Connect with us

KEO News Wire

Hendrikse to handle Ospreys, Roos to revel in Ulster clash

Published

on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catch all our comments below, in our URC Preview video

Photo: Ryan Hiscott/INPHO/Shutterstock

151 Comments

151 Comments

  1. binance US-registrera

    30th April 2023 at 11:23 am

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article. https://accounts.binance.com/sv/register?ref=DB40ITMB

  2. 20bet

    22nd September 2023 at 1:49 pm

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

  3. binance signup bonus

    27th July 2025 at 12:56 am

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

  4. tlovertonet

    20th November 2025 at 3:23 pm

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

  5. smortergiremal

    21st November 2025 at 11:09 am

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

  6. Lilli Marchant

    16th December 2025 at 12:22 pm

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

  7. fdertol mrtokev

    19th December 2025 at 1:06 am

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

  8. abogados ley limón en california

    28th December 2025 at 7:06 pm

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

  9. Delta 9 THC

    29th December 2025 at 8:22 am

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

  10. alquileres en Montevideo

    30th December 2025 at 2:47 pm

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

  11. ayuda TFG arquitectura

    30th December 2025 at 10:10 pm

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

  12. Experiencias creativas

    13th January 2026 at 5:34 pm

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

  13. rateio pra concurso

    14th January 2026 at 3:35 am

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

  14. rateio concurso

    14th January 2026 at 5:23 am

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

  15. car battery shop near me

    14th January 2026 at 7:32 pm

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

  16. new millennium car rental

    14th January 2026 at 11:54 pm

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

  17. tlovertonet

    15th January 2026 at 1:19 am

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

  18. solar power water heater Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 3:21 am

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

  19. gullybet no deposit bonus

    15th January 2026 at 9:44 am

    This really answered my problem, thank you!

  20. orquídea para presente dia dos namorados

    15th January 2026 at 10:12 am

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

  21. gold rate chart in Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 11:51 am

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

  22. mercedes workshop Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 6:04 pm

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

  23. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 6:05 pm

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

  24. backdrop murah

    17th January 2026 at 4:42 am

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

  25. miototo

    17th January 2026 at 8:29 am

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

  26. dkwin login

    17th January 2026 at 6:13 pm

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

  27. lotto champ

    17th January 2026 at 7:42 pm

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

  28. neurodyne review

    18th January 2026 at 12:59 am

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

  29. kilat333

    18th January 2026 at 4:31 am

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

  30. kerassentials review

    18th January 2026 at 7:11 am

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

  31. neurosharp review

    18th January 2026 at 12:13 pm

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

  32. gelatin trick recipe

    18th January 2026 at 3:29 pm

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

  33. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 8:00 pm

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

  34. high heels größe 45

    18th January 2026 at 8:24 pm

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

  35. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 9:40 pm

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

  36. gelatin trick

    19th January 2026 at 12:25 am

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

  37. kilat333

    19th January 2026 at 1:37 pm

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

  38. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 5:53 pm

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

  39. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 9:14 pm

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

  40. Registro de Comercio de Ginebra

    20th January 2026 at 4:06 am

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

  41. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 10:02 am

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

  42. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 12:21 pm

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

  43. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 5:16 pm

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

  44. citrus burn

    21st January 2026 at 9:57 am

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

  45. citrus burn review

    21st January 2026 at 2:16 pm

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

  46. zaborna torilon

    21st January 2026 at 10:13 pm

    Absolutely composed subject matter, Really enjoyed looking at.

  47. kilat333

    22nd January 2026 at 7:18 am

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

  48. simple vision protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 9:46 am

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

  49. simple vision protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 2:31 pm

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

  50. comprar iptv

    22nd January 2026 at 7:34 pm

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

  51. flixy tv stick

    23rd January 2026 at 6:49 am

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

  52. nuro clean mold remover gel

    23rd January 2026 at 1:13 pm

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

  53. arranjo funeral itajaí

    23rd January 2026 at 8:15 pm

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

  54. heated socks

    23rd January 2026 at 10:33 pm

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

  55. wellaheat heated socks

    24th January 2026 at 2:13 am

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

  56. wuffy robot puppy

    24th January 2026 at 9:51 am

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

  57. slot deposit 5000

    24th January 2026 at 4:27 pm

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

  58. iblbet login

    24th January 2026 at 5:41 pm

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

  59. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 7:10 pm

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

  60. kilat333

    24th January 2026 at 10:35 pm

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

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

  62. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 4:59 am

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

  63. iptv gratis 2025

    25th January 2026 at 2:34 pm

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

  64. the brain song

    25th January 2026 at 2:49 pm

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

  65. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 5:35 pm

    Very interesting topic, regards for putting up.

