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TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Rassie unsure if Wallabies will arrive here down under
Rassie Erasmus admits he doesn't know whether the Wallabies will be battle ready, flat or punch drunk as a result of the series against the British & Irish Lions before heading to South Africa for a two-Test series in the Rugby Championships against the Springboks. Series' against the B&I Lions are usually a battle of attrition that also take a significant emotional toll on players. Australia are 2-0 down with a Test to play in Sydney on Saturday, a series defeat that could affect their morale and confidence ahead of the southern hemisphere tournament in which the Boks are defending champions. The Wallabies might also take hope from some decent performances among the defeats. 'They might have three injuries in one position and then they might be in trouble. But that's thinking negatively,' the Bok coach said. 'There will be more energy because Joe [Schmidt, the head coach] is stepping down and Les Kiss is taking over and I think Les is touring. We know it will be a really competitive Wallabies team coming to South Africa.' 🗣️ "Maybe some of them play next year, maybe some play in the World Cup year." Rassie Erasmus explains the reason behind selecting the three Junior Boks to join the Springboks for their training camp ahead of the Rugby Championship. #SSRugby | #TRC2025 — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 29, 2025 Having been written off well before the start of the series, the feisty Wallabies have given the much fancied B&I Lions a good run for their money. It hasn't really challenged the outlook of the Springbok coach in the way they should be approaching their opening Tests of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Johannesburg and Cape Town. 'Joe Schmidt is a great coach and we know the players pretty well so it wasn't a surprise for us [they were competitive against the Lions]... and we think the third Test will be close. It won't influence our team selection.' Compared to the rarefied atmosphere the Wallabies are exposed to in their current three-Test series, Erasmus believes the preparation his team got in the four matches they've played thus far should be sufficient heading into the Rugby Championship. 'If your training sessions are proper and your intent is there then you probably have eight weeks of good preparation,' he said about his team's build-up. 'The physicality Italy brought in that first Test and Georgia brought to us, that certainly would not be less to what Australia will bring here. The #Springboks are back in camp 👊 #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 28, 2025 'What Australia definitely have are more rounded players who are used to playing Super Rugby against players from New Zealand and who have played the B&I Lions now. They could lose the series 3-0 and be hard up to come here or they'll win the last one thinking they could have won the second.' Whatever the mindset, Erasmus is not taking anything for granted. He has had to trim his squad to meet short and long-term objectives. They need to beat the Wallabies, fine-tune for their crunch Test against the All Blacks in Auckland and build towards the next Rugby World Cup in 2027. Having a smaller squad provides them the opportunity to give players more personalised attention. 'When Daan [Human, the Boks' scrum coach] does the scrums, it's not like eight guys [front rowers] who have to swap in. We also get more game time into the players. 'The big positive is to get a lot of repetitions in attack, defence, the breakdown, contesting systems, aerial skills. It was a bit tough with the big squad to get all that right. 'The big thing now is to get one-on-one time with guys in specific positions. Obviously we will still swap a little in and out against Australia and see how we can get game time into most of the guys,' said Erasmus, forever the alchemist. The only injuries within the Bok camp are to back-liners Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe, neither, though, serious enough to keep them out of the Ellis Park Test. 'Canan has a bit of hand issue injury that should be ready next Monday. Cheslin has a bit of a knee but he seems OK. In the squad there are no real injury concerns.' Outside the group, however, Erasmus mentioned prop Gerhard Steenekamp who will be out for six more weeks. He has in his more irascible moments delivered some withering retrospectives with regards to the way the game is officiated but Erasmus neatly sidestepped the burning issue Down Under since the climax of the second Test between the Wallabies and the B&I Lions. In the last play of the game a ruck clean polarised opinion but the match officials ruled in favour of the B&I Lions, effectively handing them victory in the Test and crucially, the series. Erasmus said it was a tough one to call, adding he would have been disappointed had he been Schmidt, as he would be satisfied had he been B&I Lions coach Andy Farrell.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Bomb Squad will ignite again, vows Kwagga Smith
