Connect with us

Opinions

Moyes v Mourinho: The Battle of the Dinosaurs

Published

on

West Ham versus Tottenham was a clash of old school ways, a battle of managerial dinosaurs, writes Adam Walton.

In 2013, a meeting between David Moyes and Jose Mourinho implied a meeting between Manchester United and Chelsea. Both managers were in charge of two of the most successful football clubs in the recent history, and were counted amongst the elite coaches of the game.

Fortunes, it is fair to say, have not been kind in the years that followed. Mourinho has had two well-documented meltdowns at both aforementioned clubs. Moyes has been relegated with Sunderland and fired from Real Sociedad. Their decline has stemmed from their dogmatic use of a frustrating and old-fashioned defensive style, which in the world of false nines and gegenpressing, is not only boring but also ineffective. The general consensus amongst pundits and fans is that both are now past it. They’ve become slightly sad comedic figures in football, appearing as doddery old guys who wouldn’t know how to close a tab on a web browser. 

Sunday’s meeting between the Scot’s West Ham side and the Portuguese’s Tottenham team, was therefore a clash of old school ideas, a battle of the Premier League’s dinosaurs. The game offered little fresh insight into either team. West Ham scored an early goal in each half, proceeding then to nullify and frustrate Spurs in classic Moyesian style. To their credit, the North London club did threaten through the semi-retired Gareth Bale in the second half, but otherwise suffered from their rudderless attacking that has plagued the side this season. In a game of who could stifle best, Moyes emerged victorious. One could practically hear the tabloid articles about Harry Kane’s future being written already.

The result left Spurs in ninth, nine points behind their opposition on the day, who sit in the final Champions League place. Moyes, it appears, still has life left in football, whilst Mourinho is gradually transforming into the old man from Up. Why then, is one old-timer faltering while the other is rejuvenated?

Granted, West Ham do have a kinder fixture list, with no European or cup exploits to clog up their schedule. Tottenham also have glaring tactical deficiencies, particularly on their below par right flank. However, the answer is far more simple; West Ham needed a dinosaur. They needed Moyes.

Over recent years, West Ham have attempted to modernise and establish themselves as European contenders. They’ve bought expensive stars like Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, and appointed a Premier League winning coach in Manuel Pellegrini. Instead of the promised glory, however, the club have struggled, with signings underperforming and relegation battles taking the place of European contention. Fans, who mostly live in the working class East End, have felt the club losing its connection to their hardworking heritage, of losing its identity.

It’s this identity that has returned with the appointment of Moyes. He’s returned to the formula that served him so effectively at Everton for 11 years. Many players appear to be modern equivalents of the Moyes’ classic Everton sides. In Tomas Soucek, Moyes has his Mourane Fellani, a player that ghosts into the box and causes havoc at set pieces. Jesse Lingard is his Tim Cahill, a midfielder with an eye for goal that regularly runs beyond the central striker. There’s also a Leighton Baines re-incarnation in Aaron Cresswell, and the tireless grafter of Vladimir Coufal emulating Seamus Coleman at right-back. But beyond tactics, it’s the attitude that the manager has instilled in his players that has resonated with West Ham. They’re hardworking, aggressive, and not afraid to be left with an open head wound after challenging for a cross. In short, the club were crying out for some old fashioned grit and determination, and there’s no better manager for that than David Moyes. 

Whilst Moyes’ appointment at West Ham fits, the same cannot be said for Tottenham and Mourinho. Spurs, under Pochettino, were on an upward trajectory, playing amazing pressing football with a squad filled with world class talent. Their approach under the Portuguese is now infuriating and stale. The club has taken a backwards step, choosing a manager based on his reputation as opposed to his suitability. One can imagine the anger of the players, once reaching Champions League finals, being told to sit in two rows of four and play narrow. 

The difference between Mourinho and Moyes is therefore not in style, but in surroundings. To best express this, the dinosaur metaphor can be used one last time. Moyes, at West Ham, is a prehistoric shark, able to survive and thrive in the oceans which suit him best. Mourinho is a T-Rex, once the apex predator who now refuses to acknowledge his tiny arms are insufficient to deal with the approaching meteor. And like the T-Rex, his extinction is starting to look quite inevitable.