  66. lotto champ

    25th January 2026 at 6:35 pm

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

  67. men balance pro

    25th January 2026 at 10:41 pm

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

  68. IEC 62368

    25th January 2026 at 11:05 pm

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

  69. boostaro

    26th January 2026 at 2:45 am

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

  70. 7pgwin

    26th January 2026 at 4:46 am

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

  71. robotics marketplace api

    26th January 2026 at 12:06 pm

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

  72. optivell

    26th January 2026 at 12:43 pm

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

  73. bariatric gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 3:57 pm

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

  74. gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 8:27 pm

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

  75. kilat333

    27th January 2026 at 12:34 am

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

  76. the brain song

    27th January 2026 at 3:56 am

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

  77. slot gacor

    27th January 2026 at 7:04 am

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

  78. iptv smarters pro assinar

    27th January 2026 at 6:49 pm

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

  79. iptv assinar

    27th January 2026 at 9:28 pm

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

  80. cara jualan online di facebook

    27th January 2026 at 11:43 pm

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

  81. kilat333

    29th January 2026 at 3:05 am

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

  82. bariatric gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 11:55 am

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

  83. gelatin trick recipe

    30th January 2026 at 12:21 pm

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

  84. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 5:27 pm

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

  85. secaps black anvisa

    30th January 2026 at 9:09 pm

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

  86. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 2:22 am

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

  87. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 10:30 am

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

  88. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 1:10 pm

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

  89. ethical hacking tools

    1st February 2026 at 3:50 pm

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

  90. ethical hackers for hire

    1st February 2026 at 11:57 pm

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

  91. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 3:14 am

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

  92. role of ethical hackers in network security

    2nd February 2026 at 6:13 am

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

  93. best cricket betting sites in india

    2nd February 2026 at 6:53 am

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

  94. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 7:44 am

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

  95. pcxwin

    2nd February 2026 at 9:52 am

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

  96. ethical hacking tools

    2nd February 2026 at 1:11 pm

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

  97. Custom Flashpay card

    2nd February 2026 at 1:39 pm

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

  98. ethical hacker job description

    2nd February 2026 at 6:33 pm

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

  99. ethical hacking courses

    2nd February 2026 at 9:14 pm

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

  100. refractories

    3rd February 2026 at 10:05 pm

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

  101. power adapter manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 1:34 am

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

  102. rf module manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 3:25 am

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

  103. pcxwin

    4th February 2026 at 8:31 am

    I like this website so much, bookmarked.

  104. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 12:15 pm

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

  105. flixy tv smart

    4th February 2026 at 6:19 pm

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

  106. flixy tv

    4th February 2026 at 7:30 pm

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

  107. vigorlong

    4th February 2026 at 11:33 pm

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

  108. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 1:58 am

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

  109. vigorlon

    5th February 2026 at 3:53 am

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

  110. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 7:17 am

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

  111. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 6:48 pm

    You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent website .

