Connect with us

Opinions

Matfield’s call for Fassi at 15

Published

on

Springbok legend Victor Matfield was spot on in his calls for Aphelele Fassi to feature primarily at fullback for the Springboks come the November tour, writes Oliver Keohane.

It has been a gruelling year for the Springboks, who since their return to Test rugby have won a British & Irish Lions series and completed a Rugby Championship, spending around 17 weeks in different bio-bubbles and playing ten games on the go. The break before the November Tests is welcomed by all, but as much as those primary 25 players who featured week in week out will be in need of this break, there are players within the wider squad desperate for game time and who deserve to be given an extended run at the end of this year.

Aphelele Fassi is one of those.

Fassi debuted on the wing against Georgia in the Springboks opening international of the year and looked the real deal, contributing heavily and scoring a try in the 40-9 victory. In his only other opportunity, against Argentina at the beginning of the Rugby Championship, he was equally impressive and scored again as the Boks emphatically won 32-12.

There is a general understanding as to why the same players were selected every week, and it is a large part of the reason that the Boks were able to pull off a Lions series win and a victory over the All Blacks in the last match of the Rugby Championship. What it means though, is that Fassi, for all his promise and quality performance, has had 160 minutes out of a possible 800 minutes of Test rugby this year.

And so Springbok lock-turned-analyst Victor Matfield is entirely correct in saying that Fassi needs to be backed in these November Tests, and he needs to be backed at fullback. Matfield expressed these views recently, speaking on SuperSport’s show Super Rugby.

It is no indictment on Willie Le Roux, but rather an acknowledgement of the reality that November needs to be the start of the Le Roux succession plan. There is no other fullback that can lay claim, through form, to being next in line before Fassi, and so Fassi needs to be allowed the chance at Test level to prove that he can thrive at 15.

Le Roux, understandably, started receiving criticism for his form towards the end of the Rugby Championship. But this is also a Le Roux who has played nearly every minute of every match at fifteen and could also just do with a break.

The fortunate position that the Springboks are in is that Frans Steyn’s value as insurance policy player was reaffirmed in his phenomenal second half performance against the All blacks, where he replaced Wille Le Roux at fullback on half time. Le Roux was struggling on the night, and Frans Steyn came on to orchestrate a match-winning second half from the back, along with replacement flyhalf Elton Jantjies who kicked a drop goal, assisted a try and kicked the penalty to win the game.

What this means is that Fassi can be thrown into the deep end in November, but with Frans Steyn and Willie Le Roux as water-wings. Willie may be nearing the end of his career, but I don’t believe he is done just yet, and a break on the bench without the responsibility of starting every week can only be good for his body, but moreover his mind. Equally, Frans Steyn will continue to be the safety net, and if Fassi struggles, Frans comes on. It needn’t be made more complicated than that.

Fassi is only 23 years old, but he commands a presence. He has done so consistently at fullback for the Sharks, and it is testament to his qualities that he grabbed his international opportunities playing in a secondary position.

But now is the perfect time to let Fassi loose at fullback, not only because it is necessary, but because the Boks are perfectly positioned through Frans Steyn and Wille Le Roux to ensure that there will be experience on the bench should Fassi falter. But he has given every reason so far to believe that he will thrive, and hopefully Matfield’s views are echoed among the Bok management as they prepare for the Northern Hemisphere.

ALSO ON KEO:

The stunning swan song year of the Steyns

 

166 Comments

166 Comments

  1. bir binance hesabi acin

    20th January 2024 at 10:09 pm

    Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.info/tr/join?ref=YY80CKRN

  2. Register

    22nd April 2024 at 12:22 am

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  3. binance konto

    18th November 2025 at 6:19 am

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  4. Dawne Pomilla

    16th December 2025 at 9:33 am

    hi!,I like your writing very much! percentage we keep in touch more about your post on AOL? I require an expert on this area to resolve my problem. May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.

  5. fdertol mrtokev

    20th December 2025 at 12:50 am

    I think this web site contains some rattling wonderful information for everyone :D. “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” by Victor Hugo.

  6. Mixed Cannabinoid Gummies

    29th December 2025 at 7:06 am

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

  7. Delta 11 THC

    29th December 2025 at 11:07 am

    I real happy to find this site on bing, just what I was looking for : D likewise saved to favorites.

  8. home sound system installs austin

    29th December 2025 at 5:58 pm

    I regard something really special in this internet site.

  9. pousadas praia do rosa

    13th January 2026 at 11:41 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…

  10. rateios de cursos

    14th January 2026 at 6:09 am

    I like this web site very much so much fantastic information.

  11. limpeza e manutenção split

    14th January 2026 at 12:45 pm

    I am not very excellent with English but I come up this really easy to interpret.

  12. car battery shop near me

    14th January 2026 at 7:08 pm

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have have in mind your stuff prior to and you are simply too excellent. I actually like what you have bought right here, certainly like what you are saying and the best way through which you say it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to take care of to stay it wise. I cant wait to learn much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.

  13. luxury car rental Malaysia

    14th January 2026 at 11:40 pm

    hey there and thanks to your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from proper here. I did then again experience several technical points the use of this site, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of occasions previous to I may get it to load correctly. I had been thinking about if your hosting is OK? Now not that I am complaining, but slow loading cases times will very frequently have an effect on your placement in google and could damage your quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I’m including this RSS to my e-mail and can glance out for a lot extra of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again soon..

  14. solar power water heater Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 2:31 am

    Hi! I’ve been following your website for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!

  15. tlover tonet

    15th January 2026 at 4:44 am

    I’ll right away take hold of your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  16. Techtra Automotive Academy Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 6:43 am

    Hey there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  17. Razak gold house

    15th January 2026 at 9:12 am

    Appreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting info .

  18. buquê de flores entrega hoje recife

    15th January 2026 at 9:35 am

    Very good written post. It will be helpful to anyone who utilizes it, including myself. Keep up the good work – i will definitely read more posts.

  19. klia limo

    15th January 2026 at 3:38 pm

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  20. mercedes workshop near me

    15th January 2026 at 6:04 pm

    Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Cheers

  21. airmatic air suspension

    15th January 2026 at 11:04 pm

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

  22. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 2:10 pm

    Really superb info can be found on web blog. “Life without a friend is death without a witness.” by Eugene Benge.

  23. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 6:26 pm

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

  24. backdrop murah

    17th January 2026 at 3:56 am

    We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  25. miototo

    17th January 2026 at 8:09 am

    Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  26. lottochamp reviews

    17th January 2026 at 7:01 pm

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.

  27. neurodyne

    18th January 2026 at 12:56 am

    Spot on with this write-up, I truly assume this website wants rather more consideration. I’ll in all probability be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.

  28. herpafend

    18th January 2026 at 4:29 am

    This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

  29. kerassentials review

    18th January 2026 at 7:10 am

    I’m extremely impressed along with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself? Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to look a great blog like this one today..

  30. neuro sharp

    18th January 2026 at 12:12 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 can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  31. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 12:54 pm

    I appreciate your work, thankyou for all the useful blog posts.

  32. high heels größe 43

    18th January 2026 at 1:58 pm

    There are some attention-grabbing points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There may be some validity however I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly

  33. pink salt trick

    18th January 2026 at 6:28 pm

    I¦ve recently started a website, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  34. high heels individual

    18th January 2026 at 7:58 pm

    Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects? Thank you!

