Latest news with #Springboks
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
How Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's football skills will help him steer Springboks' ship in the wet against Barbarians
Springboks captain for the Barbarians match, Jesse Kriel, has a word with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at the captain's practice on Friday at the DHL Stadium. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media South African rugby fans probably have Bishops' massive rugby culture to thank for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's decision to take up oval-ball sport instead of football. Last year, during an unbelievable debut season for the Springboks, where he went toe-to-toe with the All Blacks at Ellis Park and came out with the win, his father, Nick Feinberg, mentioned that he was quite the soccer player. This statement is backed up by various videos on social media, where the young flyhalf does some pretty nifty tricks with his feet. 'I maintain Sacha was as good if not a better footballer than a rugby player,' Feinberg told the Daily Voice last year. 'In my opinion, he could have made it in the 'Beautiful Game'. You can check him on TikTok doing stuff with a rugby ball that most footballers can't do with a football'. He does it on a rugby field as well, as his juggling act with the ball at his feet before scoring against the Lions in a United Rugby Championship match still fresh in everybody's memory. But that football background is noticeable in his kicking game, as he has a variety of kicking options, whether it is a very high bomb, a flat kick to find a '50-22' or just a little dink to collect himself. His kicking game is really an underrated part of his game because of the other special skills in his armoury, such as his passing and running games, which has already been compared to the All Black great and flyhalf GOAT Dan Carter. 'Some people don't understand how strong his kicking game is. He is a natural footballer. He can do things with a ball that I, coming from the township, can't do!' assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said with a smile at the Springboks' captain's press conference on Friday. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's kicking game and game management will certainly be in the spotlight in the Boks' first outing of 2025 when they take on the Barbarians at the DHL Stadium in his hometown of Cape Town on Saturday. Heavy rains continue to lash the Mother City and Saturday is expected to only clear up shortly before the match starts at 5.10pm. So the plan may be to kick a lot more in behind the dangerous Barbarians' backline. But Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the type of player that loves to go off-script and chance his arm when he sees an opportunity to run. Most times it works out for the best, which makes him such a joy to watch. But sometimes he tends to overplay a bit, like in the Stormers' URC quarter-final against Glasgow Warriors, where he tried to force the issue on his own and not bring other players into the game. One thing about Feinberg-Mngomezulu is that he doesn't sulk when he makes a mistake and tends to brush off quite quickly. Another mark of a champion. 'One thing about him, he has got a very big heart for such a young man. That is one thing I enjoy about him,' Stick said. 'Even if he makes mistakes he can bounce back and still back himself to make the decisions. We always want our attacking players to keep asking questions. 'He is young and he is going to make mistakes, but we enjoy watching him try. The impact that he makes for the team is the most important thing for us. 'I have never seen a youngster mature like he has, how he conducts himself around the team. His leadership skills … he is definitely one for the future.'
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘He has made us proud' – Lions' Redelinghuys on new Bok Ntlabakanye
Lions monster prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is set to make his Springbok bow in their opening match of the season against the Barbarians. Asenathi Ntlabakanye will make his first appearance in the green and gold when he starts for the Springboks against the Barbarians on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys is incredibly proud of hulking prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, as he prepares to make his first appearance for the Springboks in their non-Test against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday. The 26-year-old Ntlabakanye has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, after coming through the Lions' junior ranks, before becoming the captain of the Currie Cup team, and has now been the union's first choice tighthead over the past two seasons. His rise caught the eye of the Springbok management team, and after taking part in a couple of alignment camps, he was brought into the squad for the first time, and will now make his Bok debut, although it won't be counted as an official cap against the famed invitational side. Redelinghuys admitted that it was the goal of all coaches to see their charges reach the highest level of rugby, which is representing their country. Proudest moment 'I must say as a coach I think this is one of our proudest moments. Obviously we do it for our team and our franchise, the Lions, but ultimately for us to help players achieve the highest honour (representing the Springboks), is really special,' said Redelinghuys. 