  112. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 10:15 pm

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

  113. herpafend

    5th February 2026 at 11:45 pm

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

  114. vigorlong

    6th February 2026 at 3:12 am

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

  115. พิธี แต่งงาน

    6th February 2026 at 5:58 am

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

  116. ดูดไขมันนมน้อย

    6th February 2026 at 12:14 pm

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

  117. Concurso MPE PI 2025

    6th February 2026 at 3:42 pm

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

  118. Curso Pós-Edital Damásio 2025

    6th February 2026 at 6:30 pm

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

  119. Concurso MPE MA 2025

    6th February 2026 at 8:38 pm

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

  120. Concurso MPE RO 2025

    7th February 2026 at 1:42 am

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

  121. Concurso SEJUSP MG 2025

    7th February 2026 at 7:04 am

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

  122. kilat333

    7th February 2026 at 11:13 am

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

  123. daftar situs toto togel

    7th February 2026 at 3:47 pm

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

  124. recarga unitv trimestral

    8th February 2026 at 7:34 pm

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

  125. melhor assinatura para tv box

    8th February 2026 at 10:05 pm

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

  126. fdertolmrtokev

    9th February 2026 at 3:43 am

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

  127. lokalne

    9th February 2026 at 3:59 am

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

  128. fútbol femenino Bolivia

    9th February 2026 at 6:01 am

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

  129. linetogel

    9th February 2026 at 3:04 pm

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

  130. iptv plano

    10th February 2026 at 8:37 am

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

  131. 강남도파민

    10th February 2026 at 1:53 pm

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

  132. ibo player ativação

    10th February 2026 at 10:01 pm

    Really clean web site, regards for this post.

  133. homestay idukki

    11th February 2026 at 4:14 am

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

  134. situs gacor

    11th February 2026 at 4:26 am

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

  135. Autoclave Estética

    11th February 2026 at 1:02 pm

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

  136. 강남 좋아요 쩜오

    11th February 2026 at 3:49 pm

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

  137. igm247

    11th February 2026 at 10:57 pm

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

  138. gelatin trick

    11th February 2026 at 11:52 pm

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

  139. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 1:28 am

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

  140. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 5:16 am

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

  141. tratamento autismo

    12th February 2026 at 5:18 am

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

  142. 강남가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 5:33 am

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

  143. bariatric gelatin trick recipe

    12th February 2026 at 10:00 am

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

  144. segurança pública no rio de janeiro

    12th February 2026 at 11:51 am

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

  145. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 1:11 pm

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

  146. casimon giriş

    12th February 2026 at 2:20 pm

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

  147. Rene Stennis

    12th February 2026 at 8:54 pm

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

  148. vegas 108

    13th February 2026 at 3:35 am

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

  149. atom108 slot

    13th February 2026 at 12:15 pm

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

Leave a Reply

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

International Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific: South African rugby is bigger without you

Published

on

By

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

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

Pressed directly, he said:

“No.”

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

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

He added:

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

Devlin joked:

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

Mesley laughed and concluded:

“Even a South African one.”

Romance?

Let’s deal in reality.

The Springboks have thrived post Super Rugby’s exit.

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

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

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

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

It has hardened South African players tactically and physically.

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

The All Blacks have regressed since South Africa left Super Rugby

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

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

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

That audit no longer exists.

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

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

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

He continued:

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

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

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

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

Test rugby is not exhibition rugby.

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

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

The Arrogance

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

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

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

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

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC CEO MESLEY MOCKS SA RUGBY

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

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

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

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

OK, if you want to believe that Kev!

These are strange times in New Zealand rugby.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Reading

International Rugby

England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict

Published

on

By

Henry Arundell 7 Feb 2025 Mike Hewitt Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

Planet Rugby

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

RugbyPass

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

BBC Sport

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

The Guardian

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

Rugby365

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

SA Rugby Magazine

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

Welsh response

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

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

HOW THE MEDIA RATED FRANCE BEATING IRELAND 36-14

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

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

Continue Reading

International Rugby

How transformed France tortured inept Ireland in Paris

Published

on

By

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

Six Nations 2025 – Dublin

Ireland 27 France 42

Six Nations 2026 – Paris

France 36 Ireland 14

Here’s what France did differently.

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

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

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

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

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

Clean breaks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 2025 missed tackles: Ireland 23 (France 16)

  • 2026 missed tackles: Ireland 42 (France 21)

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

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

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

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

So:

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

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

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

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

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

The simplest summary

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

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

FIERY FRENCH APPLAUDED 

1) Physical dominance at the contact point

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

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

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

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

2) Defensive resilience under sustained pressure

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

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

  • repeated reloads

  • fatigued edge defenders

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

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

3) Attacking clarity without Johnny Sexton

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

Ireland have regressed in:

  • in-game management

  • territory selection

  • when to slow down a match

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

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

4) Backline punch against elite defences

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

Against France:

  • line breaks were rare

  • defenders were not fixed

  • edge space was never clean

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

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

5) Psychological authority

This is subtle – but it matters.