  35. pcxwin

    18th January 2026 at 10:54 pm

    I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thank you for great info I was in search of this information for my mission.

  36. gelatin trick for weight loss

    19th January 2026 at 7:36 am

    I have learn some excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you place to make this sort of great informative website.

  37. kilat333

    19th January 2026 at 1:02 pm

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

  38. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 7:21 pm

    I?¦ve recently started a site, the information you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  39. daftar susterslot

    19th January 2026 at 8:54 pm

    Some truly interesting details you have written.Helped me a lot, just what I was searching for : D.

  40. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 9:26 pm

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Thanks!

  41. lgopro99

    20th January 2026 at 12:00 am

    Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  42. fashion sale

    20th January 2026 at 12:59 am

    Hi there, I discovered your website via Google whilst searching for a similar matter, your web site got here up, it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  43. togel online pria4d

    20th January 2026 at 1:49 am

    I am impressed with this site, real I am a fan.

  44. lgopro99

    20th January 2026 at 5:09 am

    I like gathering utile info, this post has got me even more info! .

  45. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 6:23 am

    Hello.This post was really remarkable, particularly because I was looking for thoughts on this topic last Thursday.

  46. Auditar GA4

    20th January 2026 at 7:08 am

    I’m extremely inspired together with your writing abilities as smartly as with the format on your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you modify it your self? Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to look a nice blog like this one these days..

  47. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 11:31 am

    I do like the manner in which you have framed this particular difficulty and it does present me a lot of fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, coming from just what I have observed, I only wish when other opinions pack on that individuals stay on point and in no way embark on a tirade associated with some other news of the day. All the same, thank you for this outstanding piece and though I can not really concur with this in totality, I respect the point of view.

  48. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 5:37 pm

    I think this internet site has some really excellent information for everyone : D.

  49. citrusburn review

    21st January 2026 at 12:13 pm

    Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is actually annoying. A good web site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

  50. citrus burn

    21st January 2026 at 2:18 pm

    Hello. impressive job. I did not anticipate this. This is a great story. Thanks!

  51. zabornatorilon

    21st January 2026 at 5:57 pm

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

  52. optivell

    21st January 2026 at 10:40 pm

    I think this web site has very excellent indited subject matter posts.

  53. frozen berry protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 9:44 am

    As a Newbie, I am constantly browsing online for articles that can aid me. Thank you

  54. best electric shaver

    22nd January 2026 at 11:28 am

    I like this site so much, saved to my bookmarks.

  55. simple vision protocol

    22nd January 2026 at 1:37 pm

    hello there and thanks on your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from proper here. I did on the other hand experience a few technical points the use of this website, as I skilled to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been brooding about in case your web host is OK? No longer that I am complaining, however sluggish loading circumstances instances will sometimes impact your placement in google and can harm your quality score if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am including this RSS to my email and can glance out for a lot extra of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you replace this once more soon..

  56. listas iptv futbol

    22nd January 2026 at 9:12 pm

    I really like reading and I think this website got some genuinely useful stuff on it! .

  57. flixy tv stick review

    23rd January 2026 at 9:41 am

    Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  58. nuroclean reviews

    23rd January 2026 at 1:27 pm

    I don’t normally comment but I gotta state thanks for the post on this perfect one : D.

  59. wellaheat socks

    23rd January 2026 at 8:55 pm

    I have been reading out some of your stories and i must say nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your blog.

  60. lk21

    24th January 2026 at 12:26 am

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

  61. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 8:20 am

    I have been reading out a few of your stories and it’s pretty good stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your website.

  62. preço grama ouro 18k venda

    24th January 2026 at 12:08 pm

    Perfect work you have done, this web site is really cool with fantastic information.

  63. wuffy robot puppy

    24th January 2026 at 2:44 pm

    I have been surfing online greater than three hours as of late, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s beautiful worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.

  64. iblbet

    24th January 2026 at 3:02 pm

    Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  65. iblbet

    24th January 2026 at 6:52 pm

    As I website possessor I think the subject material here is rattling excellent, regards for your efforts.

  66. kilat333

    24th January 2026 at 9:10 pm

    Only wanna comment on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the subject matter is really wonderful. “In business school classrooms they construct wonderful models of a nonworld.” by Peter Drucker.

  67. Choose coverage that protects your savings

    25th January 2026 at 12:12 am

    Great amazing issues here. I?¦m very glad to peer your article. Thank you so much and i am taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  68. teste gratis iptv

    25th January 2026 at 3:06 pm

    There are definitely a variety of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you carry up where an important factor will probably be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged round things like that, however I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Each girls and boys really feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

  69. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 5:18 pm

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

  70. lotto champ review

    25th January 2026 at 6:31 pm

    I have been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful value sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the net might be a lot more useful than ever before. “No nation was ever ruined by trade.” by Benjamin Franklin.

  71. Dust Test Chamber

    25th January 2026 at 9:06 pm

    I haven’t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  72. internal communication platform

    25th January 2026 at 11:50 pm

    Good site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day!

  73. boostaro review

    26th January 2026 at 4:02 am

    You are my inspiration , I possess few blogs and sometimes run out from to post .

  74. 7pwin

    26th January 2026 at 4:48 am

    Thank you for your whole work on this web page. Kim take interest in engaging in investigations and it is easy to see why. I learn all of the compelling tactic you create both useful and interesting secrets by means of your blog and in addition attract response from other people on that area while our own girl is always learning a lot of things. Take advantage of the remaining portion of the year. You’re doing a splendid job.

  75. gelatin trick

    27th January 2026 at 12:08 am

    I haven’t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  76. the brain song

    27th January 2026 at 5:25 am

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

  77. slot gacor

    27th January 2026 at 8:37 am

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any ways to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  78. kilat333

    27th January 2026 at 1:06 pm

    I?¦ve read several just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you place to create this type of fantastic informative website.

  79. iptv 4k samsung

    27th January 2026 at 5:19 pm

    Dead indited content material, Really enjoyed studying.

  80. iptv

    27th January 2026 at 9:57 pm

    Very efficiently written article. It will be helpful to everyone who employess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.

  81. cara jualan online di facebook

    27th January 2026 at 11:30 pm

    fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  82. royal138

    28th January 2026 at 4:18 am

    I like this site because so much utile stuff on here : D.

  83. wholesale jewelry

    28th January 2026 at 8:35 am

    Perfectly pent content, Really enjoyed reading through.

  84. 925 silver wholesale

    28th January 2026 at 12:39 pm

    Very interesting subject, appreciate it for putting up. “Men who never get carried away should be.” by Malcolm Forbes.

  85. Chinese green tea

    28th January 2026 at 2:27 pm

    I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website :).

  86. david hoffmeister wikipedia

    29th January 2026 at 9:09 am

    Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What an ideal website.

  87. igamble247 login

    29th January 2026 at 8:58 pm

    Very good written post. It will be beneficial to anyone who utilizes it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.

  88. bariatric gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 10:33 am

    Perfectly indited subject matter, Really enjoyed examining.

  89. gelatin weight loss

    30th January 2026 at 11:47 am

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get something done.

  90. hair falling out in shower man

    30th January 2026 at 12:13 pm

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  91. gelatin trick recipe

    30th January 2026 at 2:42 pm

    This is the proper blog for anybody who needs to seek out out about this topic. You notice a lot its virtually arduous to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You positively put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just nice!