105 Comments

105 Comments

  1. S'inscrire sur Binance

    29th April 2023 at 5:30 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/fr/register?ref=T7KCZASX

  2. binance'ye kaydolun

    3rd January 2025 at 8:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  3. binance signup bonus

    15th July 2025 at 7:06 am

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

  4. accounts.binance.com registrera dig

    8th December 2025 at 9:46 pm

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

  5. Gail Oram

    16th December 2025 at 9:32 am

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

  6. fdertolmrtokev

    20th December 2025 at 5:40 am

    Dead pent written content, regards for entropy. “In the fight between you and the world, back the world.” by Frank Zappa.

  7. Javier Jacomet

    30th December 2025 at 8:27 am

    Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.

  8. ayuda TFG arquitectura

    30th December 2025 at 9:01 pm

    Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all appear to get something done.

  9. producción de eventos

    13th January 2026 at 5:41 pm

    You made some first rate factors there. I looked on the web for the difficulty and found most people will go together with together with your website.

  10. pousada centrinho do rosa

    13th January 2026 at 11:34 pm

    Hello, i read your blog occasionally 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 insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  11. reparo ar condicionado

    14th January 2026 at 1:25 pm

    You got a very excellent website, Sword lily I noticed it through yahoo.

  12. battery shop near me

    14th January 2026 at 7:57 pm

    You made certain good points there. I did a search on the matter and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog.

  13. solar water heater Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 1:28 am

    Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!…

  14. best betting sites in india

    15th January 2026 at 7:39 am

    You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be really one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It seems too complex and very huge for me. I am looking forward to your next publish, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!

  15. gold price Malaysia

    15th January 2026 at 9:20 am

    Hi there very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I am glad to search out numerous useful info here within the submit, we’d like develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.

  16. box de flores barato recife

    15th January 2026 at 9:23 am

    As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you

  17. tlovertonet

    15th January 2026 at 10:11 am

    I haven’t checked in here for a while because 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 🙂

  18. mercedes workshop near me

    15th January 2026 at 7:39 pm

    I conceive you have remarked some very interesting points, thankyou for the post.

  19. kilat333

    16th January 2026 at 6:20 pm

    Wow! Thank you! I constantly wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my site?

  20. my account square cloud

    16th January 2026 at 9:32 pm

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

  21. miglior consulto búzios online gratis

    17th January 2026 at 1:57 am

    Great website. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your effort!

  22. backdrop murah

    17th January 2026 at 4:18 am

    Can I simply say what a reduction to find somebody who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the best way to deliver an issue to mild and make it important. Extra people have to read this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant believe youre no more in style since you definitely have the gift.

  23. dkwin

    17th January 2026 at 8:18 pm

    It’s in reality a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  24. kerassentials

    18th January 2026 at 10:04 am

    very good post, i definitely love this website, keep on it

  25. high heels 43

    18th January 2026 at 2:56 pm

    As a Newbie, I am continuously exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you

  26. gelatin trick recipe

    18th January 2026 at 3:16 pm

    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.

  27. pink salt trick

    18th January 2026 at 5:02 pm

    I’m still learning from you, as I’m improving myself. I certainly liked reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the tips coming. I loved it!

  28. kilat333

    18th January 2026 at 5:51 pm

    What i do not realize is in truth how you’re not actually much more neatly-favored than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus significantly in terms of this matter, produced me in my opinion imagine it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. At all times handle it up!

  29. gelatin trick

    18th January 2026 at 8:47 pm

    You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  30. gelatin trick recipe

    19th January 2026 at 12:26 am

    I will right away clutch your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  31. gelatin trick

    19th January 2026 at 5:43 am

    I was just searching for this information for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.

  32. kilat333 link

    19th January 2026 at 1:03 pm

    I couldn’t resist commenting

  33. ladang88 daftar

    19th January 2026 at 4:12 pm

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

  34. lgopro99

    19th January 2026 at 7:14 pm

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to reach my goals. I definitely enjoy reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I liked it!

