2022, van Graan took over a side marooned at the foot of the English Premiership. Their rise since has been remarkable.
They ended that first season with a four-game winning run to finish eighth and qualify for the Champions Cup, where they reached the knockout stages for the first time in ages.
In his second season, Bath reached the Champions Cup knockout stages again and also finished second in the Premiership, only to lose the final to Northampton 25-21. Perhaps the biggest measure of the esteem in which he is held at Bath is that during that campaign van Graan signed a six-year extension up to 2029-30.
The club’s CEO Tarquin McDonald told TNT Sports: “We brought in an exceptional head coach and, really importantly, backed him. He’s a selfless leader. Genuinely it’s about team first and club first, and that’s so important.
“We extended Johann’s contract out to 2030 and the last time we went into a second cycle with a head coach was Jack Rowell, who was with us from ’78 to ’94; our first golden era as we like to call it, and, crazily, since then we’ve never been through a second cycle with a head coach.
“Where we are now, there’s continuity, which is absolutely vital for sporting success.”
The wisdom in that long-term extension was demonstrated last season, when Bath not only topped the table but hoovered up a treble of Premiership Cup (so ending a 17-year trophy drought), Challenge Cup and Premiership, which was their first league title in 29 years.
This is particularly ironic as the main source of criticism directed at can Graan is that his five seasons at Munster were trophyless. Yet, while Munster won the URC title under Graham Rowntree in 2022-23, is that too crude a yardstick?
Van Graan was derided for pointing to Munster’s 80 per cent winning record in his fifth season there. Yet it is true, and it has never been matched in Munster’s three completed seasons since. Indeed, Munster’s 67 per cent winning ratio overall in van Graan’s five seasons at Munster has dropped to 55.5 per cent in the three campaigns that followed.
Munster were also much more consistent, knocking on the door every season in both competitions. They reached three semi-finals and a final of what is now the URC before invariably running into the machine that was Leinster. In the Champions Cup, Munster also reached two semi-finals, a quarter-final and a round of 16. In the last three seasons they’ve had two last-16 exits and one quarter-final after that epic win in La Rochelle. That was their only knockout win in the Champions Cup since van Graan moved on.
His Wikipedia page says: “Van Graan’s Munster legacy is debated”. It adds: “While he took them to five semi-finals and a final, he never won a trophy. Some critics perceived his style as overly conservative.
“However, figures such as Simon Zebo have defended his record, describing Van Graan as a ‘master tactician’.”
Zebo told The Irish Times this week: “He goes into unbelievable detail. I would rate him very highly as a coach. He’s very good at finding little gaps or weaknesses in the opposition and he’s unbelievable at filling you with confidence and detail. He creates a very good environment. I enjoyed working with him and he’s a gentleman.”
Current players and coaches at Munster have said the same these past few weeks. In discussing his time at Munster, Tadhg Beirne told me, without being prompted: “I thought Johann was incredible when he was in there. I thought at times he got a hard rap for what he did, but in terms of the circumstances and what he was producing, it was very impressive.”
Beirne is not surprised by what van Graan has achieved at Bath.
“No, but if you look at his track record at Munster, he was getting us to semi-finals and finals all the time. I thought he was an unbelievable coach.
“I got on unbelievably well with him, and I thought he managed the group quite well. I thought he got the best out of a lot of players. I know, obviously, there’s going to be a lot of players who dislike him, because that’s like any coach, if you’re not playing, I suppose, as well, it’s easier not to like someone.
“I don’t know what the situation was in Munster at the time, but he probably wasn’t able to bring in the people he would have liked to have brought in. But what he achieved with us was still pretty impressive. It’s just you would have liked to have seen him have silverware on top of it, because I think he was deserving of it.”
John Hodnett was given his first Munster cap by van Graan, and admits his view is coloured by that.
“You always remember the coach that gave you your first cap, and he gave me my first cap. So yeah, I’d have good time for him. He’s a nice way about him. He’s a very nice man. He has a good plan in place. He gets good people in.”
