No image available
/ 17 March 2008

Krige puts the boot into SA Rugby Union

Former Springbok captain Corné Krige has slammed the South African Rugby Union’s part in the contractual issue surrounding Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. De Villiers is still in limbo regarding his contract as Springbok coach, and will only sign it after a controversial clause on selection is removed

No image available
/ 5 January 2008

Meyer favourite to succeed White

Former Super 14-winning coach Heyneke Meyer is the favourite to succeed World Cup-winning boss Jake White as the new South Africa rugby coach next week. White stepped down as the Springbok coach at the end of last year after his four-year contract with the South African Rugby Union had run its course.

No image available
/ 2 November 2007

Mhani are called, but few are chosen

The rugby season is over and the foot-shooting season is upon us again. On the field the game in South Africa is stronger than it has ever been. Proof came in Bloemfontein on Saturday when the Free State Cheetahs took two tries on the chin from the Lions, then scored two of their own to win the Currie Cup final 20-18.

No image available
/ 19 October 2007

Smit looks to his day of destiny

South Africa captain John Smit will seek to emulate Francois Pienaar on Saturday in lifting the Rugby World Cup in the final and admits he is driven by a sense of destiny, though he accepts it will not fall into his lap. The 29-year-old hooker was present in Johannesburg when South Africa stunned the All Blacks and Pienaar received the World Cup from Nelson Mandela.

No image available
/ 19 October 2007

Boks back for seconds

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 Oost­huizen? That was ludicrous.

No image available
/ 17 October 2007

White eyes top prize in rugby’s toughest job

Springbok coach Jake White is on the verge of emulating compatriot Kitch Christie in winning the Rugby World Cup, but he admits victory will have been against the odds in what he believes is the toughest job in rugby. Just under a year ago, the 43-year-old was in danger of the sack after being recalled during the Springboks’ northern hemisphere tour.

No image available
/ 21 September 2007

Rugby: Eiffel to the moon?

There have been times during his tenure as Springbok coach when Jake White must have wished he were Bernard Laporte — but this is not one of them. At the same time that White and his charges are relaxing after a job well done, the coach of France is wondering if his team will still be in the World Cup on Saturday morning.

No image available
/ 13 September 2007

White confident ahead of England match

South Africa and England have quite a Rugby World Cup history and their clash at the Stade de France on Friday promises to be yet another enthralling chapter. It was here eight years ago that the Springboks — then the defending champions — ended England hopes of landing the William Webb Ellis trophy and ridiculed Clive Woodward’s statement of ”judge me on the World Cup”.

No image available
/ 3 September 2007

Boks head to France in upbeat mood

Jake White’s Springboks were due to leave for the World Cup in France later on Monday in an upbeat mood in stark contrast to the disastrous build-up to the last edition in Australia. In 2003 there was general discontent in Rudolf Straeuli’s camp after players were sent on the infamous military-style Kamp Staaldraad, while claims of racism rocked the squad.