  35. fashion sale

    20th January 2026 at 1:00 am

    Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.

  36. bandar toto macau

    20th January 2026 at 1:25 am

    It is truly a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  37. lgopro99

    20th January 2026 at 2:08 am

    Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.

  38. servizio di posta digitale Svizzera

    20th January 2026 at 3:05 am

    Its fantastic as your other content : D, regards for posting.

  39. lgopro99

    20th January 2026 at 3:19 am

    There is obviously a bundle to identify about this. I think you made some good points in features also.

  40. producción de eventos

    20th January 2026 at 5:45 am

    What i don’t understood is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!

  41. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 7:05 am

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This submit actually made my day. You can not believe just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  42. top up royal dream

    20th January 2026 at 11:23 am

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

  43. royal138

    20th January 2026 at 2:30 pm

    Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  44. zabornatorilon

    21st January 2026 at 1:02 am

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

  45. citrus burn review

    21st January 2026 at 3:51 pm

    I needed to draft you that very little word to be able to say thanks over again with your incredible tips you have documented on this website. It was certainly extremely generous with people like you to convey extensively all many of us might have distributed as an e book to generate some dough for themselves, primarily now that you might well have done it in case you wanted. The guidelines additionally served to provide a easy way to be sure that the rest have a similar dreams the same as my very own to realize a little more on the topic of this matter. I think there are thousands of more pleasant sessions ahead for individuals that go through your site.

  46. optivell

    21st January 2026 at 11:47 pm

    Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice article.

  47. fizz clean

    22nd January 2026 at 6:26 pm

    Normally I do not 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, quite nice post.

  48. comprar iptv

    22nd January 2026 at 7:36 pm

    Real wonderful information can be found on weblog.

  49. fizzclean review

    22nd January 2026 at 10:17 pm

    Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading 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!

  50. flixy tv stick review

    23rd January 2026 at 10:26 am

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

  51. nuroclean reviews

    23rd January 2026 at 2:30 pm

    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’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Generally the top web sites are full of garbage.

  52. nuroclean review

    23rd January 2026 at 7:27 pm

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  53. layarkaca21

    24th January 2026 at 12:22 am

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

  54. wellaheat socks review

    24th January 2026 at 2:55 am

    I am not very superb with English but I line up this very easygoing to interpret.

  55. wellaheat heated socks

    24th January 2026 at 6:19 am

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having problems 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 grow over time.

  56. wuffy robot puppy

    24th January 2026 at 8:30 am

    Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

  57. wuffy review

    24th January 2026 at 3:26 pm

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

  58. iblbet

    24th January 2026 at 7:11 pm

    Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

  59. kilat333

    24th January 2026 at 10:28 pm

    I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  60. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 3:15 am

    I have to get across my admiration for your generosity giving support to visitors who absolutely need guidance on that topic. Your real commitment to getting the message all-around appeared to be extraordinarily functional and has constantly allowed professionals like me to attain their pursuits. Your own warm and friendly guideline entails a whole lot to me and extremely more to my colleagues. Regards; from everyone of us.

  61. lista iptv

    25th January 2026 at 2:37 pm

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

  62. kilat333

    25th January 2026 at 5:23 pm

    I will immediately clutch your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  63. lotto champ

    25th January 2026 at 7:10 pm

    Virtually all of whatever you assert is astonishingly appropriate and that makes me wonder why I had not looked at this with this light before. Your article truly did turn the light on for me personally as far as this particular subject matter goes. Nevertheless there is actually one particular point I am not really too comfy with so while I try to reconcile that with the core theme of the position, permit me observe exactly what all the rest of the readers have to say.Well done.

  64. collaboration software

    26th January 2026 at 12:12 am

    Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

  65. boostaro review

    26th January 2026 at 3:48 am

    There’s noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

  66. optivell review

    26th January 2026 at 12:36 pm

    Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this site is real user pleasant! .

