Tabla de contenidos para October 2024 en SA RUGBY

At the time of writing, Eben Etzebeth was on his way to Argentina to earn his 127th Springbok Test cap in the Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Santiago. It's fitting that Argentina were the opponents when Victor Matfield played his 127th and final Test for South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Matfield was 38 when he captained South Africa to victory against Los Pumas in the bronze final. Etzebeth turns 33 in October. Matfield was one half of the most famous Bok lock pairing and while Etzebeth is on the brink of matching Matfield's appearance record in record time, it has been his ability to step into the imposing shoes of revered enforcer Bakkies Botha which has entrenched Etzebeth as a Bok great. In a career…

In 2011, a young Eben Etzebeth wandered ito a book launch at Newlands. At the time, he was already turning heads in Western Province's youth set-up, having won the Varsit Cup with UCT. As it happened, that book launch was for Victor Matfield's autobiography. Towering above most, even at just 19 years old, Etzebeth was a raw talent – yet undeniably special. On that day, Matfield, a man who knew a thing or two about world-class locks, pulled him aside and made a bold prediction. 'I invited him to have a braai with us and I told him, “I think you can play for the Boks next year,” Matfield recalls. 'I didn't know if he really belived me, but the next year he got picked by Heyneke Meyer to play…

SIMON BORCHARDT COLUMN Not all South African rugby heroes wear the green and gold, or play club rugby at the highest level. In fact, I'd argue that the vast majority of them are players you have never heard of, playing for clubs around the world you didn't know existed. South Africa produces so many talented rugby players that only a tiny fraction of them can expect to make big money as a professional. The rest end up playing local club rugby for match fees and/or a small monthly retainer – while holding down a day job or studying – or earning a small salary (compared to high-level rugby salaries) at a Currie Cup First Division union, while still hoping they can go, or in some cases return, overseas. In 2020,…

COACH: JOHN PLUMTREE CAPTAIN: TBC 2023-24 FINISH: 14TH IN A NUTSHELL Another off-season of significant investment in the squad has put the Sharks under pressure to start delivering after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, writes Dylan Jack. John Plumtree's first season back with the Sharks may have ended in silverware with the Challenge Cup, but was largely disappointing in the URC. An awful first half of the season saw the Sharks win just one game out of 11 in the URC – against the lowly Dragons in Durban – by March, effectively becoming one of the first teams to be ruled out of the race for the top eight. The Sharks have responded with another big squad overhaul, as Bok captain Siya Kolisi has returned to Durban, heading up a heavy-hitting…

Supplied by RUGBY COACH WEEKLY www.youtube.com/@RugbyCoachWeekly KICK CHASE Win the 1 vs 1 kick chase Develop the role of the kick-chasing player. Use these exercises to work on how to compete for the ball, make a tackle or guide the catcher out of play. WHY USE IT A kick is only as good as its chase. A good chase can turn an average kick into a turnover. SET-UP Cones, balls and a 20m x 30m box and flags for the development. HOW TO DO IT Put a catcher and chaser at different distances apart (see top picture). Throw the ball up for the catcher. Depending on the distances, he will have to make a contestable catch, or have time to catch the ball. The chaser can work out whether he…

CLUB FOCUS Leinster have loaded up on foreign stars in a bid to end the club's three-season trophy drought. Having slipped up in the URC semi-finals and finished as Champions Cup runners-up for the past three seasons, Leinster have significantly strengthened a squad already boasting 25 Ireland internationals. Springbok lock RG Snyman has joined from rivals Munster, while All Blacks playmaker Jordie Barrett will arrive on a short-term contract in December. Leinster have also signed veteran French prop Rabah Slimani, who joins with nearly 300 combined appearances under the belt from Stade Francais and Clermont. The URC's most successful club with eight domestic titles and five European titles, Leinster have suffered heartbreak in recent seasons. Having been beaten in the Champions Cup final twice by La Rochelle in 2022 and…

CAREER IN PICTURES…

GRANT WILLIAMS ‘Freedom.' – The Springbok scrumhalf celebrated with the Freedom Cup after an epic Test match against New Zealand in Cape Town. LUKHANYO AM 'For South Africa.' – The Springbok centre celebrated with fellow midfielders Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende after helping the Boks regain the Freedom Cup. WILLIE LE ROUX 'Freedom Cup.' – The Springbok fullback and Malcolm Marx were joined by injured teammate Damian Willemse for celebrations in the Cape Town Stadium dressing room. DALTON PAPALI'I ‘A wee hike up the mountain with the lads.' – The All Blacks flank went sightseeing with Sevu Reece on Table Mountain. HANDRÉ POLLARD `Pearl Valley Golf Course.' –The Springbok flyhalf enjoyed an off day with Damian de Allende in Paarl. RUAN NORTJÉ ‘Blessed.' – The Bok lock with Bulls…

