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The SA teams haven't been convincing in the URC. And yet all 4 franchises could go on to qualify for the playoffs – for the first time. My column looking at the final 6 rounds, how SA teams could cash in on home soil, and why the Challenge Cup is less of a priority. rugby365.com/opinion/road...

submitted 3 days ago • 0 comments

Massive result for France in the context of the Six Nations, and their 2025 season. Destiny (and a big PD) is in their hands ahead of the final match against Scotland. If they clinch the 6N, that success should ease the pressure on Galthie and co.

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

Ireland surrender a crucial result, and possibly a 3rd-straight 6N title. Think that's the first time they've lost a 6N game at home since 2021 – after losing their first home game against a SH side in 8 years (NZ in 2024). Is the Irish aura fading? Results hard to ignore

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

France defence has been awesome today. Intercept try was the cherry on the cake.

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

France deservedly up at HT, and Galthie will have the chance to deploy 7 forwards from the bench in the second half. Ireland need to change tack/personnel somewhere (maybe at 10) if they're going to breach the French defence. Visitors have been so impressive without the ball

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

Big blow for France, losing a player of Dupont's class after 28 mins – but also in the context of their 7-1 split.

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

France's 7-1 bench are going to be deployed early at this rate... Ireland haven't converted their chances, but they're winning the collisions and breakdowns early on

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

Sharks bank an important BP win to strengthen their position in the top 4. However, the losing BP has lifted the Lions up to 8th on the URC table. 3 SA teams in the top 8 with 6 rounds to play... and the Stormers could also climb the ladder in the next couple of months.

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

Class shift by Bok captain Siya Kolisi for the Sharks. He's looked the part at No 8 in recent weeks

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

Some thrilling attacking play by both sides at Kings Park, but the ball security at the first breakdown (and some of the defence) leaves a lot to be desired.

submitted 4 days ago • 0 comments

MW & Harry chat with rugby writer Jon Cardinelli about his Springbok depth chart. They delve into the Springbok plans and expectations for 2025 and explore the role Felix Jones will play in the coaching setup! @haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social youtu.be/GC5cmweg43Y

submitted 5 days ago • 0 comments

Rare step into the podcast realm for me, but enjoyed a proper rugby chat with @mwwelman.bsky.social and @haribaldijones.bsky.social about the Springboks' depth. Hope it stimulates some debate and gives people an idea of how Rassie Erasmus has covered all his bases www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5c...

submitted 5 days ago • 1 comment

If France lose to Ireland this Saturday, they could limp into the November Tests with a 2025 season record of three wins and five losses, given they've already handed NZ a series win this July. And in that scenario, the Boks will be licking their lips... www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

submitted 6 days ago • 0 comments

My column on the evolution of the Springbok coaching squad, and the 'newest' addition to the supergroup. Rassie adding layers off the field as well as on it... rugby365.com/opinion/bok-...

submitted 10 days ago • 0 comments

Wet weather, at Loftus, staring down the barrel of their fifth straight loss for the season... and the Stormers come up with a gritty win over their arch-rivals. Their URC campaign is not over yet

submitted 11 days ago • 0 comments

Bulls finish this SA derby block with 2/4 wins... and one of those was thanks to the Blommetjies miss at the death. Big questions remain re their championship credentials. So many big opportunities blown in recent weeks.

submitted 11 days ago • 0 comments

Stormers 12 Bulls 9 at HT at Loftus. Been a proper arm-wrestle, can see the desperation from both teams. Stormers' kicking game a lot better at the moment, and they're putting a lot of heat on the Bulls' lineout and breakdown... Bulls will also have to make a change in front-row/scrum soon.

submitted 11 days ago • 0 comments

Massive physical response by the Lions after last week's loss to the Bulls. Outplayed the Sharks pack and used the boot to great effect in wet conditions. By contrast, the Sharks (who had a bye last week) lacked intensity and accuracy. Rematch in Durban next week will be interesting...

submitted 11 days ago • 1 comment

Rassie Erasmus will meet with 80+ players in preparation for the Boks' 2025 Test season. What's really interesting is how these players fit into a depth chart – and the patterns that emerge once you apply an age profile filter 👀 Full analysis for @rugbypass.bsky.social tinyurl.com/muchn3z2

submitted 13 days ago • 1 comment

Rassie Erasmus will meet with 80+ players in preparation for the Boks' 2025 Test season. What's really interesting is how these players fit into a depth chart – and the patterns that emerge once you apply an age profile filter 👀 Full analysis for @rugbypass.bsky.social tinyurl.com/muchn3z2

submitted 13 days ago • 1 comment

The Stormers will win the north-south derby and revive their United Rugby Championship playoff hopes if they exploit the Bulls’ erratic defence at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. A look ahead to a game that could be a watershed for both teams. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

submitted 15 days ago • 0 comments

With 13 Tests for 2025 locked and loaded – and 4 games taking on added significance – Rassie Erasmus will need to keep splitting his squad according to opposition and location. Same strategy, different year, with some unique challenges. rugby365.com/countries/so...