Springbok Bomb Squad member Kwagga Smith is ready to light the fire off the bench against Georgia this weekend in Nelspruit. Image: BackpagePix The Springbok Bomb Squad knows they did not have the desired impact in the first Test against Italy, but that does not mean opposition sides have figured out how to defuse the famed replacement bench of the world champions. Utility forward Kwagga Smith, a big role-player in the Bomb Squad, is eager to make an impact off the bench this weekend when the world champions take on Georgia in the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. They haven't selected a 6-2 bench like in the first Test against Italy, but five of the players looking to make an impact on Saturday were on the bench that day, where they failed to fire. 🇿🇦💥 THE BOK BENCH: PURE POWER & OVER 400 CAPS! 💥🇿🇦 Just look at the talent ready to make an impact for the Springboks on Saturday! This is a 'Bomb Squad' packed with 437 caps of experience! 🤯 Rassie knows what he is doing.#Springboks #BombSquad #AllThingsRugby — All Things Rugby (@AllThingsRugbyX) July 16, 2025 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 According to Smith, they don't believe that teams have figured out how to stop the Springbok Bomb Squad. Italy played better in that second half at Loftus Versfeld and didn't allow the replacements to make the desired impact. 'We know we probably weren't playing to the best of our ability against Italy when we came off the bench,' Smith said about the replacements. 'We didn't have the influence we wanted to. Italy played better in the second half, and they found each other and gelled. You must consider that. "e do want to maintain that reputation when coming off the bench. You play together for many matches, and then in one game, things don't go according to plan, and suddenly everyone says they've figured us out. What's better than a training session on a sunny winter's day in the Lowveld? 😍#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 16, 2025 'We are not too fazed about it and will look to our standards. However, we want to set things right. Yes, we do have a 5-3 split and not a full Bomb Squad. "But every guy wants to lift the standard. It was the first game of the season, and the last time we played together was six months ago.' Smith says they are aware of the physical threat Georgia will bring. He believes they are well-prepared for it. The Springboks expect them to target the breakdown, like Italy did during that first Test. 'They are tough people, strong and play with a lot of passion. Everyone wants to measure themselves against the Springboks, so we know it will be a battle. They will be physical, and they won't take a step back. 'It doesn't matter what the scoreboard says; they will keep coming at us. For them, this is an important opportunity to prove themselves against the best.' He says they've rectified their shortcomings at the breakdown since taking a 'beating' from Italy two weeks ago. Now, they want to maintain the standard that was set during the second Test in Gqeberha. The utility player believes the Boks have reached some of their goals over the last three matches as they look to tick a couple more off on Saturday. The #Springboks team to face Georgia feature a new-look front row, while Siya Kolisi is back for the first time in 2025 💚💛#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 15, 2025 'Rassie (Erasmus) has used the entire squad well. Each guy is getting a good amount of rugby, and that was maybe part of our goals. For me, I just wanted to get used to the Bok system (again). 'We don't see each other for six months. Yes, we have alignment camps, but on the field is where you learn about each other. "We have a few new guys who have come in, and you must adapt to playing with them. That goal was achieved because we played different combinations over the four games. 'Things went better since Pretoria and the guys playing this weekend, we have a responsibility to maintain that standard and improve.'
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Siya Kolisi returns as Springboks debut three new players against Georgia
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will return to the team after missing the first three matches of the new season. He will start against Georgia on Saturday in Nelspruit. Image: Backpagepix Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus will unleash three more debutants this weekend against Georgia, with Neethling Fouché, Boan Venter and Marnus van der Merwe, who will play a Test for the first time. That will bring the new caps unleashed over the three Tests to seven players for the season as the world champions continue to expand their depth in various positions, while staying on the winning path. In another boost for the side, several senior players will get a last hit-out before the Rugby Championship as captain Siya Kolisi returns from minor niggles to lead the side for the first time this season. Kolisi is joined up front by lock Eben Etzebeth and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit. The surprise amongs the forwards is Cobus Wiese, normally a lock or flanker, slotting in at eight for the match in the Mbombela Stadium (5.10 pm start). The #Springboks team to face Georgia feature a new-look front row, while Siya Kolisi is back for the first time in 2025 💚💛#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 15, 2025 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 In the backs, centre Damian de Allende links up with Canan Moodie in the midfield, as Kurt-Lee Arendse and fullback Aphelele Fassi also return to the fold, having missed the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha. Saturday's duel with the physical Georgians will be the final test Erasmus and his players will have ahead of a gruelling Rugby Championship, where they will look to defend their title. The Bok mentor stuck to his word and mixed the inexperienced with veterans for this clash as they look to end the mid-year matches with a perfect record. Georgia recently lost to the Cheetahs, but Erasmus said they will not underestimate their opponents. The matchday squad includes 15 World Cup winners. Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, and Damian Willemse are the backs on the bench, while Vincent Koch, Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, RG Snyman, and Kwagga Smith will provide an impact in the forwards. Only five players retained their places in the starting lineup after whitewashing Italy 45-0 in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Erasmus was excited to see the three uncapped players and Kolisi in action. 'We wanted to ensure that Siya is 100% fit before selecting him, so it's great to have him back in the squad, while Boan, Marnus, and Neethling have been training hard and deserve their chance,' According to Erasmus. 'Marnus and Neethling played against the Barbarians, so they have an idea of what international rugby is about, while Boan has shown great potential at club level and with the squad in the last few weeks, and we are looking forward to seeing him play.' 'Building squad depth has been one of our pillars as a squad since 2018, and they are all undoubtedly ready to make the step-up.' Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassie, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Cobus Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Damian Willemse.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Libbok and Williams set to ignite Springboks' attack in second Test against Italy
