![]()
South Africa’s imposing lock forward, Bakkies Botha, has slimmed down for the World Cup but still has a huge appetite for success before he calls it quits. Botha is relishing a forward battle with Fiji in the quarterfinals on Sunday, where victory will keep the Springboks on course for a second world title and the 28-year-old on track for a half-century of caps.
No image available
/ 21 September 2007
![]()
As the Rugby World Cup pool stage reached the halfway point this week, not one of the Six Nations countries could yet start planning for a quarterfinal. On the form of the opening two rounds, the semifinalists will all be from the southern hemisphere: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.
No image available
/ 14 September 2007
![]()
A week into the Rugby World Cup and, if you believe the headlines in New Zealand and South Africa, the Webb Ellis Trophy is already heading back to the southern hemisphere. After defeat for France in Paris on the opening day and less than impressive wins against the minnows for England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, the northern hemisphere is merely making up the numbers.
No image available
/ 9 September 2007
Western Province at last recorded a win over Absa Currie Cup rugby frontrunners when they beat the Sharks in a hard fought match at Newlands on Saturday. The first half belonged to the men in the hooped jerseys and the home team led 16-6 at halftime with the WP looseforwards dominating at the breakdown.
The Boland Cavaliers suffered a major setback on Tuesday when seasoned flanker Henley du Plessis was ruled out of Saturday’s Currie Cup match against Western Province at Newlands with a neck injury. Du Plessis is one of the stars of the team so far, and his absence will be sorely missed.