submitted 17 days ago • 0 comments

The one-sided result in Rome sets up the Round 4 Six Nations game in Dublin – potentially a title decider – quite nicely.... but Ireland should be stronger once they welcome a couple of players back (and won't miss as many tackles as Italy – 33).

submitted 17 days ago • 0 comments

As thrilling as Italy have been on attack, they've lapsed badly on D. 5 tries and 30+ points down in the first half... could be 50+ by end of second, with 'Le Nuke Squad' to come

submitted 17 days ago • 0 comments

Italy's attack has come to life in this game. Lovely to see Capuozzo dancing on the outside, and that great midfield combo of Menoncello and Brex busting through the French guts

submitted 17 days ago • 0 comments

England grind out another W, but what a wasteful performance by Scotland. Created so many opportunities in opposition 22, but didn't convert. Also highlighted need for a clutch kicker. Russell great in general play, but didn't bring his goal-kicking boots. Opportunity missed.

submitted 18 days ago • 0 comments

Not sure whether they can maintain this for 80, but what a spirited first half performance by Wales. Win or lose, they needed to make a statement first up

submitted 18 days ago • 0 comments

Wales scrum on top, and already more intent on attack... but Ireland bossing territory early doors in Cardiff. Welsh will do well to make it to HT within a score

submitted 18 days ago • 0 comments

Great fightback by the Lions, but again, you have to question the Bulls' tendency to drift through games... they were 17-0 up at one stage of the 1st half, but now they face one helluva fight to close out this contest

submitted 18 days ago • 0 comments

Tasty November schedule for the Boks: 1) 2023 RWC rematch v France in France 2) Italy (3rd meeting of 2025) 3) World Champions v (Probable) 6N champs in Dublin 4) Wales in Cardiff (outside the WR window)

submitted 22 days ago • 0 comments

Game management remains a concern for all four South African franchises as the United Rugby Championship enters a crucial phase. My take for @rugby365com rugby365.com/latest-news/... rugby365.com/latest-news/...

submitted 24 days ago • 0 comments

Bulls finish the game without a single log point... won't impact on URC log position at the moment, but may regret that down the line. Massive opportunity missed

submitted 25 days ago • 1 comment

Such an important (BP) win away from home for the Sharks. Completely bossed at the scrums, leaked penalties and cards galore, but they hung in there. Thought Lukhanyo Am was class at 12, and Julius continues to impress at 13.

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Game slipping away from the Bulls... not the first time this season. Almost blew it last week, and staring down the barrel here. Problems of D persist.

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Is there a stat for blocked/charged kicks? Becoming such a factor in rugby nowadays, whether it's round the ruck or (as we saw now at Loftus) in the wider channels

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Stormers never in control in Jozi… Started poorly and ended up chasing the game. Bench gave them some hope at the death, but overall they put themselves under pressure with handling and defensive errors. 4th consecutive loss – and a damaging one in context of playoff hopes

submitted 25 days ago • 1 comment

Convincing win by the Lions. Plan on point, execution great. Individuals like Quan Horn, Van Wyk stood out, but it was a gutsy collective effort to claim a potentially campaign saving victory

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Fortune favours the brave, and the Lions have been brave in this first half. Stormers hanging on by the fingernails... need something special to turn this around

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Quan Horn carving up the Stormers defence in Jozi... Know the Stormers are a man down, but the Lions have been so good at targeting those wide channels

submitted 25 days ago • 0 comments

Paul Roos finished the 2024 season unbeaten. Their 15-game run included a 36-3 win against Grey College. I spoke to coach Corné Uys about PRG's biggest strength: culture. "Relationships are the first piece of the puzzle... The rugby stuff comes later." rugby365.com/schools/news...

submitted 27 days ago • 0 comments

Bulls the best-placed of the SA teams, after their derby win in CT. Does Jake push on with his best available outfit in the coming weeks, or does he rotate with the latter stages of the comp in mind? Other SA coaches would kill for such headaches... rugby365.com/opinion/high...

submitted 31 days ago • 0 comments

Savage display by the Eagles at the Super Bowl. Completely deserved the 40-22 win, but it felt like the Chiefs didn't pitch up until the game was already lost.

submitted 31 days ago • 0 comments

Ireland too good at Murrayfield. Full value for their place at the top of the table. Still think they'll do the Slam this year (even more so after France's wobble at Twickenham)

submitted 31 days ago • 0 comments