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/ 15 February 2008
South African rugby will enjoy an auspicious season this year. We begin the year as the envy of the rugby-playing nations, champions of both the world and the Super 14. Even the internecine wrangling for power in the South African Rugby Union (Saru) has failed to dim that envy.
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/ 9 November 2007
Hot on the heels of Springbok coach Jake White’s announcement of his imminent departure, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) seems set to add the name of Dick Muir to its shortlist of candidates to replace White. This is the same Saru that claimed White could not be considered for an extension of his post because he had missed the deadline for applications.
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/ 20 October 2007
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In this most weird and wonderful Rugby World Cup, England is making it seem like anything is possible. That includes winning the final against South Africa on Saturday at Stade de France, a prospect that was utterly absurd little more than a month ago.
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/ 19 October 2007
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There have been many times during the past 12 years when the idea of South Africa ever winning the World Cup again seemed utterly ludicrous. Remember when André Markgraaff dropped Francois Pienaar and replaced him in the Springbok squad with Theo OostÂhuizen? That was ludicrous.
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/ 16 October 2007
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In Australia, it’s a term of abuse but in Paris on Saturday night, it’s poised to be the weapon of choice as England and South Africa eye the World Cup title. Never has the much-maligned drop goal been so important and in Jonny Wilkinson, England can boast the king of the kickers.
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/ 14 September 2007
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What a difference four years make. On Friday South Africa take on England at the Stade de France, confident that they have the beating of the old enemy. Four years ago the England team had an aura of invincibility about it, but today it looks like one of those household implements reassembled in haste, with two or three parts left over that don’t seem to have a genuine function.
Former South African World Cup-winning flyhalf Joel Stransky is backing the three southern-hemisphere powers as well as hosts France to have the biggest impact at this year’s Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 7. ”If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on South Africa,” he said.