  92. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 6:10 pm

    Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  93. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 9:37 pm

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

  94. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 5:29 am

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

  95. nustar online app

    31st January 2026 at 12:36 pm

    NuStar Casino describes a digital platform environment that brings together interactive content within an online setting. The focus remains on platform structure, visual presentation, and user accessibility rather than physical locations.

  96. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 2:14 pm

    Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

  97. ghdrol

    31st January 2026 at 8:06 pm

    You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most persons will consent with your site.

  98. ghdrol funciona

    1st February 2026 at 12:04 am

    whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You know, many people are hunting around for this information, you can help them greatly.

  99. ethical hacking tools

    1st February 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!

  100. ethical hacking penetration testing services

    1st February 2026 at 8:41 pm

    Hello there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!

  101. ethical hackers for business

    2nd February 2026 at 2:03 am

    Nice blog right here! Also your web site rather a lot up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  102. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 5:33 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.

  103. gullybet free bets

    2nd February 2026 at 6:37 am

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

  104. ethical hacking courses

    2nd February 2026 at 7:59 am

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

  105. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 9:48 am

    I will immediately seize your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  106. ethical hackers for business

    2nd February 2026 at 12:50 pm

    Appreciate it for helping out, great information.

  107. Customised nets Flashpay card

    2nd February 2026 at 1:07 pm

    Very interesting subject , thanks for posting.

  108. ethical hacking career opportunities

    2nd February 2026 at 6:42 pm

    Howdy very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?KI am happy to seek out so many helpful info right here in the publish, we want develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  109. tungsten

    3rd February 2026 at 11:02 pm

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is written on your blog.Keep the tips coming. I loved it!

  110. iron oxide pigment manufacturer

    4th February 2026 at 12:44 am

    I’ve read several excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to make any such great informative site.

  111. car connectors

    4th February 2026 at 2:44 am

    Thanks, I have recently been looking for information about this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive about the supply?

  112. david hoffmeister wikipedia

    4th February 2026 at 9:01 am

    You completed a few good points there. I did a search on the theme and found a good number of persons will agree with your blog.

  113. pcxwin

    4th February 2026 at 9:08 am

    The subsequent time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to read, but I really thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly fix when you werent too busy looking for attention.

  114. flixy tv smart

    4th February 2026 at 2:12 pm

    Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange arrangement between us!

  115. can you take a probiotic with an antibiotic

    4th February 2026 at 3:50 pm

    I like this weblog so much, saved to my bookmarks.

  116. flixy tv smart

    4th February 2026 at 5:16 pm

    Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear idea

  117. flixy tv stick

    4th February 2026 at 8:17 pm

    I just could not depart your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  118. tonic greens

    5th February 2026 at 1:18 am

    I am always invstigating online for ideas that can help me. Thx!

  119. vigorlong review

    5th February 2026 at 4:19 am

    Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it

  120. boostaro

    5th February 2026 at 6:46 pm

    You are a very clever person!

  121. herpafend

    5th February 2026 at 11:11 pm

    I like this web blog very much, Its a rattling nice spot to read and get information. “I look upon every day to be lost, in which I do not make a new acquaintance.” by Samuel Johnson.

  122. Concurso ISS Porto Velho 2025

    6th February 2026 at 3:19 pm

    You have observed very interesting details! ps decent internet site.

  123. Auxiliar de Serviços Gerais Estratégia

    6th February 2026 at 4:34 pm

    Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website genuinely stands out : D.

  124. Promotor de Justiça Damásio 2025

    6th February 2026 at 9:36 pm

    You are a very smart person!

  125. Auxiliar de Serviços Gerais Estratégia

    7th February 2026 at 12:19 am

    Really fantastic information can be found on web site.

  126. Preparatório Instituto Federal MA 2025

    7th February 2026 at 1:35 am

    Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  127. Curso Pós-Edital Estratégia 2025

    7th February 2026 at 4:47 am

    Thanks , I have just been looking for info about this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve found out so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply?

  128. Curso Damásio Magistratura 2025

    7th February 2026 at 8:21 am

    I real delighted to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D too bookmarked.

  129. indocair

    7th February 2026 at 2:26 pm

    I and also my friends ended up digesting the great pointers on your web blog then instantly got a terrible suspicion I had not expressed respect to the blog owner for those tips. All of the women appeared to be certainly joyful to learn them and now have undoubtedly been tapping into those things. I appreciate you for being considerably helpful and then for picking out varieties of magnificent useful guides most people are really desperate to be informed on. Our honest regret for not expressing gratitude to you sooner.

  130. aufstellbecken

    7th February 2026 at 6:50 pm

    I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I?¦ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  131. tv box assinatura

    8th February 2026 at 10:12 pm

    I dugg some of you post as I thought they were handy very beneficial

  132. linetogel

    9th February 2026 at 4:05 pm

    I am not sure where you are getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while studying much more or working out more. Thank you for magnificent info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.

  133. fdertolmrtokev

    9th February 2026 at 4:19 pm

    I got what you mean ,bookmarked, very nice site.

  134. 강남도파민

    10th February 2026 at 2:28 pm

    Great web site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your sweat!

  135. bingo plus

    10th February 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Bingo Plus update download means downloading the latest version of the app to receive performance improvements and feature updates.

  136. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is really irritating. A good site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  137. assessoria tributaria

    11th February 2026 at 3:24 pm

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

  138. bariatric gelatin trick recipe

    11th February 2026 at 3:54 pm

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!

  139. 강남퍼펙트

    11th February 2026 at 7:09 pm

    Thanks for another fantastic article. The place else may anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m at the look for such information.

  140. gelatin trick recipe

    11th February 2026 at 8:17 pm

    I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up. “What is a thousand years Time is short for one who thinks, endless for one who yearns.” by Alain.

  141. igamble247 login

    11th February 2026 at 10:22 pm

    I have recently started a site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The very ink with which history is written is merely fluid prejudice.” by Mark Twain.

  142. 송파가라오케

    11th February 2026 at 11:36 pm

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

  143. 잠실가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 2:48 am

    You have noted very interesting details! ps nice web site. “I hate music, especially when it’s played.” by Jimmy Durante.

  144. psiquiatra bh

    12th February 2026 at 6:57 am

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. 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!

  145. 강남가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 11:13 am

    Keep functioning ,remarkable job!

  146. gelatin trick

    12th February 2026 at 11:45 am

    I genuinely enjoy reading on this site, it contains fantastic blog posts. “For Brutus is an honourable man So are they all, all honourable men.” by William Shakespeare.

  147. 송파가라오케

    12th February 2026 at 5:28 pm

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know how you can carry an issue to light and make it important. More individuals need to read this and perceive this side of the story. I cant consider youre no more fashionable because you definitely have the gift.

  148. situs slot 5000

    13th February 2026 at 1:27 am

    I like this site so much, saved to favorites.

  149. vegas108 slot

    13th February 2026 at 3:14 am

    Simply a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great design and style. “Justice is always violent to the party offending, for every man is innocent in his own eyes.” by Daniel Defoe.

  150. david hoffmeister spotify

    13th February 2026 at 11:23 am

    I like your writing style really enjoying this site.

  151. 제주가라오케

    14th February 2026 at 10:51 am

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

  152. Curso Pós-Edital Estratégia 2025

    14th February 2026 at 6:14 pm

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this put up and if I may just I want to counsel you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring to this article. I wish to learn more things about it!