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

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

The uncomfortable truth

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

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

FRANCE 36 IRELAND 14: EVERY PLAYER AND TEAM STAT 

AFRICA PICKS: YOUR BEST MONEY-MAKING SIX NATIONS BETS

*CHAT supported 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Fiery French applauded as alarm bells ring for Ireland

Published

on

By

Louis Bielle-Biarrey 5 Feb 2026 David Rogers Getty Images

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

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

Paris was equally damning for Ireland as they were steamrolled.

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

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

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

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

The Irish Times

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

Irish Independent

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

Irish Examiner

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

The Times

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

L’Équipe (“Le Quippe”)

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

Rugbyrama

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

SA Rugby Magazine

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

Rugby365

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

Planet Rugby (South African audience perspective)

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


Overall SA reaction themes

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

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

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

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

AFRICA PICKS: WHAT TOTAL POINTS WON YOU IN CASH

KEO & ZELS CALLED A DOUBLE DIGITS FRANCE WIN

Continue Reading

International Rugby

Dupont gives France flex as Ireland face Paris power test

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL THE 2026 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

My call: France 33 Ireland 22.

DuPont on Jalibert’s influence 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

JP Pietersen & his street-smart Sharks school stuttering Stormers

Published

on

By

Aphelele Fassi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOBBO AND SACHA RUE ILL-DISCIPLINE 

ALL THE TEAMS AND MATCH-UPS FROM URC ROUND 11

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Ackerman’s rampant Bulls go on the charge against Lions

Published

on

By

Photo: Anton Geyser Gallo Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2) Discipline = possession that actually means something

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

3) Defensive desire: no freebies and no soft shoulders

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

4) Carry, carry, carry… then strikes

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

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

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

WATCH: Keo and Zels on the Lions v Bulls

Scorers

Lions 17

  • Tries: Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills

  • Conversions: Chris Smith (2)

  • Penalty: Chris Smith

Bulls 52

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

  • Conversions: Pollard (5), Johannes

AKKERS ON THE BULLS WIN 

Continue Reading

International Rugby

URC ROUND 11 – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AFRICA PICKS RUGBY: Keo calls the South African derbies 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Andre the Giant leads Sharks to slaughter of Stormers

Published

on

By

Andre Esterhuizen. Photo: Anton Geyser Gallo Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a shocker from the hosts.

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

He led and the rest of his players followed.

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

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

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

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

The Sharks stayed composed. They trusted their leaders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Johan Grobbelaar pure gold in precious Bulls URC win

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WATCH: KEO & ZELS ON THE BULLS & LIONS

This win matters for the Bulls.

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

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

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

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

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

SA Rugby Mag match reviews on Bulls and Lions

All the latest from the URC’s ROUND 10

Bulls 19 Edinburg 17

Ospreys 24 Lions 24

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Why the Stormers will beat the Sharks in Cape Town

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

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

That matters against the Sharks.

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

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

Against the Sharks, denying momentum is everything.

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

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

ALL THE ODDS – AFRICA PICKS

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

KEO News Wire

Where SA rates in the Investec Champions Cup stats

Published

on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP – ALL THE LATEST NEWS

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

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

Key stats (pool stage)

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

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

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

Screenshot

Screenshot

Screenshot

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Jooste’s precision and pace is the STECO Power Play

Published

on

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

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

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

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

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

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

STECO’S MENU: POWER & PRECISION & SUSTAINABILITY

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

Bulls win 26-24 v PAU

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

It is also a team they have previously beaten.

ALL PLAYER AND TEAMS STATS FROM THE INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP

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

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

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

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

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

Published

on

By

Investec Champions Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 

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

 

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

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

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

BULLS MAKE PLAY-OFFS DESPITE WINNING JUST ONE POOL MATCH

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Stormers stutter into last 16 Investec Champions Cup play-offs

Published

on

By

Stormers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BULLS BEAT PAU

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

 

 

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Bulls show their horns in Investec Champions Cup final flurry

Published

on

By

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

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

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

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

Pau conceded 15 turnovers to the Bulls 6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEO’S AFRICA PICKS SATURDAY ACCA

COACH ACKERMAN REACTS TO BULLS WIN

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

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

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

LATEST FROM KEO.CO.ZA

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Keo.co.za