Latest news with #Blitzbok
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks make minor tweaks for crucial clash against world champions England
Blitzbok speedster Gino Cupido will look to add his flair and skill to the Junior Springbok side when they face England on Friday in the second pool match of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. Image: World Rugby Gino Cupido is the only change to the Junior Springbok starting lineup for their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match against England on Friday. The Blitzbok replaces the exciting Demitre Erasmus, who suffered heatstroke after the resounding win against Australia on Sunday. Erasmus is still recovering, and the lanky Cupido is set to fill his boots, something he is very capable of doing. South Africa U20 head coach Kevin Foote also made two tweaks on the replacement bench with scrumhalf Ceano Everson and utility back Dominic Malgas stepping into the matchday 23. They replace Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading There is quiet optimism in the SA camp after their big 73-17 win over the Junior Wallabies. However, England are the reigning champions, and it will be a difficult task to overcome them. Foote expressed excitement about the clash, acknowledging its magnitude. 'We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they are staying after the victory over Australia, and how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,' according to Foote. A few minor tweaks to the #JuniorBoks team for their #WorldRugbyU20s clash against England in Rovigo on Friday - more here: 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 2, 2025 'There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday's clash. We know how important it is, and we play against the defending champions. It is an honour to be involved in a game like this, and it is a real challenge.' Foote added they selected the side which they feel will be suited for what the English will throw at them. Riley Norton will captain the side and his physical combination with JJ Theron will be crucial. How they go about claiming lineouts and competing against the throw, will also come under scrutiny. Nothing but strength 💪 JJ Theron decimates the Australian defence 🔥 #WorldRugbyU20s — World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2025
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman praises depth-building efforts after Rugby Africa Sevens triumph
Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman was happy with the Sevens 'A' side's victory in the Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius at the weekend. | Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman feels the mission to build depth in South Africa's Sevens ranks is well on track after the Springbok Sevens 'A' squad claimed the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Sunday. They beat Madagascar 26-12 in the final at Labourdonnais Sports Club. Earlier on Sunday, they overcame Zimbabwe 19-12 in the semi-finals and defending champions Uganda 26-0 in the quarter-finals. 'This was a good effort, and I am happy with the way the squad applied themselves and executed their duties,' said Snyman. 'We had eight players who are uncapped at HSBC SVNS level and they all fitted into the system and the team as the tournament took shape. We wanted to give those players proper match time, as it does take a tournament or three before you are ready for the world series, and they responded well. Sebastiaan Jobb (with ball) helped lead the Springbok Sevens 'A' squad to glory at the Rugby Africa Sevens tournament in Mauritius at the weekend. He praised the tournament as a platform to blood new players. Image: World Rugby 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 Next Stay Close ✕ 'The African teams are very physical, which is always a tough challenge, and then we encountered Madagascar – who play like Fiji with their offloads – in the final, so that was a valuable learning curve for the new players.' Snyman admitted that the display was far from flawless, despite going unbeaten. The Springbok Sevens 'A' side started sluggishly in the pool stage, opening with a cagey 17-5 win over Nigeria. The experience of co-captains Mfundo Ndhlovu and Sebastiaan Jobb then came to the fore. Two tries in quick succession by Ndhlovu broke Zambia's resistance in a 33-14 win. Jobb followed that with a hat-trick in the 31-0 win over Burkina Faso in the final pool match. 'It definitely was not perfect, but we got the answers that we came to get out of this tournament. So I think it was a good tournament, especially with all the youngsters that we had, building depth in our squad,' Snyman said. 'One of our objectives was to build depth in the team and give the youngsters the opportunity to play and to know exactly what it is and how it feels to play in a world series event. That's what we achieved out of this weekend. There were a lot of mistakes, but a lot of positives, too.'