Asked about van Graan’s legacy at Munster this week, Denis Leamy said: “Johann is a brilliant coach. He’s very highly rated. One thing that I’ve noticed here, you’ll never hear anyone say anything bad about Johann. He’s always spoken about in a really positive light.
“My own experiences with him have been nothing but insightful and he’s very generous with his knowledge. I worked with him here for maybe three months when I was working with the academy and I just thought he was a fountain of knowledge.
“It’s great to see him push on and achieve such great things with Bath over the last couple of years. They won three trophies last year, so fair play to him. It’s a great sign of his progression.”
-
KEO News Wire7 days agoSouth Africa’s State of Origin – our Schools system works
-
KEO News Wire2 days agoMarkus Muller will play for the Springboks in 2026
-
KEO News Wire4 days agoClarity beats clutter as lethal Lions outthink and outplay the Stormers
-
KEO News Wire4 days agoBrutal Bulls. Beautiful rugby. Bumper crowd.
-
KEO News Wire2 days agoVodacom URC latest: South Africa’s road to the play-offs
AI Music Generator
1st December 2025 at 2:52 am
Really interesting to see a partnership that doesn’t just throw numbers at fans but actually works on turning that data into context and narrative. A lot of supporters want to understand the ‘why’ behind performances or predictions, so this feels like it could bridge that gap nicely. Curious to see how the added analytical depth shapes match discussions going forward.
🫠 Dating for sex. Let's Go > yandex.com/poll/LZW8GPQdJg3xe5C7gt95bD?hs=58c5219a9dfe76f79e6121744980d891& Reminder # 6372 🫠
5th December 2025 at 9:31 pm
wkchav
Gayle Bach
16th December 2025 at 11:47 am
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a speculative conclusion great post! .
fdertolmrtokev
19th December 2025 at 2:19 pm
This really answered my problem, thank you!
alquiler de camiones en valencia
30th December 2025 at 1:03 am
Wonderful website. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks on your effort!
esterillas de yoga
30th December 2025 at 6:30 am
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
🤤🍆 Adult Dating. Okay ➡️ yandex.com/poll/43o224okZdReGRb1Q8PXXJ?hs=58c5219a9dfe76f79e6121744980d891& Scheduled Reminder № SSVM6256669 🤤🍆
3rd January 2026 at 9:52 pm
e63zkw
watch cfl online
13th January 2026 at 8:51 am
This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Auditar Google Analytics 4
13th January 2026 at 5:03 pm
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
live cfl stream
13th January 2026 at 6:21 pm
What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you are not actually much more well-favored than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably in terms of this topic, produced me for my part believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved until it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time maintain it up!
pet friendly praia do rosa
13th January 2026 at 10:18 pm
There are some attention-grabbing deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There may be some validity but I’ll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
rateio pra concurso
14th January 2026 at 2:12 am
It’s onerous to search out knowledgeable individuals on this topic, however you sound like you recognize what you’re speaking about! Thanks
free tennis live stream qatar
14th January 2026 at 5:00 am
I will immediately snatch your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognize in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
assistência técnica ar condicionado
14th January 2026 at 1:48 pm
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to look more posts like this .
luxury car rental Malaysia
14th January 2026 at 9:47 pm
hey there and thank you in your information – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did then again expertise several technical issues the usage of this website, as I experienced to reload the site lots of occasions prior to I may get it to load correctly. I were considering in case your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading circumstances occasions will sometimes affect your placement in google and could harm your high-quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could glance out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this once more soon..
onewave solar water heater Malaysia
15th January 2026 at 1:28 am
Regards for this post, I am a big big fan of this site would like to go on updated.
gullybet official site
15th January 2026 at 7:39 am
I would like to express some thanks to this writer just for rescuing me from this type of issue. As a result of researching throughout the the net and coming across notions which are not helpful, I figured my life was well over. Living minus the answers to the problems you’ve solved by means of the guideline is a critical case, as well as the kind which could have badly affected my career if I had not noticed the website. Your primary understanding and kindness in handling all the pieces was vital. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a stuff like this. I am able to at this point look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for this high quality and amazing guide. I won’t think twice to propose your blog post to any individual who should have support about this matter.