  153. Concurso ALE RJ 2025

    15th February 2026 at 3:01 am

    I’ve recently started a blog, the information you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  154. Defensoria Pública Santa Catarina CEISC

    15th February 2026 at 7:48 am

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

  155. kucing apk

    15th February 2026 at 11:07 am

    Keep up the excellent work, I read few posts on this internet site and I conceive that your web site is real interesting and has sets of wonderful info .

  156. slot mahjong

    16th February 2026 at 1:48 am

    I’d always want to be update on new blog posts on this internet site, saved to fav! .

  157. teste iptv gratuito

    16th February 2026 at 6:39 am

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

  158. Herramienta de analítica web

    16th February 2026 at 9:03 pm

    fantastic post.Ne’er knew this, regards for letting me know.

  159. togel

    16th February 2026 at 10:40 pm

    I like reading through and I believe this website got some genuinely utilitarian stuff on it! .

  160. jackwin77

    17th February 2026 at 1:01 am

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

  161. jackwin77

    17th February 2026 at 2:20 am

    I cling on to listening to the news update speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

  162. slot depo 5k

    17th February 2026 at 3:13 am

    you are actually a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is amazing. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a excellent activity on this matter!

  163. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 10:14 am

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

  164. gelatin trick

    19th February 2026 at 1:48 pm

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

Leave a Reply

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

KEO News Wire

England slice and dice blunt Razor and his frail Fall Blacks

Published

on

By

Razor Robertson’s players may have worn black at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, but they were an insult to the great All Blacks teams that have visited Rugby’s headquarters, writes <strong>Mark Keohane. </strong>England crushed them.

The coach feted as the Knight in Shining Armour never arrived on a stallion. Instead he has come on a donkey, such has been his lack of impact with the All Blacks.

The Springboks, in Johannesburg and Cape Town, showed up the conservative lack of intent with Robertson’s selections and game plan in winning back to back Tests in 2024.

In 2025, the Boks humiliated the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington, New Zealand, scoring 36 unanswered points.

Argentina also felled Robertson’s All Blacks , in Wellington in 2024 and winning easily in Buenos Aires in 2025.

At Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, every critique of Robertson’s conservatism in selection and indifference in style of play and consistency in performance, was again on display.

The All Blacks scored two early tries to lead 12-0 before 20 minutes, but lost the last hour 33-7. It could – and should – have been more.

This was a dominant England and the only time I can recall England being so in control was in the 19-7 World Cup semi-final in 2019. Back then the only question was how did the All Blacks get seven points and how did England only get 19?

On Saturday, how did England only get 33?

Robertson was gifted the All Blacks job on the basis of seven successive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, but Test rugby is not Super Rugby, and Robertson has been the biggest disappointment in his lack of vision and lack of delivery in the biggest Tests.

Since his opening Test in 2024, a one point win against England in Dunedin, his teams have underwhelmed and scraped wins.

The highlight was the 24-17 win at Eden Park against the Springboks in 2025, when the All Blacks led 14-0 after 15 minutes and then hung on for the last 65 minutes. A week later they lost in record-breaking fashion.

Robertson’s All Blacks have gone nowhere in two seasons and walloping Wales next Saturday won’t mask the stagnation of the All Blacks under Robertson.

England’s win was just their ninth in history against the All Blacks in 47 starts, but given the state of the All Blacks they should demand playing them a few times every year while Robertson is in charge. They will quickly move that figure into double figures.

England, 10 wins in succession, are easy on the eye and look very good.

They will be tested more in the Six Nations than they were by Australia, Fiji and the All Blacks, but unlike Robertson’s All Blacks, their graph is on the up.


KEO’S ACCUMULATOR: I GAVE ALL BLACKS HISTORY TOO MUCH CREDIT

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Fans’s View: Springboks coaches Rassie & Jacques rock!

Published

on

By

Give Springboks coaches Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber credit. They have made Springboks rugby lekker rugby, writes Shaheen Daniels.

Erasmus, as head coach and Nienaber as his defensive coach, won the 2019 World Cup. The Springboks were sensational hammering England 32-12 in the final in Japan.

The duo changed roles after the 2019 World Cup. Erasmus invested his core energy into the game as National Director of Rugby and Nienaber was made head coach.

The duo masterminded a brutal 2-1 series win against the British & Irish Lions in 2021 and they have won at Twickenham against England and beat the All Blacks on the Australian Gold Coast and were brilliant in beating the New Zealanders 26-10 in Nelspruit in 2022.

There were narrow defeats to Ireland in Dublin and to France in Marseilles, but Daniels’s view is that as a rugby supporter the duo have built one of the strongest and most enjoyable Springbok squads, and that it was right that they were given six years to do so.

‘I just feel that a lot of people are not giving Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber enough credit for their efforts and commitments. In the past coaches only had four years to prove themselves and the sad thing was that a coach was always told that this is “the previous coaches’ players”. Therefore, I have never enjoyed the rugby as much as I do now, because a group of players are involved and understand their roles. The coaches have faith and trust in the players and want to win a World Cup title back-to-back, because in the past it was difficult due to a one-off four year tenure.

‘Their faith in Manie Libbok speaks for itself, because of the defensive structures and DNA in the current Springbok setup. Rassie did mention in the past it does not help to play expansive rugby and score many tries, whereas you are also leaking tries. Therefore, Manie is needed for the expansive style of play.

‘Not to bad mouth Handré, because he is rock solid and likes to attack the line, however I really thought that they might take a consultant like Swys De Bruin and a kicking coach like Percy Montgomery. However I am just a fan and Rassie and co knows far better. And they have my unconditional support.

‘Springbok rugby is lekker rugby!’

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Fans’ view: Is 2019 Springboks player loyalty a gift or a curse?

Published

on

By

Springboks supporter Klein Strydom fears that too many of the 2019 South African Rugby World Cup winners are past their sell-by date.

Strydom, in his Fans’s view, does not know whether to applaud the loyalty Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have shown to the 2019 World Cup winning players or to fear it.

Loyalty: Surely a trait that most people would admire? Will it win the World Cup for South Africa this year? Is there room for loyalty in professional rugby?

Nienaber and Erasmus have shown unwavering loyalty to largely the same group of players who won the Webb Ellis trophy in 2019. This despite players being injured, playing poorly and lacking sharpness.
It has clearly made little difference how well the fringe players have performed- the squad was selected long before the recent Internationals. There are numerous examples of this, but it is unfair to single out the players concerned – they don’t select themselves.
This may, come the end of the World Cup, prove to be a masterstroke. We shall see.
Nick Mallett showed no loyalty to his captain, Gary Teichmann, in 199 and it cost the country dearly as well as denying one of our greatest captains the opportunity of playing in a World Cup.
I fervently hope that Rassie and Jacques prove to be right in their loyalty towards certain players and that South Africa will rejoice again like we did in 2019. I fear, however, that too many of the chosen ones are past their best and that 2023 will prove to be a bridge too far for them.
I hope I am wrong.
*The survivors of the 2019 final win against England are: Backline: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian de Allende and Faf de Klerk. Flyhalf Handre Pollard and inside centre Lukhanyo Am have been given more time to recover from injury and will be drafted into the World Cup squad if fit enough next month. Forwards: Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe and Bongi Mbonambi. Lock Lood de Jager was not considered because of injury and loose-head prop Tendai Mtawarira has retired. All the available players from the famed Bok Bomb Squad (substitute’s replacements) have been included, with the only absentees being the retired loose-forward Francois Louw and utility back Frans Steyn.
Photo: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Fans’ view: Frank’s fed up with Farrell favouritism

Published

on

By

Keo.co.za will bring you a daily Fans’ view as we head into the World Cup. The first up offering is aimed at England flyhalf Owen Farrell and Frank Montgomery writes it is time to red card Farrell for good.