'It is something that we are really proud of him for achieving, especially with all the hard work he has put in. I think in all the years I have worked with him he has only missed one session. He's just a guy that puts in the hard work and it's great to see him getting acknowledged for that. 'It is also fantastic to read how coach Rassie (Erasmus) talks about him, how impressed he is with him and how he thinks he might be one of the future stars for the Springboks. 'So it's a great moment for us as the Lions and an amazing moment for Ase. I am really proud and stoked for him, and I can't wait to see him run onto the field in the green and gold. It is well deserved and I am really happy for him.' Redelinghuys himself is an ex-Springbok, with the 35-year-old having made eight appearances for the national team, but was forced into an early retirement nine years ago after breaking his neck during a match. Range of emotions He explained that Ntlabakanye would be going through a range of emotions in the build-up to the game and that it would be an incredible occasion for him. 'Mine (Springbok debut) wasn't at home, it was in Italy. But you just think of how grateful you are, and the whole week leading up to the game is so special, because there are a lot of things happening,' said Redelinghuys. 'There is a jersey presentation, there is the team announcement and a lot of other things happening throughout the week. So he (Ntlabakanye) will have many different emotions going through this week. 'Obviously with family and everyone that is so proud and happy for him. I think it (game day) is going to be a lekker day for him. It is really special to sing the anthem, and he will have it at a home game which will be unbelievable. 'So I am looking forward to seeing his face when he sings the anthem and runs out. And it's good to see Krappie (Lions teammate Morne van den Berg) there with him as well. It's really going to be awesome.' Early opportunity Ntlabakanye has been able get into the Bok starting mix quicker than expected due to injuries, with experienced tightheads Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane both out injured for the season, while Wilco Louw was ruled out of contention due to the Bulls making the URC final. It is thus a huge opportunity for him and fellow uncapped prop Neethling Fouche to make a big impact against the BaaBaas and force themselves into consideration for the incoming series against Italy and Georgia. 'I have no doubt that Ase will make a success of himself. He's proven it throughout the URC that he can take on the best the game has to offer. This year we also witnessed a serious shift in mindset from him, and a determination to work on what was needed,' said Redelinghuys. 'It has been great to see him make that step up, it has been noticed by the Bok coaches and now he has been rewarded. 'For the past 10 or 12 years the (Bok) tighthead position has been held by Frans, Vince (Koch), Trevor, and Wilco (Louw). For Ase and Neethling to now take it forward, I think the Bok scrum will be in very good hands.' Daan's farm At the Boks' team announcement on Tuesday, Bok coach Erasmus lifted the lid on the massive behind-the-scenes effort that it took to get Ntlabakanye up to the national side's standards, which included him attending a training camp at scrum coach Daan Human's farm. Although Redelinghuys has not had any inside information on what went down there, he believes that it will have done Ntlabakanye the world of good and taken his game to another level. 'I haven't heard what he experienced and went through there. But what I can say is that I know Daan, how good a coach he is and how good a man he is. So I am completely sure that he only brought out the best in Ase,' said Redelinghuys. 'The stuff they worked on will have made a really big difference for Ase, and I have no doubt that he will be playing at a higher level. I don't know what happened or what was done. I am looking forward to (eventually) finding out a bit more. 'But I know it would have been good, knowing Daan and Ase. It will have been a great time for him to pick up new learnings and to improve his development. So I look forward to hearing the stories.'