Automotive College in Malaysia
15th January 2026 at 8:01 am
he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks
entrega de presentes em recife
15th January 2026 at 9:46 am
Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
klia limousine
15th January 2026 at 2:36 pm
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
tlover tonet
15th January 2026 at 5:36 pm
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
Techtrics Auto
15th January 2026 at 7:36 pm
Good write-up, I¦m regular visitor of one¦s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
techxa airmatic
15th January 2026 at 11:39 pm
whoah this blog is magnificent i love studying your articles. Stay up the great paintings! You understand, lots of persons are searching round for this information, you could aid them greatly.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 10:23 am
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a great web site.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 12:55 pm
Very interesting topic, thankyou for putting up.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 3:07 pm
As I web site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling great , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
kilat333
16th January 2026 at 6:12 pm
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent site!
object storage
16th January 2026 at 9:32 pm
I am glad for writing to let you understand what a useful encounter our child gained browsing your web page. She realized so many details, not to mention what it is like to possess a very effective helping nature to let the mediocre ones without hassle learn some complicated subject areas. You undoubtedly surpassed visitors’ expected results. Many thanks for distributing these essential, trustworthy, revealing and even unique tips on this topic to Emily.
backdrop banner
17th January 2026 at 5:00 am
As soon as I detected this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
miototo
17th January 2026 at 6:55 am
With every thing that seems to be building within this particular area, a significant percentage of viewpoints are generally somewhat radical. Nonetheless, I appologize, but I do not subscribe to your whole theory, all be it refreshing none the less. It would seem to everybody that your opinions are generally not totally rationalized and in reality you are your self not fully certain of your point. In any event I did take pleasure in reading it.
dkwinapp.com
17th January 2026 at 7:17 pm
I rattling thankful to find this internet site on bing, just what I was looking for : D also saved to fav.
neurodyne review
17th January 2026 at 11:08 pm
Its fantastic as your other articles : D, thankyou for putting up.
kilat333
18th January 2026 at 6:18 am
Thankyou for helping out, fantastic information.
kerassentials
18th January 2026 at 10:01 am
Yay google is my king aided me to find this outstanding web site! .
gelatin trick recipe
18th January 2026 at 12:56 pm
Keep up the excellent piece of work, I read few posts on this web site and I believe that your site is very interesting and has got circles of great info .
neuro sharp
18th January 2026 at 2:15 pm
I like your writing style genuinely loving this internet site.
kilat333
18th January 2026 at 5:29 pm
Some genuinely nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, also I conceive the style has great features.
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 7:43 pm
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So nice to search out any individual with some original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is one thing that is wanted on the net, someone with a bit originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the web!
gelatin trick
18th January 2026 at 8:26 pm
you are in point of fact a just right webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a great job in this topic!
pcxwin
18th January 2026 at 11:06 pm
Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Excellent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
gelatin trick recipe
19th January 2026 at 2:56 am
Rattling great info can be found on weblog.
ladang88
19th January 2026 at 2:51 pm
Great write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s site, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
susterslot
19th January 2026 at 9:48 pm
Some truly interesting details you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was searching for : D.
lgopro99
19th January 2026 at 10:55 pm
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.
automotive marketing agency
20th January 2026 at 12:18 am
I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
lgopro99
20th January 2026 at 12:38 am
Well I truly liked reading it. This post offered by you is very effective for proper planning.
lgopro99
20th January 2026 at 4:09 am
Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
servicios integrales para eventos
20th January 2026 at 5:32 am
I was examining some of your articles on this website and I conceive this internet site is really instructive! Retain posting.
top up royal dream
20th January 2026 at 6:36 am
I think other web site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and great user genial style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!