Now I know that the issuing of a red card, especially early on in a contest, is a very contentious issue – the feeling is that it robs spectators from a fair contest, when you have 15 playing against 14. The other side of the coin is that player safety is considered paramount these days, so one has to act and address foul play.

So will it be considered fair if Mr Owen “No Hands” Farrel takes out one of your key players during the World Cup final, but the team is allowed to replace him after a certain period of time? He clearly has no intention to address and correct his style of tackling, but keeps on escaping punishment, yet can have an impact on final outcomes of vital games.

In my opinion the issue of a yellow card, to be reviewed during the 10 minutes the player is end off, is a great new addition – I just feel that if the decision is overturned to a red, the player in question should be called back on to the feel and presented with a red card in his face and the team should not be allowed to replace him at all!

*Farrell was yellow carded for an illegal tackle against Wales at Twickenham, and this was upgraded to a red card by the TMO. The England captain will face a disciplinary on Tuesday and by all accounts should get a six demerit point suspension.

Farrell earlier in the season was suspended for four matches because of head high, no arms, tackle. It was reduced to three matches because Farrell attended a one-day ‘Tackle School Clinic’.

World Rugby confirmed that a player can only attend one such clinic in his professional career as part of mitigation, so Farrell can’t rely on that luxury on Tuesday.

An all Australian Disciplinary Committee will oversee Farrell’s Disciplinary in what could be described a Kangaroo Court, which if effective could ban Farrell for the last England warm-up against Ireland and at least two of the first Group matches in the World Cup.

WATCH: OWEN FARRELL’S RED CARD TACKLE

Photo: Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images

 

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Snubbing Etzebeth and Savea cheapens World Rugby’s Player of the Year award

Published

on

World Rugby for the second year in a row have released a nomination list for World Rugby Player of the Year that screams oversight and apathy, and Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth and dynamic All Black Ardi Savea are again victims of this shocking selection process, writes Mark Keohane. (more…)

Continue Reading

KEO News Wire

Why Williams is the way forward at scrumhalf

Published

on

On a disappointing night in Cork, after a dire display from South Africa’s “A” side, there was one shining light in Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams, writes Mark Keohane.

SA “A” conceded four tries in the first half to lose 28-14 to Munster. It’s 80 minutes every South African supporter will really feel they can never get back, but if there was one positive to take from a game otherwise not worth even dissecting, it was that Grant Williams has shown again that he needs to be backed in Springbok colours.

When the Boks finally backed Jaden Hendrikse to start, there was a notable difference in their attacking energy, with the half-a-second extra time on the ball that Hendrikse’s service allowed. Hendrikse was a huge improvement on the notoriously slow passing of Faf de Klerk, but the scrumhalf with the quickest service in South African rugby at the moment is Grant Williams.

Pick him.

Faf de Klerk was perfectly suited to the 2019 Springbok team, whose pack dominated every set piece and allowed him to drop bomb after bomb on the opposition back three. That has not quite been the case over the last year, and the Bok set piece – especially the lineout and the maul – has been a shadow of its previous presence. As has De Klerk, whose sluggish style of play has proven costly and predictable.

Watch: Boks to boss Les Bleus in Marseille

Entrusting Damian Willemse at 10 is making a statement of intent and accepting that the Springboks will be playing a different style of rugby. Imagine how Willemse would thrive off the sort of delivery that Williams could give him from the base of the ruck.

What has become very apparent is that after storming onto the scene prior to the 2019 World Cup and making a few good cameo appearances here and there, Herschel Jantjies just is not up to scratch anymore. He hasn’t been for the Stormers and he most certainly was not for the Springboks last year or SA “A” last night. Jantjies’ kicking game has proven more an asset to the opposition than an attacking weapon for his own team, and his decision-making remains erratic.

The Boks have picked Faf de Klerk to start against France this weekend, and what we can expect – once again – is a fairly one-dimensional approach, that is no longer suited to this current Springbok team. There seems to be a bizarre lack of foresight in the decision-making of the Springbok management, and where steps were taken in the right direction by backing Willemse and Hendrikse as a combination, there is an immediate regression to conservative old ways as soon as pressure put on them by a loss.

Grant Williams needs to be in that Springbok side. He possesses such a dynamic, fast style of play at scrumhalf, and is equally comfortable on the wing – a necessary consideration for a Bok team that needs a back-up kicker on the bench more so than an extra outside back (given Willemse can play fullback too).

The Springboks’ lack of domination at set-piece is a real concern, but what is more concerning is the inability to situationally adapt. The Bok coaches continue to pick a team that plays a direct, confrontational and conservative style of rugby, but then are found scrambling when that approach does not work and these players are expected to try and play expansively and score tries come the second half.

Willemse is not a flyhalf who sits deep in the pocket and slowly moves a team forward by potting long-range territorial punts, so he needs a scrumhalf intent on playing to his fluid, elusive style. Hendrikse has begun to offer him that, but Grant Williams is the way forward if the Springboks are serious about embracing a stylistic change to their backline’s attack.

Watch: Zels and my predictions for Saturday’s clash

Continue Reading

Opinions

Bok coaches have backed the right horses for All Black opener

Published

on

For their opening Test against the All Blacks, the Springboks need the experienced halfback pairing of Faf De Klerk and Handre Pollard to fire, and the Bok coaches have got it spot on by bringing De Klerk back into the starting lineup, despite his indifferent form over the Welsh series, writes Mark Keohane.

Certain players within your system you trust, and for the Springboks Faf De Klerk is one of those. De Klerk’s kicking game and disruptive style of play is an important element in allowing the Springbok gameplan to thrive, and it is all the more important against a side like the All Blacks, who struggle when against sides and players who are able to disrupt their continuity.

Read: Marx strikes 50, Faf back for Boks

Jaden Hendrikse had a fantastic few games against Wales, and his passing game along with the speed at which he plays will be a welcomed factor from the bench. But in a game as big as the All Blacks, it would be silly to simply ignore the years of experience between De Klerk and Pollard, based on an indifferent start to the season.

Yes, De Klerk was neither here nor there and yes, Pollard was far from his best against Wales, but does that mean they should be discarded so quickly when we have seen what they are capable of in the biggest moment? According to the rugby public, yes. For me, it’s a hard no, and I’m relieved to see that the Springbok coaches have backed the horses who have come through for them time and time again for this opening Test.

One hopes that the Welsh series offered a chance for the likes of Pollard and De Klerk to shake off the cobwebs and come fresh into what will be a non-stop international season from Saturday’s Test to the end of year tour where the Boks will face France, Ireland and England.

I believe the two will come good against New Zealand, and they will do so emphatically. What Faf’s lack of form allowed for against Wales was for Hendrikse to be given an opportunity, and his success has just strengthened South Africa’s stocks at scrumhalf. Building to the World Cup it does not have to, and must not be, a case of De Klerk or Hendrikse, it very much should be a case of both. We have seen the success of similar stories in our front row!

