Latest news with #Boks
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springboks not taking ageing Barbarians for granted
A mixed Springbok team, featuring fringe players but also plenty of experience, won't be taking the BaaBaas side for granted in their season opener. Springbok lock Lood de Jager is set to make his first start for the team in over two years in their season opener against the Barbarians on Saturday. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images The Springboks won't be taking an ageing Barbarians team for granted and will be gunning for a win to get their international season up and running on the best possible note when the teams clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 5:10pm). The first game of the season is always a tricky one as players try to gel together and find their feet, and it is even more so when there are a number of inexperienced players in the mix. In their match 23 the Boks have four uncapped players making their first appearance in the green and gold, although it won't count as a Test cap against the famed invitational side, four more players have under 10 caps and another four have under 20. So it is a relatively inexperienced side, backed by a fair few veterans, mostly based in Japan, who will be looking to guide them. On the BaaBaas front, they chock full of experience, with a slew of players having over 100 caps for their respective countries, however many of them are on their way out, with some retiring while others are well into the twilight of their careers. That includes the experienced Irish trio of team captain and loose forward Peter O'Mahoney, prop Cian Healy and scrumhalf Conor Murray, while All Blacks veterans, loose forwards Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell, and scrumhalf Tawara Kerr-Barlow also bolster the team. Boks favourites Despite the Boks arguably being favourites despite some of the inexperience in the match 23, Erasmus cautioned against taking the BaaBaas lightly. 'We last played eight months ago and we've seen what happened to the British and Irish Lions recently against Argentina when they put a team together. Credit, though, must go to Argentina for that victory,' said Erasmus. 'Selecting just an experienced side to win this game would've been beside the point. We know we could've selected our most in-form side, but what happens in 12 months then (if the inexperienced players aren't given a run). 'We want a good start, that is why we selected this side, and we would love to entertain, but we won't fuel their fire.' An exciting moment for the Boks will be the return of veteran lock Lood de Jager, who has not played for the national team in over two years, after illness and then injury ruled him out for long periods of time, and Erasmus is looking forward to seeing him in action again. 'Lood is a student of the game when it comes to lineouts. One positive for a 32-year-old body is that if you have such a long spell of injuries and illness, you get a break and you can focus on your personal life with family,' said Erasmus. 'But then your body also rests. He didn't play 30 games in the last two years. It is kind of like a car that's been parked in the garage. You don't pick up mileage, but you will be a bit rusty. 'I am very excited for Lood. He thought it was all over (his Bok career), and he won't play again. But here he is and hopefully, he gets a good run.'
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stick reveals why Siya won't face Barbarians in Boks' season opener
The Boks will now be led by experienced centre Jesse Kriel. Regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his replacement Marco van Staden at the team's captain's run ahead of their match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes captain Siya Kolisi would have been fit and ready to face the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon, but that it wasn't worth the risk in their opening match of the season. The game is also a non-Test against the famed invitational side, and with a long season ahead, which includes the incoming series against Italy and Georgia, the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour, it just wouldn't have made sense to risk exacerbating what seems to be a minor niggle. Stalwart outside centre Jesse Kriel thus takes up the Bok reins for the first time, with the coaching leadership fully behind his abilities to lead the team. 'We tried to give Siya the best opportunity to recover from a stiff neck that has been niggling him, but in the end we decided there was no need to take any risks and it made it easier for us that we had someone like Jesse ready to step in and lead the team,' explained Stick at Friday's pre-match presser. 'Chances are, by the time we get to the kick-off of the game, Siya's neck will have probably loosened. But a player has to be 100% whenever we play and whoever we play against, so we gave him some time to be ready and in the end had to make a decision. 'We have full confidence in Jesse as a captain as he has always been there as one of the leadership figures within the team.' Hard work rewarded Although Kriel won't become the 67th official captain of the Springboks due to it not being an official Test against the BaaBaas, as they are affectionately known, Stick said that it was due to his relentless hard work that he would be receiving the leadership honour. 'He didn't see it coming, but there's one thing that I enjoy about how we operate in our system. Players, they train and they work hard to be in the team first before they become captains,' explained Stick. 'That's one thing that I enjoy about Jesse. Even if he's not in the match 23, he always puts in the work and he always makes sure that he helps the team. 'He has always been there as one of our leaders. I'm excited to see Jesse's leadership skills. He has always been there, vocally and leading by example. So, for him to lead the team is great.' Looking at the Barbarians, Stick said the Boks are in for a massive battle, with them well known for their exciting, expansive play and that it would be the perfect challenge first up to prepare the team for the rest of their international campaign. 'They have players with that X-factor and many leaders in their team as well. Given the fact that it is tough to analyse them, we feel this is exactly the type of test we need to start off the international season,' said Stick. 'This obviously means our players have to make wise decisions on the field, and given the calibre of their players, we know it's going to be a challenging match.'