rtp slot live
20th January 2026 at 12:01 pm
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for posting.
royal138
20th January 2026 at 4:36 pm
Its superb as your other posts : D, thankyou for putting up.
zaborna torilon
21st January 2026 at 7:00 pm
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
kilat333
22nd January 2026 at 7:54 am
whoah this weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are looking round for this info, you could help them greatly.
best electric razor
22nd January 2026 at 11:55 am
Appreciate it for this post, I am a big fan of this web site would like to continue updated.
simple vision protocol
22nd January 2026 at 3:49 pm
fantastic submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
fizzclean review
22nd January 2026 at 5:10 pm
You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and rarely run out from to post .
flixy tv
23rd January 2026 at 7:32 am
What i do not understood is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!
nuroclean reviews
23rd January 2026 at 2:54 pm
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
nuroclean review
23rd January 2026 at 5:30 pm
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
wellaheat socks review
23rd January 2026 at 11:24 pm
Its fantastic as your other articles : D, thankyou for putting up. “Before borrowing money from a friend it’s best to decide which you need most.” by Joe Moore.
lk21
24th January 2026 at 2:29 am
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re utilizing? I’m having some small security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any recommendations?
wellaheat socks review
24th January 2026 at 4:54 am
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
wuffy robot puppy
24th January 2026 at 10:18 am
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Magnificent job!
copacabana joias
24th January 2026 at 10:49 am
I went over this website and I conceive you have a lot of fantastic information, saved to fav (:.
iblbet login
24th January 2026 at 4:26 pm
Hello there, I discovered your website via Google at the same time as searching for a comparable topic, your site came up, it appears great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
wuffy robot puppy
24th January 2026 at 5:11 pm
I just could not depart your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts
kilat333
24th January 2026 at 9:13 pm
Hi there, simply turned into aware of your weblog through Google, and located that it is really informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels. I will be grateful in the event you proceed this in future. A lot of folks might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
teste iptv 6 horas xciptv
25th January 2026 at 2:39 pm
Some really good posts on this web site, thanks for contribution. “Such evil deeds could religion prompt.” by Lucretius.
lotto champ
25th January 2026 at 7:17 pm
I am glad to be a visitor of this perfect website! , thanks for this rare information! .
IP Testing Equipment
25th January 2026 at 8:30 pm
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
men balance pro
25th January 2026 at 11:54 pm
Attractive element of content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your weblog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing for your feeds or even I success you get admission to consistently rapidly.
Enterprise Collaboration Software
26th January 2026 at 12:18 am
Good day very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?KI’m glad to find a lot of useful info right here within the submit, we need work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
boostaro review
26th January 2026 at 3:16 am
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
7pwin
26th January 2026 at 4:51 am
As a Newbie, I am always exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
slim burn
26th January 2026 at 6:56 am
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
OLXTOTO
26th January 2026 at 10:08 am
excellent post.Ne’er knew this, thankyou for letting me know.
optivell review
26th January 2026 at 1:14 pm
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
kilat333
27th January 2026 at 12:17 am
You are my aspiration, I own few web logs and very sporadically run out from to post .
gelatin trick recipe
27th January 2026 at 1:03 am
What i do not understood is in reality how you’re no longer really a lot more smartly-favored than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore significantly when it comes to this subject, produced me in my view consider it from so many various angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it?¦s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
slot gacor
27th January 2026 at 8:29 am
You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and often run out from to brand.
kilat333
27th January 2026 at 12:51 pm
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
백링크
27th January 2026 at 3:34 pm
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, appreciate it for all the great posts.
iptv smarters pro assinar
27th January 2026 at 5:18 pm
Loving the info on this internet site, you have done great job on the posts.
Chinese green tea
28th January 2026 at 3:12 pm
I truly enjoy studying on this site, it has got great articles. “Something unpredictable but in the end it’s right, I hope you have the time of your life.” by Greenday.
platform for job search
30th January 2026 at 1:11 am
Thank you for sharing with us, I conceive this website truly stands out : D.
iptv subscriptions
30th January 2026 at 12:04 pm
This actually answered my downside, thanks!