When it comes to Saturday, Handre Pollard needs to be kicking at 80%. No team cannot afford penalty and conversion misses against the All Blacks.

Nienaber and Erasmus have picked the right generals for Saturday, but the onus is on De Klerk and Pollard to capitalise on forward dominance and marshall the match in a manner that truly represents their class as players.

In terms of the decision to stick with Jasper Wiese at number 8, it is one that will ring unpopular with much of the South African public, but one that despite my own fondness for Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw, I can understand tactically. Roos and Louw will feature against Australia, and it is very likely a case of the Springbok coaches believing this is the environment in which their skillsets will be best put to use in their debut seasons of Test rugby. Both Louw and Roos should have long Bok careers ahead of them, and their absence from the squad for the first Test against the All Blacks should be no cause for concern. There is still a whole Rugby Championship and end of year tour to be played.

Damian Willemse finally asserted himself at Test level in the Boks home series victory against Wales, and I’m happy to see him backed again at fullback, where he thrived over the three Tests. Willemse’s role is becoming more and more integral to the Boks’ selections and tactical approach, as he offers a great option at inside centre later on in the match, and acts as flyhalf cover.

Willemse’s shift into the starting XV has also very naturally allowed for Willie Le Roux’s transition to the bench, where we are seeing a much more comfortable and natural role for Le Roux. The fullback’s experience has proven handy in the final thirty minutes, and where last year it felt like the Boks were losing something by starting him and pulling him off at half time, they’ve gained so much by having him as a second-half safety option from the bench. Le Roux, if need be, can also come in at flyhalf.

The Boks are well covered by their bench for Saturday, and the versatility of the starting players. As always, their pack is interchangeable and regardless of who starts they boast the best in the world from 1-5. Malcolm Marx starts what will be his 50th Test and we can expect a huge shift from the man who marked his arrival on the Test scene with a performance against the All Blacks in 2017 that the New Zealand Herald gave a 10/10.

The Boks are positioned perfectly to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa by beating them. The coaches have been clever in their selections, and avoided public sensationalism to field close to their best possible side. Not just in terms of who starts where, but how the combinations unfold throughout the game between starters and substitutes.

The Springbok pack needs to dominate the All Black forwards in much the same way that a Leinster-dominated Irish pack did over the course of their 2-1 series victory in New Zealand. Based on the selections made for Saturday, they should.  Off the back of that, De Klerk and Pollard can do some serious damage with a backline that, bar two players, remains the same as the one that won the World Cup in 2019 and inspired a series win against the British & Irish Lions.

Continue Reading

Opinions

Mark Keohane picks his July internationals World XV

Published

on

By

Only three Springboks make my World XV from the July internationals, writes Mark Keohane. What is your best XV this past month?

A disclaimer, I have not considered any French players from their two-Test series win against Japan and none from the Argentina v Scotland three-Test series impressed me enough to crack the World XV.

I focused primarily on the Big Three Test series’s in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

I’ve also considered the comparative strengths of the sides, in terms of opposition, which has influenced my decision-making.

Ireland were outstanding in the first 20 minutes of the opening Test defeat in Auckland and transferred those 20 minutes into 160 minutes in the final two Tests, which they won.

But as good as the Irish played, this is the worst coached and selected All Blacks match-day squads I have reported on since the game turned professional in 1996. They are imposters the Mighty McCaw World Champion Class of 2011-2015.

I felt Wales had the toughest assignment of the northern hemisphere teams and Ireland had the easiest, given who they actually played and not being seduced by the history of who they were playing. When I say easiest, not to be misinterpreted as easy.

Historically, there is no tougher assignment that the All Blacks in New Zealand but in the context of the current fragility of the men in black and the sub-standard pedigree of their head coach Ian Foster, this was a series out of kilter with the quality of what the All Blacks have traditionally produced at home.

Australia and England were very evenly matched and it showed with one score basically separating the two teams in all three Tests.

Wales surprised me and were better than I thought they would be and the Boks overall disappointed me and were not as convincing as I thought they would be, although they showed enough in the third and final Test to give me comfort they will improve at home against New Zealand in August.

Ireland, with seven, provide the most from one country.

So, here’s my July World XV and there will be a few honourable mentions as well. 

15. Damian Willemse (SA)

14. Will Jordan (NZL)

13. Robbie Henshaw (Ire)

12. Owen Farrell (Eng)

11. James Louw (Ire)

10. Jonny Sexton (Ire)

9. James Gibson-Park (Ire)

8. Ardi Savea (NZL)

7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)

6. Peter O’Mahony (Ire)

5. Lood de Jager (SA)

4. Tadhg Berne (Ire)

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ire)

2. Malcolm Marx (SA)

1. Ellis Genge (Eng)

*Henshaw can play 12 and 13 and De Jager is comfortable at 4 or 5.

England’s Freddie Steward gets an honourable mention at fullback. Other honourable mentions, every player in the Irish match-day 23 for those final two Tests, especially flanker Josh van der Vlier, Eben Etzebeth (SA, lock) and Siya Kolisi (SA, flank) for their third Test performances, Steven Kitshoff (SA, prop), Frans Malherbe (SA, prop), Damian de Allende (SA, centre), Louis Rees-Zemmit (Wales, wing), Dan Biggar (Wales, flyhalf), Courtney Lawes (Eng, flank), Jack van Poortvliet (Eng, scrum half), Jack Nowell (Eng, wing), Samu Kerevi (Aus, centre), Michael Hooper (Aus, flank), Tom Wright (Aus, wing), Beauden Barrett (NZL, flyhalf) and Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland, wing).

New Zealand Herald Sport’s World XV

15. Freddie Steward (ENG)

14. Tom Wright (AUS)

13. Samu Kerevi (AUS)

12. Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

11. Marika Koroibete (AUS)

10. Johnny Sexton © (IRE)

9. Nic White (AUS)

8. Ardie Savea (NZL)

7. Josh van der Flier (IRE)

6. Peter O’Mahony (IRE)

5. Eben Etzebeth (RSA)

4. Tadhg Beirne (IRE)

3. Tadhg Furlong (IRE)

2. Dan Sheehan (IRE)

1. Ellis Genge (ENG)

Simon Thomas – Wales on Line World XV

15. Freddie Steward (Eng)

14. Damian Penaud (Fra)

13. Lukhanyo Am (RSA)

12. Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

11. Emiliano Boffelli (ARG)

10. Johnny Sexton (IRE)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ire)

8. Ardi Savea (NZL)

7. Josh van der Flier (IRE)

6. Courtney Lawes (ENG)

5. Eben Etzebeth (RSA)

4. Tadhg Beirne (IRE)

3. Tadhg Furlong (IRE)

2. Malcolm Marx (SA)

1. Ellis Genge (ENG)

Continue Reading

Opinions

Bullish Marcell Coetzee must be a Springboks discussion

Published

on

By

Marcell Coetzee will not be picked for the Springboks. The current coaches just don’t rate him. Siya Kolisi will be picked. The current coaches will never leave him out, writes Mark Keohane.

Coetzee was colossal in the Vodacom Bulls quarter-final win against the Cell C Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Kolisi was noticeably absent in his influence.

Both players know the national situation. Coetzee knows he won’t be picked and Kolisi knows he will never be dropped. It doesn’t mean there can’t be a discussion about Kolisi’s limited impact in his first season at the Sharks and Coetzee’s monumental contribution to the Bulls since he returned to South Africa from Belfast, Ireland.