9 June 2012: Springbok debut, against England at Kings Park (above). 18 July 2015: First Test try, against Australia in Brisbane. 30 October 2015: Second Test try as the Springboks claim bronze at the 2015 World Cup against Argentina at the Olympic Stadium in London. 10 September 2016: Becomes the youngest player to make 50 Test appearances for the Springboks at 24, in a Rugby Championship clash with the Wallabies in Brisbane. 24 June 2017: Captains the Springboks for the first time, scoring a try in a 35-12 victory over France at Ellis Park. 18 August 2018: Returns from a back injury in a 34-21 win against Argentina at Kings Park. 15 September 2018: Starts as the Boks claim a historic 36-34 win over the All Blacks in Wellington. 20…

SA URC GUIDE COACH: JAKE WHITE CAPTAIN: RUAN NORTJE 2023-24 LOG FINISH: 2ND [FINALISTS] IN A NUTSHELL The Bulls are primed for a standout season, fuelled by the heartbreak of last season's URC final loss and bolstered by key acquisitions under the guidance of Jake White, writes Devin Hermanus. Despite falling short against the Glasgow Warriors in the 2023-24 showpiece, the Bulls were the most consistent South African team last season, finishing second in the regular season and securing their first SA Shield conference title. Hosting their first URC final at Loftus Versfeld marked a significant milestone, and the team showcased a balanced blend of physicality and flair, dispelling the myth of being one-dimensional. Captain Ruan Nortjé led a formidable pack, with seasoned campaigners Wilco Louw and Akker van der…

COACH: JOHN DOBSON CAPTAIN: SALMAAN MOERAT 2023-24 FINISH: 5TH [QUARTER-FINALISTS] IN A NUTSHELL The Stormers are out to reestablish their place as kings of South African rugby after a rollercoaster third URC campaign, writes Dylan Jack. John Dobson's side were South Africa's flag-bearers for the first two editions of the URC, but endured a tougher 2023-24 season. A winless four-match tour and a shock first-ever home defeat to the Ospreys effectively ruled the Stormers out of a home semifinal and they were beaten in the quarter-finals in Glasgow by the eventual champions. The Stormers' squad has been boosted by the return of veteran forwards Steven Kitshoff and JD Schickerling from overseas, who will both help the pack establish a solid platform for exciting playmakers like Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok, Warrick…

WHY USE IT Defenders need to trust their teammates to make a tackle. They should only step in if they feel the tackler is beaten or they can create a double tackle that will create a chance for slow ball or a turnover. Any other effort is a waste. SET-UP A 20m wide, 5m box, split in half. One ball. HOW TO DO IT Put two attackers and a feeder (9) at one corner of the box, facing two defenders. Put another two attackers in the middle, facing another defender. Have the attackers run into the box and aim to beat the two defenders coming forward. If they score, then restart the exercise again. If the ball-carrier is tackled, then the other attacker goes over the ball and the feeder…

Possessing the power to match his imposing 2.07m stature, RG Snyman is a force to be reckoned with between the white lines. The two-time World Cup-winning Springbok lock has joined Leinster having won the URC title in 2022-23 during four years with fellow Irish giants Munster. Known for his exceptional aerial skills, Snyman's towering presence is a nightmare for opposition teams, disrupting their set pieces and providing a reliable target in the lineouts. With his athleticism and agility, Snyman excels in open play, making him a versatile threat across the field. Josh van der Flier, a product of Wickiow RFC and Wesley College, has risen through the club ranks to become one of the world's premier blindside flankers. Despite injury setbacks, his relentless work rate and dynamic play earned him…

Heyneke Meyer made the most powerful statement when discussing a 20-year-old Eben Etzebeth in 2012. The then Springbok coach did not hesitate in anointing Etzebeth as the chosen one. He said he would become the most-capped Springbok in history. Meyer, in picking Etzebeth to debut against England in a 22-17 win in 2012, said that the young Cape Town born, raised and schooled giant would become the best lock on the planet. Meyer, in his decade in charge of the Super Rugby champion Bulls, coached South Africa's most celebrated lock pairing of Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield. If anyone has a measurement for international locks, it is Mever. Botha and Matfield, as a lock pairing, dominated world rugby for a decade. For me they are the greatest secondrow combination to…

