The close results in this season’s Super Rugby tournament have piled on the pressure as the teams in all three countries rebuild their squads.
Like so many rule changes, the unintended consequences of the newly introduced white card undermines the original purpose.
The new format for 2012 Super Rugby means that in the early stages of the tournament it is hard to judge the real strength of the teams.
Taking out unaffordable loans has proved to be an unsustainable solution to the game of rugby.
As the 2012 Super Rugby season kicks off, <b>Andy Capostagno</b> analyses the three conferences and looks ahead to a weekend of local derbies.
Rugby union’s announcement of Southern Kings’ inclusion in Super rugby tournament is a thorny issue.
Few beyond Pretoria will complain about Heyneke Meyer’s departure if his appointment translates to positive results for the Springboks.
Addition of Southern Kings to the competition adds spice to the closing stages of log play.
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/ 27 January 2012
The newly appointed Bok coach must be ready to face a myriad of hurdles in the country’s most important coaching role.
The new season is about to start and will provide
a weekly dress rehearsal for Springbok selectors.
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/ 9 December 2011
The talent bursting out of the South African Sevens squad has not been fulfilled in the opening two rounds of the IRB World Series.
When Victor Matfield plays his final game of first-class rugby, he brings the curtain down on the most successful rugby career of any South African.
Solly Tyibilika shone on the field — when you could get him there, writes <b>Andy Capostagno</b>.
Almost a decade has passed since South Africa won the under-21 World Cup at home.
The All Blacks have suffered spectacular losses against the unpredictable Les Bleus, so Sunday’s final is a tough call.
Whether or not the ref helped Australia against South Africa, the Wallabies could now upset the All Blacks and face the resurgent Welsh in the final.
Despite the loss of Frans Steyn, South Africa have emerged as the favourites to win on Sunday, after Australia’s dreadful display against Ireland.
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/ 30 September 2011
In the final round of pool matches some underdogs can still sneak through to the quarterfinals — but upsets are unlikely.
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/ 23 September 2011
The end of pool play is in sight and the battles now are for who plays whom in the quarterfinals, writes Andy Capostagno.
A match of 12 tries that only really came to life in the final quarter will be remembered principally for Bryan Habana’s record-breaking five points.
Sweeping changes may be needed as injuries and fading form take their toll on the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament kicks off with the All Blacks feeling the pressure and the Springboks seeking a good start against Wales.
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/ 2 September 2011
Now they’re in New Zealand the Springboks can truly focus on defending their crown.
Butch James is on the bench and Lambie is at fullback as Morné takes over at flyhalf.
After a month of messing around with extended squads, the Bok coaching team is sending something close to its best team into battle with Australia.
More questions than answers about ‘injured’ Springboks, inexperienced players and the World Cup squad.
The Springboks’ injury problems have left the coach at a loose end in the tight five.
Inexperienced Springbok team could surprise Australia, but the odds are against them.
In 2007 when Jake White opted to rest his key players for the Tri-Nations to have them fresh for the World Cup, John O’Neil was upset.
As the Lions are left with red faces and the Reds host the Crusaders in the final, it’s time for the Springboks to prepare for the Tri-Nations.
Because sport broadcasting these days is so ubiquitous it is easy to forget what happened in the week prior to the teams emerging from the tunnel.
The team from Durban will have to repeat the heroics of their win over the Bulls last weekend if they are to defeat the Crusaders in New Zealand.