The 2023 Rugby World Cup promises to be the most open tournament since its inception in 1987. Pointers suggest France to win this World Cup as host . Realistically there are six teams who have a genuine claim to winning the famous Webb Ellis trophy. France are favourites, with Ireland and South Africa very close […] READ MORE
Tag: Siya Kolisi
Sink or Swim: Springboks in Pool B
It’s certainly a case of ‘sink or swim’ for the Springboks in Pool B, as they look to defend their title as World Champions at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. There has been a lot of uncertainty for the Springboks surrounding injuries, position switches, goal-kicking, and the supposed departure of Rassie Erasmus. There is no […] READ MORE
Men’s rugby’s best International Captains – part two. ‘Best of the best’
Thomas Booth (@tboothy) of Last Word on Rugby looks at the Best International Captains through the history of the game and presents to you part two of our overview of the World Rugby ranked top ten international men’s sides in 2022. With the listed six sides, from number 10 down to no. five already published, […] READ MORE
Springboks defeat Scotland after strong second half display: Opinion
A strong second-half display saw the Springboks defeat Scotland 30 points to 15 at a packed Murrayfield on Saturday. Scorers Scotland : 15 Tries: Stuart Hogg (2). Conversion: Finn Russell. Penalty: Russell. South Africa: 30 Makazole Mapimpi(2). Conversions: Elton Jantjies. Penalties: Janties (3), Handre Pollard (2), Frans Steyn. Springboks defeat Scotland Tight first half The […] READ MORE
World Rugby ranking switch from Springboks to All Blacks premature
If only the World Rugby ranking system had been on hold for one more week before a switch in number one status saw the All Blacks leapfrog the World Champion Springboks, it would have been perfect timing. The timing was somewhat inopportune yet, it did not happen by chance. Results are the barometer of movements […] READ MORE
2021 British and Irish Lions Squad: Could Itoje oust Jones as captain?
Just imagine Maro Itoje captaining the 2021 British & Irish Lions against Siya Kolisi’s Springboks? What a statement that would make for next year’s hugely anticipated series. It is unlikely to happen given that Alun Wyn Jones, the overwhelming captaincy favourite is still in regal form. So, now that we have picked a team, we […] READ MORE
Siya Kolisi becomes a Shark
The curtain came down on Siya Kolisi ‘s career with South Africa’s Super Rugby side Stormers. He begins a new chapter at Durban-based side Sharks and has been officially unveiled as their player this week. After 11-years and 115 appearances, we take a look back at his sterling tenure in Cape Town. This is the […] READ MORE
Rainbow Cup 2021 will reintroduce ex-Super sides to competition
Pro Rugby has laid out the welcome map for the ex-Super Rugby sides, to the planned Rainbow Cup 2021 competition. Starting in April 2021, the Guinness PRO14 competition will join with the four South African sides, to compete for a new trophy; as well as qualification for the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup draw. This is […] READ MORE
How rugby players and staff are helping out in the Coronavirus pandemic
Professional rugby players and staff have worked together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has hurt many people in several different ways. This includes rugby players and teams that have faced uncertainty. However, there have been some players and organizations that have risen to the occasion and are stepping up. Many of […] READ MORE
South Africa win the 2019 Rugby World Cup final
Rassie Erasmus’ dream journey as the Springboks coach continues as South Africa win the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, to become the first side the win the World Cup having lost a game in the pool stage. South Africa get their third title Joining the ranks of 1995 and 2007, Siya Kolisi’s crew lifted the […] READ MORE