Latest news with #Test-match
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
The doctor is in: Human and Springboks step up to full Test mode for set-piece battle against Italy
After bashing the ill-prepared Barbarians last week in a friendly, the Springboks have switched into full Test-match mode, and scrum coach Daan Human says it will be a different ball game against the Azzurri in Pretoria on Saturday. The scary thing is that Human believes the Boks will go up a level from their 54-7 romp in the rain last week. 'The big difference is that the Baabaas don't play regularly," said Human on Monday in Johannesburg, "so we had to look at them as individuals. "This week we play a proper Test match team and we can do much more homework. That is the big difference, and having had our opening match, there is now stuff we can work on.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Fantastic to play with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee, says Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi ahead of Barbarians showdown
Aphelele Fassi will look to run the show for the Springboks at fullback against the Barbarians on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Sharks superstar Aphelele Fassi is known for his sparkling rugby and being able to create something from almost nothing when given an inch or two of space on the rugby field. While they are encouraged to back their skills within the Springbok set-up, this Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town (5.10pm kick-off), the world champions will approach the game with a Test-match intensity. That means a more structured game plan will be followed and with the predicted weather conditions, an open game will play right into the hands of the Baabaas. However, while the Boks will box clever in their first match of the year, there should be enough opportunities for the likes of Fassi, and wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse to run with the ball in hand. 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 ✕ 'The freedom that the coaches give us is immense, but I will focus on what I have to deliver on Saturday within the team's structure,' Fassi said on Wednesday in a rainy Cape Town. 'It is fantastic playing with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee. I learn a lot from them as well in terms of communication. Things that they like (to do) and what they need (on the field). 'I am building a good relationship with them, and I am just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday. 'We won't be approaching the game any differently, even if the weather plays a role,' the fullback added. Jean-Luc du Preez can't wait for his first #Springboks start since 2018, and who can blame him? 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2025 'Maybe for them (the Barbarians) it would be quite different. They are an entertaining team, and they will want to entertain the Cape Town fans. 'We will implement our physical game and how we want to play. I think the weather won't have a huge impact for us.' The fullback highlighted his work-rate, communication and will to learn as areas of his game where he has seen growth over the last year. He has also put an emphasis on improving his kicking game. He hopes the match will indicate to him what level he is at heading into the international season where the world champions will play 13 other confirmed Tests.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springboks take calculated risk against Baabaas as Lood de Jager finally makes his international return
Lock Lood de Jager will make his return to the Springbok team on Saturday after nearly two years out when they face the Barbarians in Caep Town. Image: BackpagePix Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus sprung a few surprises with the uncapped players for the clash with the Barbarians on Saturday but selected an experienced side to try and lay a strong season-opening platform in Cape Town. While they will approach the game at the DHL Stadium (5.10pm start) with a Test-match mentality, four uncapped players — two in the starting XV and two off the bench — will make their debut. The team also consists of four other players with less than 10 caps. However, the rest of the side is stacked with World Cup winners. Judging by the experience they've gone with, the world champions should have no trouble putting the Baabaas away. The invitational side, finally to an almost full complement, assembled in Cape Town on Tuesday ahead of the duel. Although not an official test, Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will experience the Green-and-Gold for the first time. Replacement tighthead Neethling Fouché and replacement hooker Marnus van der Merwe are the uncapped guys on the bench. Erasmus explained on Thursday that they opted to bleed some new players, but with the strong blend of experience, they want to ensure they have a foundation as they head into the 2025 Test season in July. Regular captain Siya Kolisi will lead the team in the opener. 'It's a calculated risk in the sense that we know what guys like Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu), Krappies (Morné van den Berg, scrumhalf) and Fassi (Aphelele, fullback) can do when they are on song, but we need those experienced heads around them,' Erasmus said. 'The Barbarians came here to entertain. Sometimes you need a little bit of control on the side for that. With that inexperience at 9, 10 and 15, we felt that it was a calculated decision because we do have calm heads around them. '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. 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 they do not select inexperienced guys).' 'We want a good start and that is why we selected this side. We would love to entertain, but we won't fuel their fire.' Erasmus is excited for the uncapped players to make their mark, while the return of Lood de Jager is another good sign for the Springboks.
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Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Lack of time with red ball ahead of ENG series is concerning: Morne Morkel
With less than a week to go for India's high-profile five-Test series against England, bowling coach Morne Morkel has admitted concerns over the squad's limited red-ball preparation. The series, which marks the start of India's new World Test Championship cycle, will also be Shubman Gill's first assignment as Test captain. India's last red-ball match came back in January during the Sydney Test against Australia, and many of the current squad members, including youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, are set to experience English conditions in Test cricket for the first time. While the coaching staff has been encouraged by the intensity at training, Morkel emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency on and off the field in order to thrive in the demanding English environment. Consistency Key to Success in England Morkel, speaking from the sidelines of India's practice sessions, noted that consistency remains central to success in England. He stressed that players need to discover and stick to individual routines that work for them, whether on the field or during preparation. According to him, India's bowling unit has the advantage of variety, which can be effective if the basics are executed well. Limited Red-Ball Exposure a Worry The South African great admitted that the team's lack of recent red-ball cricket had made him 'a little nervous' before the camp began. However, he said the past few training days have eased some of those concerns. The energy and commitment shown by the players, especially in testing conditions, have been reassuring. Fast Bowlers Enjoy Early Practice Conditions Reflecting on the two days of practice so far, Morkel observed that the pitches had favoured seamers, offering plenty of assistance. While that presented a challenge for the batters, he believed it served as a good simulation for match situations. However, he does not expect the Test-match pitches to behave similarly throughout the series. Final Preparations Before Leeds Test India will play a four-day intra-squad match against India A starting Friday, which is likely to be their final tune-up before the opening Test in Leeds on June 20. Morkel urged his bowlers to show character even when conditions are flat, insisting that mental resilience will be just as crucial as skill in the long English summer.