FACE OFF SA RUGBY MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS GO HEAD TO HEAD LINEBREAKS DYLAN JOHNSON SAYS BULLS Having made two URC finals in the past three seasons, the Bulls will shrug off last season's disappointment at the hands of the Glasgow Warriors to finally brine home the trophy in 2024-25. Coach Jake White has added some serious quality to an already strong squad, with Cobus Wiese, Boeta Chamberlain, Aphiwe Dyanti, Alulutho Tshakweni and Nama Xaba providing stiff competition for places and depth around the park. A potent forward pack, consisting of Elrigh Louw (below), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé and Cameron Hanekom bring the physicality and a credible set-piece threat that creates a platform for an exciting backline to launch. The Boks at the back, Kurt-Lee…

Diana Medanic Wow, wow, wow! I am sure I am a few kilos lighter and my heart… Thank you All Blacks for this awesome game. Congratulations to my beloved Springboks! Niabulo Wela Take a bow Aphelele Fassi, you were outstanding! Sivuyile Ngalo What a game! Fighting spirit from the team, and the young guns showed bravery today. Rassie and his coaching staff are building a monster here. Tuwani Lisingo Great comeback win! They showed a lot of grit and determination in the final quarter of the game. Justin Sequeira I his era is special. Appreciate these moments. We will remember this 30 years from now! Extremely special team and coaching team. Stanley Pretorius Sacha, what a player! Elton le Roux I really thought it was curtains for us today. The…

What's your earliest rugby memory? Wearing my Springbok jersey day and night, and always having a rugby ball in hand. I would put myself in different scenarios while playing in the backyard, as if I was playing for the Boks in the World Cup. Did you model your game on a particular rugby player while growing up? I aspired to be like Dan Carter – his ability to dictate the game, taking the bail to the line, his distribution and rugby brain complemented by his kicking game. He was the man. If you had to choose between playing for the All Blacks or Wallabies, who would you pick? That's a tough question seeing that they are our biggest rivals and I want to play for the Springboks. But if I…

SA URC GUIDE COACH: IVAN VAN ROOYEN CAPTAIN: MARIUS LOUW 2023-24 LOG FINISH: 9TH IN A NUTSHELL Having narrowly missed out again on a first appearance in the URC playoffs, Ivan van Rooyen will be desperate to steer the Johannesburg-based outfit to the knockout stage this season, writes Devin Hermanus. The Lions' 2023-24 campaign was highlighted by narrow misses and strong finishes. It began with four hard-fought defeats but the Pride rebounded spectacularly to finish ninth on the overall standings with nine wins and nine losses. Impressively, the Lions finished fourth overall in points scored (526) and tries scored (67). The retirement of veteran forward Willem Alberts in June, and departure of marquee players Jordan Hendrikse and Emmanuel Tshituka leaves the Lions devoid of leadership, power and panache. However, inspirational…

Sea Hawks RFC Arniston did the 1st XV and 2nd XV double in domintating the Overberg League. The 1st XV were unbeaten in 14 matches and the 2nd XV winners in 12 of their 14 matches. Champions of the Overberg, their crowing glory on Saturday, 17 August was made extra special with the presence of DHL Stormers director of rugby John Dobson among the local crowd as the hosts won their 14th match of the season. The night before was marked by Springbok Test centurion and record point-scorer Percy Montgomery presenting the 1st XV jerseys at the Arniston Hotel, before festivities turned to an early morning session at the club fields where Montgomery addressed the youngsters of Kassiesbaai and Arniston. Dobson and Montgomery were guests of the Keo & Zels…

From around U10s and over, teams begin to consider their set-piece defence in more detail. More players are being allocated a preferred position on a regular basis and coaches are splitting into forwards and backs more often. Therefore, it's a good time to focus on improving this area of the game, though expections should be appropriate for the age group. LINEOUT DEFENCE Set-piece defence from a lineout is often easier than from a scrum at this age group. Basically, you leave your back-three lineout players to cover their 10 and 12 and the rest of the backs (10,12,13 and wing) cover their 13,15 and wing. Have your hooker at the back of the lineout in the receiver position. Your 9 should be at the front of the lineout where the…