Kolisi was my South African player of the season in 2021. He was colossal for the Springboks and he is a player who saves his best performances for the national team, so this is not a point made about whether it should be Kolisi or Coetzee in the Springbok squad.

This is a statement about pre-determined merits, where no matter what the one player does not do, there is no consequence and no matter what the other player does, there is no reward.

I understand Coetzee has accepted that while the incumbent Springboks coaching duo of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are in charge, he will not play for the national team. It is also accepted that Kolisi’s position, as a starter and captain, would never be a discussion.

The Bok coaches will always justify an omission with a question of ‘who do I leave out?’ But in this case, it should not warrant a question but an acknowledgement. You don’t have to leave out anyone but you you can add someone.

The Bok coaches will be judged by their results and since taking charge in 2018 Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have won a World Cup, a Rugby Championship and a British and Irish Lions series. For some, they are beyond a question given they’ve won the big three.

But for others, like myself and possibly every Bulls fan, the question can still be asked, why the disdain for Coetzee?

It surely can’t be performance!

Coetzee is the stand out forward in South Africa, in presence and consistency.

It is one of those unfortunate situations when a player knows that all he can control is his display and the reward will be exclusive to his regional team’s position.

Coetzee has never publicly bemoaned his absence from the national squad and he has never taken to social media or traditional media to trash talk the national coaches. Each week he just goes out and delivers for himself, his teammates and his coach at the Bulls.

It is this type of attitude that got the Bulls into the URC’s semi-finals and it is this type of attitude that means Coetzee, at club level globally, always commands interest and gets so many offers. It isn’t quite the same at the Sharks where 10 of their players can get invited to the national squad, but they can’t advance beyond a quarter-final or finish in a top four.

As it is, the one Sharks player who should be training with the Springboks, No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, didn’t get an invite.

The 17 players invited to train with the Springboks were predictable in the announcement, but again I felt something was missed in not having Lions flyhallf Jordan Hendrikse a part of the squad.

I don’t know what Hendrikse gains from a flirtation with the Blitzboks when clearly his future is as a No 10 in XVs.

Evan Roos was not in the first Springboks camp alignment. Just how he wasn’t is disconcerting but ultimately he got recognition for his performances.

The Bulls and DHL Stormers advanced to the semi-finals of the URC as the two best South African teams.

Very few Bulls players will be added to the Springboks squad for the three-Test series against Wales, but the Stormers will have greater representation.

It is an odd one when you consider the Bulls beat SA ‘A’ or a midweek Springboks XV in Cape Town last year and at Loftus on Saturday beat a Sharks team with 10 current Springboks squad members.

It should be a discussion but unfortunately it is just an accepted situation – a situation that should never be accepted.

So, people let’s discuss …

Mark Keohane in the Sunday Times on South Africa’s European invitation 

How Mark Keohane and SA Rugby Magazine editor Zelim Nel called a Bulls and Stormers quarter-final win

Continue Reading

Opinions

Fired up Fourie would be fantastic for Springboks

Published

on

By

I would pick Deon Fourie for the Springboks this season and view him as an insurance policy for the 2023 World Cup in France, writes Mark Keohane.

The DHL Stormers veteran will be 37 years-old when the Springboks arrive in France next September to defend the World Cup won in Japan in 2019.

The DHL Stormers play Edinburgh in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town this weekend and another big performance from Fourie is a given.

Each week on social media I applaud the qualities of the Stormers and Western Province senior statesman, and each week I cop abuse from the very same ignorant mob who mocked me when I suggested Schalk Brits could add value to the Springboks in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup. That same mob was out in full force when I made a case for Morne Steyn to be part of the Springboks Test match squad for the three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

‘What?’ screamed the mob. ‘Move on man …’

Typically, the response was to get in a 19 year-old as part of the youthful cheerleading.

Kids don’t win teams World Cups and they don’t win teams big series’ like the British & Irish Lions.

There is nothing in sport that can compare with a veteran, with global experience, still playing with the enthusiasm of a teenager and producing player of the match performances with great regularity.

Fourie, in 2022, has been that player for Western Province and significantly for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.

Brits, primarily a hooker but blessed with such a range of skill that he could comfortably have played in the midfield, was massive for the Springboks at the 2019 World Cup, even though he did not play in the final. 

Brits was part of the leadership group, captained the Springboks at No 8 as a 38 year-old and added a dimension to the well-being of those players not in the play-off match day squads. His influence was immense and the Springboks were beneficiaries of a professional career that totalled 380 matches.

Equally influential was Steyn in the Springboks winning the Test series against the Lions.

Steyn, having retired from Test rugby at the end of 2021, is still playing for the Bulls in the URC and Currie Cup and will end the season having taken his professional first class match total past 420.

Fourie, who has played 96 times for Western Province, 91 for Lyon, 84 for the Stormers and 42 for Grenoble, will end the domestic season on 350-plus matches. He shows no sign of letting up and still leads from the front.

Fourie’s URC form would have everyone raving if he was 20 years-old. The fact that he is 35 years-old should be of no consideration. His numbers are tangible and his off-field influence are intangibles with possibly even more currency.

But for the purposes of the ill-informed and ignorant, it is worth repeating just this one URC statistic: Fourie, in the League was among the leading turnover specialists.

The Springbok coaching duo of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have never been afraid to invest in veterans, and hopefully in the next few months they will also acknowledge the form of Fourie.

SA Rugby Magazine: For Fourie Age is Just a Number

Watch: SA Rugby Magazine editor Zelim Nel and Mark Keohane preview the Vodacom URC Play-offs

 

Continue Reading

Opinions

Dobson’s delightful Stormers dominate SA’s URC Team of Season

Published

on

By

The DHL Stormers are South Africa’s best Vodacom United Rugby Championship team and that is why their players dominate my SA team of the season, writes Mark Keohane. John Dobson is also my SA coach of the league.

DHL Stormers coach John Dobson has had to overcome the departure of some of the most prominent and experienced World Cup-winning Springboks in Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi. He, at the beginning of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship was also dealing with a failing executive that was subsequently put under administration.

Dobson, once freed up to coach thanks to the quality of the administration job done by former SA Rugby Union CE Rian Oberholzer and a new interim Board, trusted his instincts to persist with his pursuit of a flamboyant and expressive playing style that he felt spoke to the cross cultural make-up of rugby in the Western Cape.

The DHL Stormers, with just one win from their opening five matches, revelled post Oberholzer’s arrival, which allowed Dobson to get back not the field and apply his mind exclusively to the task of coaching and leading the Stormers. The results were incredible, with the DHL Stormers doing the double over Jake White’s Vodacom Bulls in two bruising encounters and coming from 22-7 down in Durban to draw 22-all against the Cell C Sharks and then beating the Durban’s Galacticos 20-10 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Pick your SA URC Team of the Season: Back three

The DHL Stormers won eight in succession, seven in a row at the DHL Stadium, and only lost one of their final 13 league matches to be crowned SA’s first ever Shield Winners. #ALLFOR1

Hats off to Dobson. His team have a delight to watch and they deservedly will host a home play-off on 4th June.

DHL Stormers make ups 10 of my XV, Cell C Sharks get two players, Vodacom Bulls two players and the Emirates Lions get one on a wing and a prayer.