The Star
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Lions bolstered by Chris Smith URC signing as Stormers retain Ben-Jason Dixon, Wandisile Simelane
Leighton Koopman | Published 8 hours ago With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth. The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country. Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey. So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season. They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the last couple of campaigns, with Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and Nico Steyn sharing the jersey. But none have put their hand up to claim the position, and the arrival of Smith will add to that competition. He is not the only player joining the men from Ellis Park; they also signed two wingers in Angelo Davids of the Stormers and Eduan Keyter from the Sharks. They must fill the void of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe, who has joined the Sharks. Van der Merwe, who became a Bok at the Lions, has been outstanding, and the duo will have big boots to fill. Davids, a former Blitzbok, will seek more game-time after falling out of favour in Cape Town, while Keyter will look to revive his career after a spell of unfortunate injuries while based at Kings Park. Davids played behind the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben Loader, and needed this move away from the Mother City. Both wingers are deadly attackers and have a knack for finding the try-line. So, they should not take too long to adapt to the enterprising rugby that the Lions play. The Lions also announced the signing of Griquas lock Dylan Sjoblom. He will add some needed depth to the side ahead of another URC campaign, where they will look to reach the playoffs for the first time. They boast some of the most exciting players in the country, but have unfortunately not lived up to expectations over the last couple of seasons. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen will hope the strategic acquisitions can boost the side on and off the field as they use the Currie Cup to prepare for their fifth season in the European competition. Van Rooyen is under pressure, and it will likely be a non-negotiable for the side to reach the playoffs if he wants to take them forward. The Stormers, meanwhile, won their arbitration case with loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, which will see the Springbok committed to the Cape side until 2027 at least. They also confirmed the extension of midfielder Wandisile Simelane's stay in the Cape. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until July 2027. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around, and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said in a statement on Friday. Dixon, currently out injured, said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. 'With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love – giving my best for the Stormers.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Lions bolstered by Chris Smith URC signing as Stormers retain Ben-Jason Dixon, Wandisile Simelane
Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith has signed for the Lions. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth. The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country. Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey. So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season. They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the last couple of campaigns, with Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and Nico Steyn sharing the jersey. But none have put their hand up to claim the position, and the arrival of Smith will add to that competition. He is not the only player joining the men from Ellis Park; they also signed two wingers in Angelo Davids of the Stormers and Eduan Keyter from the Sharks. They must fill the void of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe, who has joined the Sharks. Van der Merwe, who became a Bok at the Lions, has been outstanding, and the duo will have big boots to fill. Davids, a former Blitzbok, will seek more game-time after falling out of favour in Cape Town, while Keyter will look to revive his career after a spell of unfortunate injuries while based at Kings Park. Davids played behind the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben Loader, and needed this move away from the Mother City. Both wingers are deadly attackers and have a knack for finding the try-line. So, they should not take too long to adapt to the enterprising rugby that the Lions play. The Lions also announced the signing of Griquas lock Dylan Sjoblom. He will add some needed depth to the side ahead of another URC campaign, where they will look to reach the playoffs for the first time. They boast some of the most exciting players in the country, but have unfortunately not lived up to expectations over the last couple of seasons. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen will hope the strategic acquisitions can boost the side on and off the field as they use the Currie Cup to prepare for their fifth season in the European competition. Van Rooyen is under pressure, and it will likely be a non-negotiable for the side to reach the playoffs if he wants to take them forward. The Stormers, meanwhile, won their arbitration case with loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, which will see the Springbok committed to the Cape side until 2027 at least. They also confirmed the extension of midfielder Wandisile Simelane's stay in the Cape. Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until July 2027. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around, and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said in a statement on Friday. Dixon, currently out injured, said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. 'With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love – giving my best for the Stormers.'
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Zander Reynders: From University of Pretoria graduate to Blitzbok star
Blitzbok Zander Reynders is not just a rugby player to recon with, he is also an academic, having secured his engineering degree recently. Image: Supplied At the intersection of elite sport and academic excellence stands Zander Reynders – a rising Blitzbok star and proud new graduate of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT). Fresh off a gold-medal finish at the 2025 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, the 24-year-old is showing the world that determination, discipline and dual ambition can drive greatness. Reynders recently received his BEng Computer Engineering degree at the graduation ceremony for UP's Faculty of EBIT. As both a national athlete and a qualified computer engineer, Reynders' journey began in UP's lecture halls and continued on the TuksSport rugby fields, which has now taken him to the global stage. In only his third tournament as a fully-fledged Blitzbok, Reynders helped power South Africa to a commanding 19–5 win over Spain in the Los Angeles final, securing the Blitzboks' second title of the season. While fans will remember Selvyn Davids' length-of-the-field brilliance and Ricardo Duarttee's clinching try, it was the cohesion, composure, and depth of the team – including up-and-comers like Reynders – that defined the weekend. 'It's been a blur. Being part of this squad, standing on that podium in LA... it's everything I dreamed about when I used to watch these games with my family during December holidays,' Reynders said. In December, Reynders got the call-up he had always dreamed of. After an impressive run with the Blitzboks Academy and a strong training camp in Stellenbosch, he made his debut for the Blitzboks in Cape Town and helped the team lift that trophy. 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 ✕ Just months later, at the HSBC SVNS World Championship, he was part of another historic win. The Blitzboks dominated their pool, outclassed New Zealand in the semi-final, and delivered a defensive masterclass against Spain to claim the title. For Reynders, the moment was surreal, not only as a player but as a UP alumnus stepping into the footsteps of heroes like fellow Blitzbok and UP alumnus Impi Visser. 'Standing alongside someone like Impi, who's represented both UP and the country with such distinction, inspires me to uphold the same standards,' he said. Now that he's playing on a global stage, he draws on the mindset shaped in UP's EBIT Faculty. 'Engineering taught me to stay calm under pressure and think critically. In a final like that, it's not just about fitness – it's about mental clarity.' He completed his degree while representing UP-Tuks in the Varsity Cup. 'Engineering taught me to think analytically and stay calm under pressure. That mindset helps on the rugby field too, whether it's solving a defensive puzzle or executing a set piece.' From backyard games with his brothers to the global stage of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Reynders' journey is far from over. With two international titles already under his belt, he remains focused on growing as a Blitzbok, but he's equally determined to use his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the try line. 'My goal is to live a life of impact. On the athletic front, I want to keep contributing to the Blitzboks and embrace every chance to represent South Africa with pride. But I'm also passionate about using my engineering background to drive innovation – especially in areas like sustainable development and conservation,' Reynders said.