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
I Say ‘Klippies', You Say…? Share Your Nickname for Klippies and Win Prizes!
South Africans are known for giving affectionate nicknames to everything we love - whether it's 'Durbs', a 'gwai', 'iTiger' or your best mate 'Chommie'. South Africa's official unofficial drink is part of that friendship circle – which is why every group of friends has their own nickname for it. Klipdrift wants to hear all the names you call your darling drink, which could score you a range of prizes, including tickets to Springbok games in South Africa and even a year's supply of Klipdrift for our favourite nickname's owner to share with their friends, with 'Must Be Klippies'. We're calling on all South Africans to share what you call it - because behind every nickname is a story that comes from a connection shared between friends. This Klipdrift campaign demonstrates the special place a Brandy & Coke holds, deep in the souls of its fans. It's the drink you introduce your international visitors to, bury deep in your suitcase when you travel to visit family & friends – and the one you reach for off the top shelf when it's time to chill with your mates as the national anthem stirs your soul and the smoke from the braai wafts through the air. The first bottle of Klipdrift, produced in 1938 at 8:02pm, was shared with a group of friendly neighbours, setting in motion a tradition that would spread across the country and around the world. Klippies fans can visit the dedicated 'Name The Drink' microsite to submit their nickname – and also explore a live feed of entries as they come in to see which names are trending across the country – and which are leaders in each province. Follow the lead of passionate Springbok supporters, Lionel & Prins, as they offer some inspiration in two promotional films that could lead you on the path to a year's supply of Klipdrift. The Boks are ready to help spread the love and a legend affectionately known as 'Brannas' is also waiting in the wings to help inspire you. Watch out for Klipdrift activations in store and at stadia across South Africa from July to September, during the period the Springboks are playing Italy, Georgia, Argentina and Australia at home. The campaign will culminate in the release of a limited edition range of Klippies & Cola Spirit Cooler cans bearing some of those nicknames.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kolisi out, Van Staden in as Kriel leads Boks against Barbarians
Kolisi out, Van Staden in as Kriel leads Boks against Barbarians Centre Jesse Kriel will captain the Springboks in tomorrow's season-opening match against the Barbarians in Cape Town, with kick-off at 17:10. According to The Citizen, Kriel takes over the captaincy from regular skipper Siya Kolisi, who has picked up a 'niggle', according to a Springboks press release. The flanker was on Tuesday named as the captain for the match. Kriel, though, will not become the Boks' 67th Test captain as the match against the invitational side is not a Test. The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Kolisi, was due to lead the Boks in their first match of the year. Following tomorrow's outing in Cape Town, the Boks will face Italy in two Tests, as well as Georgia in a one-off Test, before turning their attention to The Rugby Championship. With Kolisi ruled out of the match tomorrow, Marco van Staden will wear the No 6 jersey and feature in a loose trio with Vincent Tshituka and Jean-Luc du Preez. Van Staden wasn't part of the initial matchday 23. The rest of the squad is unchanged. Kriel made his debut for the Boks in 2015 and has played 79 Tests so far, including winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He also featured at the global showpieces in 2015 and 2019. The Barbarians team will be led by former Ireland great Peter O'Mahony. The side includes several former and current All Blacks, including Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a. Boks team: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (capt), Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Jean-Luc du Preez, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Bench: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Neethling Fouche, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kolisi out of Barbarians match, Kriel to captain Boks
With the regular skipper ruled out of the match, Marco van Staden takes over the No 6 jersey. Centre Jesse Kriel will captain the Boks against the Barbarians. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images Centre Jesse Kriel will captain the Springboks in Saturday's season-opening match against the Barbarians in Cape Town, with kickoff at 5.10pm. Kriel takes over the captaincy from regular skipper Siya Kolisi, who has picked up a 'niggle', according to a Springboks press release. The flanker was on Tuesday named as the captain for the match. Kriel though will not become the Boks' 67th Test captain as the match against the invitational side is not a Test match. The two-time winning World Cup captain, Kolisi, was due to lead the Boks in their first match of the year. Following this Saturday's outing in Cape Town, the Boks will face Italy in two Tests as well as Georgia in a one-off Test, before turning their attention to the Rugby Championship. With Kolisi ruled out of the match on Saturday, Marco van Staden will wear the No 6 jersey and feature in a loose trio with Vincent Koch and Jean-Luc du Preez. Van Staden wasn't part of the initial matchday-23. The rest of the squad is unchanged. Kriel made his debut for the Boks in 2015 and has played 79 Tests so far, including winning the World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He also featured at the global showpieces in 2015 and 2019. The Barbarians team will be led by former Ireland great Peter O'Mahony. The side includes several former and current All Blacks, including Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a. Boks team: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (capt), Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Jean-Luc du Preez, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Bench: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Neethling Fouche, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen
