Nelson Mandela Bay goes Bok berserk
By Andisa Bonani - 11 July 2025
Nelson Mandela Bay is bracing for a bumper weekend as more than 24,000 rugby fans from out of town are expected to visit the city for the Springbok clash against Italy on Saturday, a match that promises high-stakes action and a major cash injection for the metro.
With 95% of the city's 12,708 available beds already booked over two nights, the Test match is set to bring an economic boost of nearly R44.6m, driven by visitors spending an average of R1,850 daily on accommodation, food, transport, tickets and entertainment, according to the municipality...
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Springbok fullback Fassi fired up to make more good memories of Georgia and Mbombela
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi returns to Mbombela Stadium this weekend with confidence and form, eager to shine once more in front of one of South Africa's most passionate rugby crowds. Photo: Backpageix Image: Backpagepix The last time Aphelele Fassi played for the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium, he crossed the try-line twice during a rampant 48-7 victory over a strong Argentina side — a match forever remembered as Eben Etzebeth's record-breaking Test. It was an emotional occasion, as Etzebeth overtook Victor Matfield to become the most-capped Springbok lock, but it was also the night Fassi delivered on the potential Rassie Erasmus had always seen in him. Having spent two years in the international wilderness refining his game, the fullback returned with an exceptional display that ticked every box the coaches had set for him. The 26-year-old is back in Mbombela this Saturday to face Georgia, now widely considered the frontrunner to succeed veteran Willie le Roux — though Damian Willemse remains a contender for the No 15 jersey. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Fassi, however, is brimming with confidence and nostalgia. 'Playing for the Springboks here in Mbombela is awesome, the guys love it here,' he said. 'The crowd is crazy, the atmosphere unreal. The passion for rugby here is unbelievable. Mbombela has a special place in my heart.' He also has 'Georgia on his mind' — with apologies to the late, great Ray Charles. 'I have great memories of that game against Georgia in 2021 at Loftus,' said Fassi, who was on the wing that day. 'With my first touch of the ball in the green and gold, I scored a try five minutes into the game. That was special. 'I see how I've grown since that debut. I've got more composure now and communicate more with my wings. Physically, I'm imposing myself — whether it's in the air, at the breakdown, in the tackle or with ball in hand.' The Battle of Mbombela 🦁 Unbeaten ground. One last roar to close out the Castle Lager Incoming Series. Make some noise - get your tickets now at Ticketmaster: #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 17, 2025 Fassi's international progress stalled after a tough outing in 2022, when the Boks suffered a shock loss to Wales in Bloemfontein. His defensive frailties and lack of impact in the kicking game were exposed — leading to a period of honest introspection and targeted improvement. 'The coaches explained some things to me after that game. I was sent clips focusing on defensive drills. At the Sharks, I had a long chat with Joey Mongalo, our defence coach. "The one big thing he said was: 'The intent with which you do something will show if you really want to do it or not.' Intent is the most important thing in defence. 'I took my game up a notch. I played with determination and fixed my defence. I had to prove to myself that as the last man of defence, I could make my tackles.' Looking ahead to Saturday's encounter, Fassi expects a tough, uncompromising test from the Lelos. 'I'm expecting a physical battle. Their backline is more direct and physical in the wider channels, and they compete hard at the breakdown and in the tackle. But I also feel they're a team that likes to play with the ball. A lot of their players are in the French Top 14, so they'll bring a good mix.' Set for his 12th Test cap, Fassi says his experience is starting to pay off. 'When you're young, you just want to run with the ball at every opportunity. Now I look at the flow of the game and how things are panning out. In Test rugby, you've got to win certain battles, and every battle I enter is one I want to win — with the aim of putting my forwards in front. 'I like to play what's in front of me, but also remain aware of how the game is unfolding.'
The Herald
an hour ago
- The Herald
Georgia won't be walk in park — Rassie
It will not be a walk in the park for the Springboks when they face a brutal Georgia outfit who will front up in the collisions against the world champions on Saturday, coach Rassie Erasmus said. After demolishing Italy 45-0 in Gqeberha last weekend, the Boks are bracing themselves for a physical contest against Georgia, who will be out to prove a point in Mbombela (kickoff 5.10pm). The clash marks the return of skipper Siya Kolisi from injury after he missed the Boks' opening matches against the Barbarians and Italy. Kolisi will pack down at flank alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and number eight Cobus Wiese who takes over from his brother Jasper, who was suspended for four matches after incurring a red card against Italy. Eben Etzebeth returns to the side with Ruan Nortje in the second row, while props Boan Venter and Neethling Fouche make their debuts for the four-time Rugby World Cup winners. 'We know how passionate and intense this Georgian side is, and they will be determined to make a strong statement against us,' Erasmus said. 'So we selected some experienced players who we would like to get more game time before the Rugby Championship. 'We also picked a few younger players, who have put up their hands for another run, so we are pleased with the balance we have in this group.' The Boks have won the last two matches they played against Georgia, the last of which was in 2021 before the British and Irish Lions series. 'Georgia are a tough outfit, and they pride themselves on their physicality and brute force in the collisions, so the set pieces, mauls and breakdowns will be key areas,' Erasmus said. 'They also have quality backline players to round off their team, so we need to be sharp in all the departments of our game to ensure that we continue to lift our standards, build momentum and get the desired result. 'We have got some good experience on the bench, and we have some proper locks and loose forwards behind them. 'So we've gone for a bit of balance, in throwing the rookies in against a team that we know enjoys scrumming like us. 'If you ask guys who've played in France, like Daan Human (Bok scrum coach), there are a lot of Georgians who play there and they love scrumming. 'So we know that these three guys starting this game will need the back five to make sure that they do OK, and there is no better test to do that in than this match. 'We would have loved to have played Siya in Gqeberha, that's his hometown, and it was really tempting to push him back one week early. But now we feel it was the right choice. 'We did fairly well against Italy last week, where we felt we didn't do so well in the first Test match. 'We felt we controlled the game a little bit better, and now that the game is gone and we have a Siya that we know is 100% fit, it's great to have him back. 'He's our captain, even though we were able to give Jesse Kriel some valuable experience leading, and this weekend we have Damian de Allende as our vice-captain. 'So we are also trying to mix it up because we know after Georgia it will be tougher to do that.' Bok assistant coach Deon Davids said Georgia would have a point to prove in Mbombela. 'We've heard they want to play in the Six Nations, and they will see this match as a step in trying to achieve that,' he said. 'That said, we have our own standards, and we know where we want to be going into the Rugby Championship later in the season. 'So this is a huge game for us to try to improve and build on what we have achieved so far.' The Herald
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Georgian team treated to Kruger in true Lowveld hospitality style
The Georgian national rugby team swapped scrums for game drives as they were treated to an unforgettable experience in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday. The unforgettable experience was orchestrated by Mdluli Safari Lodge, whose swift planning and deep regional ties turned a simple idea into a world-class moment of Lowveld hospitality. The team, in the Lowveld ahead of their clash with the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, July 19, was given a break from the field to witness the beauty of the region. With careful planning and contributions from trusted local members of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber for Business and Tourism (KLCBT) and other stakeholders, the Georgian players were immersed in a true South African experience, highlighting not only the region's natural wonders but also its unmatched hospitality. 'It was a busy time in the Park, with G20 preparations and school holidays, we made it happen,' said Chris Schalkwyk, Executive Manager at Mdluli Safari Lodge. 'But this idea came from the Lowvelder – it was truly a community-driven moment. When we were asked to assist with a wildlife outing for the team, we didn't hesitate.' From the moment the wheels started turning, the Lowveld stepped up. The following individuals and organisations ensured the experience ran smoothly, with all services sponsored to celebrate local pride and unity: – South African Rugby Union (SARU) – for initiating the opportunity and trusting local partners – SANParks (Kruger National Park) – for issuing essential access permits into the Park – Michelle Booyens-Retief of E-Coaches – for orchestrating swift, professional transport to and from the team hotel – Captain Piet Smith of the SAPS Flying Squad – for providing security escorts and logistical support during transit – Matt Louw of On Safari – for delivering an expertly guided game drive – Other tourism operators – many of whom were keen to assist, but were fully booked due to peak season – Mdluli Safari Lodge – for hosting a relaxed bush lunch inside the Park and handling all operational arrangements The team enjoyed majestic views, wildlife sightings and a taste of South Africa's celebrated hospitality – all in a single afternoon. Elephants, zebras, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles and various birds made appearances as the Georgian squad swapped training boots for binoculars. 'This is what makes the Lowveld special,' said Schalkwyk. 'Our community understands tourism, works together and does Mpumalanga and South Africa proud.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