Mark Keohane’s SA Vodacom United Rugby Championship Team of the Season

15. Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks)
14. Madosh Tambwe (Vodacom Bulls)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – v/capt
12. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)
11. Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions)
10. Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers)
9. Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks)
8. Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)
7. Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls)
6. Marcell Coetzee (Vodacom Bulls)
5. Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers)
4. Adre Smith (DHL Stormers)
3. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers)
2. Scarra Ntubeni (DHL Stormers)
1. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – capt
Coach: John Dobson (DHL Stormers)

SA RUGBY MAGAZINE’S Vodacom United Rugby Championship SA Team of the Season

Photo: Ben Evans/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

Pick your URC Team of the Season: Centres

Continue Reading

Keo TV

Scott Gibbs: South Africa the greatest place in the world to play rugby

Published

on

SA Rugby Editor Zelim Nel and I spoke with legendary Welsh and British & Irish Lions centre Scott Gibbs about the United Rugby Championship, the state of the South African franchises and how the tournament has begun to take shape and where it will go in the future, writes Mark Keohane.

Reflecting on the South African teams’ recent hot run in the URC, Gibbs spoke of being amazed by the wonderful generation of South African player coming through the ranks. We were all in agreement that the four South African franchises would again dominate with results this coming weekend, as has been the trend since the northern sides began coming down south a month ago.

Only now has the tournament begun to really take shape and Gibbs, impressed by the quality of rugby being played, believes that come next year the URC, with the return of crowds a much more settled calendar, will emerge as one of the best domestic tournaments in world rugby.

Gibbs, who in many respects led the charge of the 1997 British & Irish Lions team that beat the Springboks, said he believes that touring South Africa will become one of the biggest experiences for the teams from the Celtic nations, as it is the greatest country in the world to play rugby and one of the most enjoyable to experience as a tourist.

For our full conversations, as well as our predictions for the four South African URC fixtures this weekend, watch below:

Continue Reading

Opinions

Robust Roos makes a statement for Springboks

Published

on

By

Stormers No 8 Evan Roos put down a marker for the Springboks, but as much fun as it is to watch South African teams hammering those from up north in the United Rugby Championship, there isn’t one South African team good enough to beat Leinster in Dublin and win the competition, writes Mark Keohane. (more…)

Continue Reading

Opinions

Lukhanyo Am; World’s best 13 and SA’s best player

Published

on

Find me a 13 in world rugby better than Lukhanyo Am , and find me a player better than him in South Africa at the moment. Am is currently South Africa’s most impactful player, and his performance both at Test and domestic level puts him in rare class of consistency among world rugby’s elite, writes Oliver Keohane. 

There are very few players who are capable of bouncing between the pressure of Test level to the physical rigour of a domestic season and maintaining the standard of performance expected of them. But aside from the physical demands of what has effectively become a year-round rugby season, there is something to be said of the ability of a player to switch on mentally for a domestic season, after coming off a few months of Test rugby. Conversely, to handle the step up from domestic to Test level is an equal mental effort that many do not handle with such ease.

Lukhanyo Am is not many, he is in the special class of player that is seemingly incapable of a poor performance either at Test or domestic level.

Am’s trajectory has been such that where he was lauded initially for his understated organisation of defence and low error-rate, public perception has widened to appreciate his incredible attacking flair, leadership skillset and domineering presence on n the field. While Am is consistently one of the best at Test level, it has become glaringly obvious in both the Currie Cup and URC that he is often the most impactful player on the pitch.

Lukhanyo Am was a late Test find, so to speak, but since his first selection it has become obvious that the Springboks have found the solution to the outside centre issue that Jacques Fourie’s absence left for many years. Am has started in 25 of his 26 tests, of which he has won 17. He’s contributed 25 tries, including one against the British & Irish Lions, which was nominated for World Rugby Try of the Year. More importantly perhaps, have been those that he has assisted… Look no further than Mapimpi’s World Cup final try against England, and Damian De Allende’s in the Springboks win over the All Blacks last year, which started with an incredible offload from Am.

Am has won a British & Irish lions series, won a World Cup and won a Rugby Championship. He has done that in under 30 Tests. Those statistics are phenomenal, and they given added weight by the fact that Am was an integral figure in every one of those accomplishments.

What has been incredibly refreshing and inspiring, in light of his superb three years with the Springboks, is his immediate impact as Sharks captain since the domestic season kicked off. In December Am helped the Sharks to a win over the Bulls, with a stunning intercept try, and in his most recent game ran in the most ridiculous of tries against the Bulls again, straight from the kickoff, to help the Sharks secure another win over them.

Sharks coach Sean Everitt, after their most recent win, lauded Am as the best centre in the world, and I doubt there are many arguing with him. I certainly am not, and his consistency for both the Sharks and the Springboks is a rarity and a commodity.

Continue Reading

Opinions

Stormers in for a shock, Ireland set to rock

Published

on

I sat down with The MoneyMan and SA Rugby Mag editor Zelim Nel to make our picks for this weekend’s URC and Six Nations. I’m expecting the Lions to shock the Stormers in Johannesburg, and Ireland to show why they are the number 2 team in the world at the moment, against a much-hyped French side.

WATCH: URC Preview

WATCH: Six Nations Preview

ALSO ON KEO:

Rassie; pick Ruan Ackermann before it’s too late

Continue Reading

Opinions

Rassie; pick Ruan Ackermann before it’s too late

Published

on

Rassie Erasmus, please give Ruan Ackermann a call and let him know that he will be a Springbok. Before England pick him up to play international rugby, says Mark Keohane.

South Africa needs to secure the services of Ruan Ackermann before he becomes another foreign import who instead of aiding the Springbok cause, becomes a South African competitor. In our latest show for SA Rugby Magazine, myself, Zelim and Ollie discuss Ackermann’s situation and look at the rest of the South African talent taking over the northern hemisphere.

Saffas Abroad: Ackermann, Du Preez steal the show in England

Ruan Ackermann in his time at Gloucester has grown as a player, and grown in an environment without his father as head coach. His growth and success has also come in one of rugby’s toughest domestic competitions globally in the English Premiership. Since leaving the Lions and embracing England as home base, Ackermann has consistently been a standout loose forward among the many internationals who play across the Premiership.

And while South African locals forget with such ease the likes of Ackermann (a talented player who went overseas early), he has not for a moment forgotten his dream of playing for the Springboks. Ackermann, in chatting to SA Rugby Magazine, said that while it would be an honour to play for England, he has never stopped wanting to be a Springbok. The fact that he has come into his best rugby in England does not mean that he should be written off for international inclusion in South Africa, and it would be terribly amiss in a season in which Ackermann is in the form of his life, to risk losing him to England. Especially when he is explicit in his desire to still represent his home country.

Ackermann is among a host of South African players performing in the top ten percent in the northern hemisphere, especially as a loose forward – just think the Du Preez brothers, Jasper Wiese and Marco Van Staden. But all these players have already been blooded as Springboks, and South Africa can rest easy knowing that they will offer their services to the Boks for what should still be long and illustrious careers. That comfort isn’t there yet with Ackermann, who has qualified for England via World Rugby’s residency law, and at any minute could get a call from Eddie Jones and be lured by the lights of Twickenham because South Africa never bothered to call.

Rassie, Jacques, don’t let that happen. Get on that phone to Ackermann as soon as possible to let the kid know that he is in the mix.

WATCH:

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Keo.co.za