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 12:06 pm
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have developed some nice methods and we are looking to exchange methods with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.
gelatin trick recipe
30th January 2026 at 3:01 pm
My brother recommended I would possibly like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not believe simply how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thank you!
tlover tonet
30th January 2026 at 3:21 pm
I went over this website and I conceive you have a lot of superb information, bookmarked (:.
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 7:50 pm
Enjoyed looking through this, very good stuff, regards.
gelatin trick
30th January 2026 at 10:37 pm
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to provide something back and help others like you helped me.
gelatin trick
31st January 2026 at 8:50 am
It?¦s really a great and useful piece of information. I?¦m glad that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
nustar gcash
31st January 2026 at 12:46 pm
NuStar is commonly recognized as a digital brand associated with online platform services. The name is often used to describe a unified ecosystem where users can access content through web-based or app-based interfaces, focusing on convenience and accessibility.
gelatin trick
31st January 2026 at 2:36 pm
whoah this blog is great i really like reading your articles. Keep up the great paintings! You realize, a lot of individuals are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.
ghdrol
31st January 2026 at 5:46 pm
I carry on listening to the news broadcast speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?
role of ethical hackers in network security
1st February 2026 at 5:02 pm
You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually something that I think I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me. I’m having a look forward in your subsequent post, I¦ll try to get the hold of it!
ethical hacking penetration testing services
1st February 2026 at 7:37 pm
You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent website .
ethical hacking vulnerabilities
2nd February 2026 at 1:23 am
I just couldn’t depart your site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 4:03 am
Dead written articles, appreciate it for information .
jili
2nd February 2026 at 6:50 am
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 9:26 am
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks , I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
Customised nets Flashpay card
2nd February 2026 at 11:53 am
Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Fantastic job!
ethical hacker job description
2nd February 2026 at 11:58 am
There is apparently a lot to know about this. I believe you made certain nice points in features also.
ethical hacking tools
2nd February 2026 at 4:40 pm
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your web site in web explorer, might test this… IE still is the market leader and a big section of folks will leave out your excellent writing because of this problem.
top up royal dream
2nd February 2026 at 8:19 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.
ethical hackers vs black-hat hackers
2nd February 2026 at 8:30 pm
Great goods from you, man. I have consider your stuff prior to and you’re just too magnificent. I actually like what you have bought right here, really like what you are stating and the way in which in which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay it sensible. I can’t wait to learn much more from you. That is really a terrific web site.
penetration testing and ethical hackers
3rd February 2026 at 2:29 am
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I would like to see extra posts like this .
shipping agent
3rd February 2026 at 10:16 pm
I have recently started a web site, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
metal laser processing equipment
3rd February 2026 at 11:52 pm
I am always searching online for tips that can help me. Thanks!
david hoffmeister
4th February 2026 at 8:10 am
Some genuinely excellent content on this site, thank you for contribution. “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.” by E. B. White.
pcxwin
4th February 2026 at 8:44 am
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂
when is the best time to take a probiotic
4th February 2026 at 4:50 pm
I am constantly browsing online for articles that can facilitate me. Thx!
flixy tv smart
4th February 2026 at 4:54 pm
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely worth enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
flixy tv
4th February 2026 at 8:53 pm
I will immediately snatch your rss as I can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
vigor long review
4th February 2026 at 10:50 pm
As a Newbie, I am permanently searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
tesla begagnad
5th February 2026 at 3:25 am
Real wonderful visual appeal on this site, I’d rate it 10 10.
newonlinecasinoaustralia
5th February 2026 at 9:22 am
Free kick walls, defensive organization and block statistics
boostaro
5th February 2026 at 3:06 pm
I do love the way you have framed this particular matter and it does present me personally some fodder for thought. Nevertheless, because of what I have seen, I basically wish as other opinions pack on that people today stay on point and don’t get started on a tirade associated with some other news du jour. Yet, thank you for this exceptional point and although I can not really concur with the idea in totality, I value your viewpoint.
