Shaquille O’Neal, the giant Los Angeles Lakers centre who won most valuable player honours at Sunday’s National Basketball Association All-Star Game, is considering joining the United States Olympic team. ”It depends on how far we go in the playoffs,” O’Neal said. ”I think it’s very, very burdensome.”

Springbok selector Allister Coetzee and Stormers coach Gert Smal have been confirmed as assistant coaches to new Springbok coach Jake White. ”We are pleased to have concluded this matter swiftly to allow the new coaching structure an immediate opportunity to begin its planning,” said South African Rugby Football Union president Brian van Rooyen.

Stephen Fleming won a duel between rival captains on Tuesday, scoring a century to lead New Zealand to a five-wicket win over South Africa in the second limited-overs cricket international.

The Bulls stand out as the South African team best equipped to challenge for Super 12 glory this year. The results of the four teams last year mirrored the general poor health of a sport beset with problems on and off the field. The Bulls finished sixth, the Stormers ninth and the Sharks and Cats occupied the bottom two positions.