The South African
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
LIVE SCORING: Springboks v Barbarians
The Springboks will meet the Barbarians for the first time since 2016 – and for the first time ever in South Africa – when the teams do battle in Cape Town on Saturday evening. The game – which kicks off at 17:10 at the DHL Stadium – marks the Springboks' first match of the international season, after a successful 2024 campaign that yielded 11 wins in 13 Tests, as well as a Rugby Championship title. South Africa and the travelling club will compete for the Qatar Airways Cup, which the Springboks have held since defeating the All Blacks at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in 2023, and Wales at the same London venue last year. All eight of the previous matches between the Springboks and Barbarians were staged in Europe, with South Africa winning three, the Barbarians winning four, and one match ending in a draw. How will this encounter play out? Keep track below. Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen. Barbarians: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Peter O'Mahony (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Cian Healy. Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier. Date: Saturday, June 28 Venue: Cape Town Stadium Kick-off: 17.10 (15.10 GMT) Referee: AJ Jacobs Assistant referees: Christopher Allison and Stephan Geldenhuys TMO: Egon Seconds Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is South Africa vs Barbarians on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Springboks
The Springboks are in action for the first time in 2025 as South Africa host the Barbarians in Cape Town. The world champions enjoyed a highly successful 2024, winning the Rugby Championship and showing off their strength in depth on an unbeaten November tour of Europe. Advertisement It is an intriguing start to the year for Rassie Erasmus's side, with this uncapped game and Tests against Italy and Georgia providing an opportunity for the coach to look at the wider options within his squad as he continues to tinker with the Springboks. They will take on an intriguing Barbarians bunch including a couple of retiring Irish icons, several of those who just missed out on the All Blacks squad and a pair of England exiles. Here's everything you need to know. When is South Africa vs the Barbarians? South Africa vs the Barbarians is due to kick off at 4.10pm BST at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage from 4pm BST. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Team news Rassie Erasmus has given chances to four uncapped players amidst plenty of experience in a strong South Africa side. Giant tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye and explosive flanker Vincent Tshituka both start as they pull on Springboks shirts for the first time, with front-rowers Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche also set to be used off the bench. Advertisement There are familiar faces elsewhere: Jesse Kriel captains the side after injury struck Siya Kolisi in the week, while Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende and Malcolm Marx are among the other stars on show. The retiring Peter O'Mahony skippers the Barbarians line-up, with fellow old Irish stager Cian Healy joining him in saying farewell. Ex-All Blacks captain Sam Cane joins O'Mahony in the back row and has plenty of Kiwis for company in a side full of New Zealanders young and old. Mark Telea is an eye-catching inclusion after his omission from Scott Robertson's latest squad while there is also a significant contingent taken from the Top 14, including lock David Ribbans and centre Joe Marchant, both part of England's 2023 World Cup squad before moves to France left them ineligible. It's a six/two bench for the BaaBaas. Line-ups South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye; 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Lood de Jager; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez; 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel (capt.), 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi. Advertisement Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen. Barbarians XV: 1 Cian Healy, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Paul Alo-Emile; 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 David Ribbans; 6 Peter O'Mahony (capt.), 7 Sam Cane, 8 Shannon Frizell; 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 10 Josh Jacomb; 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 14 Mark Telea; 15 Melvyn Jaminet. Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu,; 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant; 23 Lachlan Boshier.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Is South Africa vs Barbarians on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Springboks
The Springboks are in action for the first time in 2025 as South Africa host the Barbarians in Cape Town. The world champions enjoyed a highly successful 2024, winning the Rugby Championship and showing off their strength in depth on an unbeaten November tour of Europe. It is an intriguing start to the year for Rassie Erasmus's side, with this uncapped game and Tests against Italy and Georgia providing an opportunity for the coach to look at the wider options within his squad as he continues to tinker with the Springboks. They will take on an intriguing Barbarians bunch including a couple of retiring Irish icons, several of those who just missed out on the All Blacks squad and a pair of England exiles. Here's everything you need to know. When is South Africa vs the Barbarians? South Africa vs the Barbarians is due to kick off at 4.10pm BST at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage from 4pm BST. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Rassie Erasmus has given chances to four uncapped players amidst plenty of experience in a strong South Africa side. Giant tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye and explosive flanker Vincent Tshituka both start as they pull on Springboks shirts for the first time, with front-rowers Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche also set to be used off the bench. There are familiar faces elsewhere: Jesse Kriel captains the side after injury struck Siya Kolisi in the week, while Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende and Malcolm Marx are among the other stars on show. The retiring Peter O'Mahony skippers the Barbarians line-up, with fellow old Irish stager Cian Healy joining him in saying farewell. Ex-All Blacks captain Sam Cane joins O'Mahony in the back row and has plenty of Kiwis for company in a side full of New Zealanders young and old. Mark Telea is an eye-catching inclusion after his omission from Scott Robertson's latest squad while there is also a significant contingent taken from the Top 14, including lock David Ribbans and centre Joe Marchant, both part of England's 2023 World Cup squad before moves to France left them ineligible. It's a six/two bench for the BaaBaas. Line-ups South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye; 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Lood de Jager; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez; 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel (capt.), 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen. Barbarians XV: 1 Cian Healy, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Paul Alo-Emile; 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 David Ribbans; 6 Peter O'Mahony (capt.), 7 Sam Cane, 8 Shannon Frizell; 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 10 Josh Jacomb; 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 14 Mark Telea; 15 Melvyn Jaminet.