แบบ การ์ด แต่งงาน
6th February 2026 at 5:25 am
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
เสริมคาง กินหมูกระทะ ได้ไหม
6th February 2026 at 7:54 am
Thanks so much for giving everyone a very splendid possiblity to read critical reviews from this site. It is always so enjoyable and as well , stuffed with a great time for me and my office fellow workers to visit your website minimum thrice per week to see the fresh secrets you have got. And lastly, I am also certainly motivated with your special creative ideas you serve. Selected two facts on this page are really the most beneficial we have all had.
วิธีทํา ปากกระจับ ด้วยตัวเอง
6th February 2026 at 8:00 am
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025
6th February 2026 at 3:23 pm
I really enjoy reading on this site, it has fantastic blog posts. “Violence commands both literature and life, and violence is always crude and distorted.” by Ellen Glasgow.
Concurso MPE CE 2025
6th February 2026 at 10:48 pm
I reckon something genuinely special in this website .
kilat333
7th February 2026 at 11:44 am
I¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i¦m satisfied to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I such a lot definitely will make sure to don¦t forget this site and give it a glance regularly.
indocair
7th February 2026 at 2:50 pm
I definitely wanted to compose a comment to be able to thank you for those awesome pointers you are sharing on this site. My prolonged internet look up has at the end of the day been recognized with wonderful know-how to write about with my best friends. I ‘d assume that we site visitors actually are quite lucky to dwell in a good site with so many marvellous individuals with good plans. I feel rather happy to have seen your entire site and look forward to many more fun minutes reading here. Thanks a lot once more for a lot of things.
bandar toto togel
7th February 2026 at 4:43 pm
You have observed very interesting details! ps nice site.
ovalpools
7th February 2026 at 7:19 pm
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
seoul massage
7th February 2026 at 10:32 pm
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a entertainment account it. Glance complex to far brought agreeable from you! However, how can we keep up a correspondence?
codigo unitv
8th February 2026 at 8:45 pm
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.
fornecedor iptv
8th February 2026 at 11:04 pm
You got a very excellent website, Gladiola I found it through yahoo.
kilat333
9th February 2026 at 1:11 am
Hi there! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
fdertol mrtokev
9th February 2026 at 5:08 am
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually frustrating. A good web site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
noticias fútbol femenino
9th February 2026 at 7:55 am
Can I just say what a relief to search out somebody who truly knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know how you can carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra folks need to learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant believe youre no more in style because you definitely have the gift.
linetogel
9th February 2026 at 2:18 pm
Excellent site. Lots of helpful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!
pcxwin
9th February 2026 at 5:25 pm
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
🦴 Sorry wrong 😅 but check anyway → yandex.com/poll/rJkat1yfeum4pj8yWHe6q?hs=58c5219a9dfe76f79e6121744980d891& 🦴
10th February 2026 at 12:43 pm
7wcwgx
bingo plus update download
10th February 2026 at 5:47 pm
bingoplus ph refers to the Philippine-facing version of Bingo Plus, tailored for users located in the Philippines.
assistência técnica ar condicionado electrolux em sp
11th February 2026 at 12:58 am
Very interesting topic, thanks for posting.
homestay idukki
11th February 2026 at 4:49 am
Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
AI girlfriend
11th February 2026 at 6:26 am
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
갤럭시가라오케
11th February 2026 at 9:58 am
What i do not realize is in truth how you’re no longer really a lot more well-appreciated than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You already know thus significantly in relation to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved unless it is something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. At all times take care of it up!
