In a look back, Last Word on Rugby views the Rugby Heroes and Villains for 2023. Not focused entirely on one or the other – balanced in as how the sport of rugby union is a team-based game; as much as for individuals who can shine or be villainised for their contributions. Over the last […] READ MORE
Tag: Springboks
Jacques Nienaber departs: Who will be the next Springbok coach?
Jacques Nienaber will be leaving the Springboks after an extremely successful run as the Springbok coach. Winning one British & Irish Lions Tour victory and Two Rugby World Cups is some resume for Nienaber and he will undoubtedly bring a lot of value to Leinster, where he will be coaching under Leo Cullen. The move […] READ MORE
‘Revenge of The Rugby Championship’ in 2023 RWC semi-finals contention
It certainly was contradictory to the common belief of your everyday rugby fan. And after the ‘revenge of The Rugby Championship’ nations to put themselves into 2023 RWC semi-finals contention, many Northern Hemisphere teams have found themselves left wondering how? Any Rugby World Cup (RWC) will throw-up the odd upset, a match maybe lost when […] READ MORE
England needs to play the game of their lives
England will not lack any motivation on Saturday evening when they come up against the Springboks. The 2019 World Cup final defeat to South Africa still stings for many in this squad and that is motivation enough. The challenge for England is that the 2023 version of the Springboks is better than the 2019 vintage. […] READ MORE
Antoine Dupont: French ‘phantom’ of the Rugby World Cup returns
With a nod to the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage show, it is Frenchman Antoine Dupont who is the leading man who has returned to the main stage, weeks after succumbing to a nasty broken cheekbone. Now given permission to rejoin training, it is assumed he will play with a face protector; giving him the similar […] READ MORE
2003 RWC Anniversary: Joe van Niekerk
We caught up with former South Africa Back-Rower, Joe van Niekerk, to look back on his time at the 2003 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks. He also opened up about his predictions for the national side this 2023 RWC. 2003 Rugby World Cup Anniversary: Joe van Niekerk Using the touchline as an extra defender, […] READ MORE
RWC 2023: Race for the quarterfinals is on for the matchday four
The [Rugby World Cup] RWC 2023 race for the quarterfinal is on in the fourth round after matches in game week three saw teams that topped their various pools solidify their positions winning all their three matches while the rest fought for the remaining spots. Race for the quarterfinals of the RWC 2023 4 poules […] READ MORE
Opening RWC matches prove it’s “anyone’s tournament to win”
The 2023 Rugby World Cup opening round of matches proved that “it’s anyone’s tournament to win”. Teams showcased their prowess and outdid themselves in the heat of France, as compared to their pre-world cup friendly matches. Below is a wrap of each game’s outcome, as sides tested their own preparations against how those of their […] READ MORE
France to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup
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
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