Flyhalf Manie Libbok will look to get the Springbok backline running on the attack with scrumhalf Grant Williams against Italy in the second Test in Gqeberha on Saturday afternoon. Image: BackpagePix The Springboks have put their disappointing performance against Italy last weekend behind them and are ready to take the second Test on Saturday by the scruff of the neck to seal the two-Test series. After scoring six tries at Loftus Versfeld in the 42-24 victory, the expectation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (5.10 pm start) is that the Springbok attack will again dominate their opponents, but with more precision and craftiness. The partnership of flyhalf Manie Libbok and Grant Williams will be crucial for this to happen, as they partner for only the third time at international level. But they will lead an exciting attacking backline, and Williams will look to find his form early as he returns from an injury layoff. 'Willie is a great team man and player, and he certainly deserves this honour' 🤝#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 9, 2025 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 With them at the back will be a centre-pairing of André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie, while Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe man the wings, with Willie le Roux at fullback. Le Roux is set to play in his 100th Springbok Test match. Libbok said on Wednesday afternoon he is excited to restart his partnership with the nippy Williams. They are like-minded players who always look to catch the defence out, whether it's with a sniping run, their passing or kicking into space. 'It will be the third game Grant and I play together, so I'm really looking forward to it, much like I'm excited to have André and Canan with us in the midfield, and Willie at the back,' Libbok said about the backline. MANIE LIBBOK If you're right-handed and passed a rugby ball, you'll know it's easier to pass left than to pass right. How Manie Libbok throws this pass to his right, flat, long, fast.. 🔥 Tx for the reminder @Slipcatch# — Sardieq (@SardieqWP) July 2, 2025 'Canan and André started against England at Twickenham together, and it will be great to have their experience, along with Mapimpi and Willie's in the backline. The team's mindset is good, and we are really looking forward to the game. 'We've been very focused this week and locked in on the task at hand. Italy is definitely going to come hard at us, but I believe both sides will be up for what is going to be a great contest.' They will not only look to make it a special occasion for Le Roux in his 100th, but also for prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, utility forward Cobus Wiese and utility back Ethan Hooker, who are all set to make their Test debut off the bench. Ntlabakanye played against the Barbarians in the opening match of the season but will now get his full debut. The Grant Williams/Manie Libbok pairing.... — Tebza 🇸🇾 🇾🇪 🇵🇸 🇪🇹 (@CarloTebza) July 8, 2025
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Willemse relishes Loftus return as Springbok comeback nears
Springboks fullback Damian Willemse is back in the starting XV after a prolonged period on the sidelines due to injury and suspension. Photo: Timothy Barnard Independent Media Image: Timothy Barnard Independent Media Damian Willemse admits he is nervous ahead of his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 World Cup final, but as he returns to Loftus Versfeld, he carries the comforting memory of arguably his finest hour in a Bok jersey — at the same venue. It was in 2022, and a rusty South African side were on the verge of being upset by Wales. But when Willemse moved to flyhalf for Elton Jantjies in the second half, the game turned. With Handré Pollard-like composure, Willemse slotted the match-winning penalty. The Boks edged it 32-29. "That is a good memory," Willemse smiled. "It was a scary day for us at Loftus. We did well to come back in the second half." 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 The fullback enjoyed an excellent run across 2022 and 2023, but injuries derailed his momentum, and he has had little game time for the Stormers and none yet for the Boks this year. A recent suspension in the United Rugby Championship, shortly after recovering from a hand injury, added to his frustration. "I am very happy to be healthy and back in the Bok squad," Willemse told a press conference. "It has been a difficult two years — injuries and then, lately, the suspension. "I'm pleased to have another shot. I'm excited but a bit nervous. I have not played since the World Cup final. I need to get into the game and do my primary job at fullback. "I'm nervous, but the guys in the team and the coaching staff give me security," he added. "As soon as we sing the national anthem, I'll start feeling at home. I'll get my first touch and get into it. "You are playing for the national team, and that brings added pressure, but that's part of it, and you look forward to the challenge." Previously against the Italians 💨 Head to Ticketmaster to grab your tickets for Saturday's clash in Pretoria 👉 #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 1, 2025