강남 좋아요 쩜오
11th February 2026 at 2:19 pm
There’s noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made sure good points in options also.
consultoria tributaria sp
11th February 2026 at 2:52 pm
Dead written articles, appreciate it for entropy. “He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.” by Michel de Montaigne.
gelatin trick
11th February 2026 at 3:43 pm
You have brought up a very good details, regards for the post.
gelatin trick
11th February 2026 at 7:33 pm
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I include a portion of your post to my site?
송파가라오케
11th February 2026 at 11:19 pm
You need to take part in a contest for probably the greatest blogs on the web. I’ll advocate this site!
gelatin trick recipe
12th February 2026 at 3:15 am
Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Magnificent job!
gelatin trick
12th February 2026 at 6:25 am
Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my blog?
강남가라오케
12th February 2026 at 7:25 am
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
bariatric gelatin trick recipe
12th February 2026 at 10:54 am
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear idea
notícias locais hoje
12th February 2026 at 12:07 pm
I?¦m no longer certain where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time studying much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
선릉가라오케
12th February 2026 at 1:20 pm
Great V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
casimon türkiye
12th February 2026 at 2:19 pm
Very nice post and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
gelatin trick for weight loss
12th February 2026 at 7:20 pm
I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the web can be much more useful than ever before.
teslatoto login
13th February 2026 at 12:59 am
Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with almost all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .
david hoffmeister spotify
13th February 2026 at 12:51 pm
I’m impressed, I have to say. Really rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you could have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the difficulty is something that not sufficient people are speaking intelligently about. I am very joyful that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing relating to this.
farmacia especializada puebla
13th February 2026 at 2:40 pm
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Carreiras Jurídicas Damásio 2025
14th February 2026 at 2:56 pm
Really fantastic info can be found on site. “The fundamental defect of fathers is that they want their children to be a credit to them.” by Bertrand Russell.
Técnico de Controle Interno Bezerros
14th February 2026 at 4:36 pm
As a Newbie, I am continuously exploring online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Curso Pós-Edital AlfaCon 2025
15th February 2026 at 12:00 am
Your house is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Curso Pós-Edital Estratégia 2025
15th February 2026 at 2:42 am
What i do not realize is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025
15th February 2026 at 6:30 am
Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
Preparatório Promotor de Justiça 2025
15th February 2026 at 9:20 am
I do believe all the concepts you’ve introduced for your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for novices. May just you please extend them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
slot mahjong
16th February 2026 at 1:54 am
Great article and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thx 🙂
slot depo 5k
16th February 2026 at 5:18 am
What i do not realize is in reality how you’re not actually much more neatly-preferred than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You already know thus considerably with regards to this topic, made me individually believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like men and women are not involved except it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always handle it up!
iptv
16th February 2026 at 7:16 am
Very great visual appeal on this web site, I’d rate it 10 10.
deposit 5000
17th February 2026 at 12:49 am
I am continually invstigating online for ideas that can facilitate me. Thx!
situs mantap555
17th February 2026 at 4:10 am
This site can be a walk-by for the entire information you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll positively uncover it.
tlovertonet
19th February 2026 at 5:51 am
But wanna say that this is invaluable, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
gelatin trick
19th February 2026 at 9:11 am
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!
gelatin trick recipe
19th February 2026 at 9:13 am
Magnificent site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!
situs toto
20th February 2026 at 6:44 am
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
gelatin trick
20th February 2026 at 2:33 pm
I wanted to create you the little note so as to thank you very much yet again on the pleasing basics you have shared above. This has been really strangely generous with you to allow without restraint precisely what some people would have offered for sale for an ebook to get some cash on their own, principally seeing that you could have tried it if you considered necessary. The basics also served like the easy way to be sure that other individuals have the same interest much like my very own to figure out a whole lot more around this matter. I know there are many more enjoyable periods up front for individuals who read your site.
https://odougkp.ru/obzor-izzi-kazino/
20th February 2026 at 9:21 pm
Some genuinely interesting points you have written.Helped me a lot, just what I was searching for :D.
https://odougkp.ru/obzor-kazino-gizbo/
20th February 2026 at 9:57 pm
Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing for your augment and even I success you access consistently rapidly.