  67. bariatric gelatin trick

    26th January 2026 at 4:51 pm

    I have been reading out some of your articles and it’s clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog.

  68. jello diet trend 2026

    26th January 2026 at 8:07 pm

    Loving the info on this web site, you have done outstanding job on the articles.

  69. gelatin trick recipe

    26th January 2026 at 11:12 pm

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

  70. bandar slot

    27th January 2026 at 7:21 am

    You have brought up a very wonderful points, thanks for the post.

  71. website

    27th January 2026 at 1:58 pm

    I was reading through some of your blog posts on this website and I conceive this site is rattling informative ! Keep on putting up.

  72. recarga iptv

    27th January 2026 at 5:30 pm

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

  73. assinar iptv

    27th January 2026 at 10:10 pm

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

  74. royal138 pengacara

    28th January 2026 at 2:09 am

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

  75. jewelry manufacturer

    28th January 2026 at 8:53 am

    Wow, marvelous blog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The full glance of your website is excellent, as neatly as the content material!

  76. wholesale jewelry manufacturers

    28th January 2026 at 12:33 pm

    I am really inspired together with your writing talents as neatly as with the structure for your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a nice weblog like this one today..

  77. Chinese green tea

    28th January 2026 at 4:30 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 some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back.

  78. kilat333

    29th January 2026 at 2:23 am

    I always was interested in this subject and still am, regards for putting up.

  79. david hoffmeister

    29th January 2026 at 10:19 am

    I have recently started a website, the info you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” by Jean Paul.

  80. igm247

    29th January 2026 at 8:57 pm

    hello there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the site lots of 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 sluggish 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 e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again soon..

  81. ai professional headshots

    30th January 2026 at 2:21 am

    It’s onerous to find knowledgeable folks on this matter, but you sound like you understand what you’re speaking about! Thanks

  82. cheap international flights usa

    30th January 2026 at 6:50 am

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

  83. bariatric gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 10:23 am

    What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help different customers like its aided me. Great job.

  84. gelatin diet trick

    30th January 2026 at 12:29 pm

    Perfect piece of work you have done, this web site is really cool with excellent info .

  85. tlovertonet

    30th January 2026 at 12:54 pm

    Just wanna tell that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.

  86. how much is firestick a month

    30th January 2026 at 1:24 pm

    Some truly superb posts on this internet site, regards for contribution.

  87. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 8:11 pm

    Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my website so i got here to “go back the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my web site!I assume its ok to make use of some of your concepts!!

  88. gelatin trick

    30th January 2026 at 11:03 pm

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

  89. secaps black chá original

    30th January 2026 at 11:23 pm

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Kudos!

  90. gelatin trick

    31st January 2026 at 5:41 am

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  91. ghdrol

    31st January 2026 at 7:04 pm

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

  92. ghdrol

    31st January 2026 at 10:15 pm

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

  93. ethical hackers vs black-hat hackers

    1st February 2026 at 11:25 am

    Excellent website. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your sweat!

  94. ethical hacking courses

    1st February 2026 at 3:59 pm

    Very interesting details you have mentioned, regards for putting up.

  95. ethical hacking training programs

    1st February 2026 at 7:15 pm

    Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Fantastic. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  96. top up royal dream

    1st February 2026 at 10:25 pm

    Hi there! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve gotten here on this post. I might be coming again to your blog for extra soon.

  97. ethical hackers vs black-hat hackers

    2nd February 2026 at 12:47 am

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

  98. ethical hacking and data security

    2nd February 2026 at 5:04 am

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

  99. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 5:20 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!

  100. gullybet live cricket scores

    2nd February 2026 at 5:50 am

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

  101. ethical hacking tools

    2nd February 2026 at 7:27 am

    I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is great, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  102. pcxwin

    2nd February 2026 at 9:48 am

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

  103. top up royal dream

    2nd February 2026 at 8:34 pm

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

  104. water flow meter

    4th February 2026 at 2:43 am

    You made some respectable factors there. I looked on the internet for the problem and found most individuals will go along with together with your website.

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