translation agency England
21st February 2026 at 12:01 am
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you simply can do with a few to force the message home a bit, but instead of that, that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.
gelatin trick
21st February 2026 at 1:54 am
I besides believe thus, perfectly written post! .
gelatin trick
21st February 2026 at 2:13 am
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
bandar slot online
22nd February 2026 at 8:21 pm
I precisely wanted to thank you so much yet again. I do not know the things I could possibly have created in the absence of the entire tips shown by you relating to that concern. It became a very frightening setting in my circumstances, but finding out this professional avenue you dealt with it took me to weep for contentment. I’m just happy for this support and as well , sincerely hope you really know what a powerful job you were getting into instructing some other people with the aid of your site. I am certain you haven’t encountered all of us.
ice gelatin trick
23rd February 2026 at 11:34 am
After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any means you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
bariatric gelatin trick
23rd February 2026 at 4:18 pm
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.
Aparelho de localizar vazamento de água
23rd February 2026 at 8:03 pm
You could definitely see your expertise within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was.” by Margaret Mitchell.
bariatric gelatin trick
24th February 2026 at 4:57 am
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
bariatric gelatin recipe
24th February 2026 at 6:22 am
You got a very excellent website, Gladiola I detected it through yahoo.
زيادة متابعين تيك توك
25th February 2026 at 4:00 am
I really like looking at and I conceive this website got some truly useful stuff on it! .
ayuda TFG arquitectura
26th February 2026 at 6:38 pm
I like this blog so much, saved to favorites.
boostaro
27th February 2026 at 9:57 am
This web site is my inhalation, real wonderful style and design and perfect written content.
hgo909
27th February 2026 at 12:36 pm
Sweet web site, super pattern, really clean and use pleasant.
gelatin trick
27th February 2026 at 4:05 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.
gelatin trick
27th February 2026 at 6:54 pm
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.
tonic greens
27th February 2026 at 8:33 pm
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
THC Syrups
27th February 2026 at 9:47 pm
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any way you possibly can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Delta 8 THC Tinctures
28th February 2026 at 1:31 am
Great website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
topup game
28th February 2026 at 4:50 am
I believe this is among the most significant info for me. And i’m happy studying your article. However wanna commentary on few common things, The website taste is perfect, the articles is really great :D. Just right activity, cheers
jasa anti rayap bandung
28th February 2026 at 7:41 am
I went over this web site and I think you have a lot of excellent information, saved to fav (:.
iblbet
28th February 2026 at 12:41 pm
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content!
streamate xxxwantedsugar
28th February 2026 at 7:41 pm
Thanks for another informative blog. The place else may I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect manner? I’ve a undertaking that I’m just now working on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.
streamate live
1st March 2026 at 12:50 am
hey there and thanks for your information – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did on the other hand experience some technical points the usage of this website, since I experienced to reload the site lots of instances prior to I may just get it to load properly. I had been puzzling over if your web host is OK? No longer that I am complaining, but sluggish loading cases times will often impact your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am including this RSS to my email and could glance out for a lot extra of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon..
platform digital terbaik indonesia
1st March 2026 at 1:37 pm
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
agen slot
1st March 2026 at 4:01 pm
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Many thanks!
slot online
3rd March 2026 at 9:58 am
I am also commenting to make you know what a amazing encounter my girl developed viewing yuor web blog. She noticed a good number of details, not to mention what it is like to possess an excellent helping spirit to get many more just learn various very confusing subject matter. You actually surpassed my expectations. Thanks for distributing these beneficial, safe, educational and in addition fun thoughts on that topic to Evelyn.
pink gelatin trick recipe
3rd March 2026 at 2:39 pm
You have observed very interesting points! ps nice website .
eva bloom soulmate sketch
4th March 2026 at 2:30 am
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
soulmate sketch
4th March 2026 at 5:45 am
Howdy this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
audifort reviews
5th March 2026 at 12:49 am
Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.