Springboks' alignment camp: Old faces, new faces and a kit that's a 'sore sight for eyes'
A former Springbok once said "what a sore sight for eyes' while describing an action during a Currie Cup match, butchering the actual cliche - 'a sight for sore eyes'.
But that Springbok would have been on the money when describing the Springboks' new training kit, which was the subject of many funny barbs on Monday when the team got together to start their preparations for the June-July internationals.
The Springboks take on the Barbarians on June 28 in Cape Town, before playing Test matches against Italy and Georgia in the three weeks after that.
The training kit went away from the all-green one used since 2023 to green, with a gold zig-zag stripe on the front. Mix in that with Pick n Pay's traditional red, blue and white logo on the front, and it's quite the sensory experience.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Forget Sixty60, Springboks' Pick n Pay kit has fans cringeing
The Springboks squad has been spotted for the first time in the new kit sponsored by Pick n Pay. Instead of their usual green and gold, the South African national rugby team is donning brighter shades boldly emblazoned with the retailer's name. But like their 'Checkers Sixty60'-inspired aqua jerseys, which debuted during the 2023 World Cup, many fans are not impressed with the new look. The Boks are gearing up to play their first match this year against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. Over the past few weeks, Springbok players have gathered in preparation for the test match season, which kicks off later this month. The squad has begun intensive training, wearing their new training apparel. The new look design features a green jersey with bright yellow shorts. On social media, Springboks fans were not impressed… @iamkoshiek: 'Look at how they massacred our boys — out here looking like extras in Bollywood. Keep these bad jersey designs for the IPL.' @Capevoetsek: 'No amount of money can justify this @RizzleSimms : 'I take it back. The Checkers shirt isn't too bad'. @glewif2n: 'We're the world champions, and this is the best design on the table?!' Here's what others had to say.. Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced that Pick n Pay had signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor. The sponsor's logo is featured on all Springboks match-day jerseys and on the front of all training apparel. The retailer replaces MTN, which previously sponsored the Boks from 2017 up until last year. The brand's name will feature on the back of the jersey in gold above the position number and player name. According to reports, the major move will cost the supermarket group around R70 million per year. In March, the Blitzboks sported the new kit for their game against Uruguay. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Springboks vs Barbarians through the years
The Springboks will make history when they host the Barbarians in a much-anticipated Test match at Cape Town Stadium on 28 June. It will be the famous invitational side's first Test played on South African soil. It will also mark the world champions' first meeting with the BaaBaas since November 2016. The Barbarians consist of players who ply their trade in the United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League. The team is coached by former Wallabies mentor Robbie Deans. South Africa have faced the Barbarians on nine occasions, claiming three victories to the Barbarians' four. Their last meeting nine years ago ended in a draw. With a packed international calendar ahead, a win over the Barbarians will get the Boks' season off to a perfect start. 26 January 1952 : Barbarians 3 – 17 Springboks, Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff 4 February 1961: Barbarians 6 – 0 Springboks, Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff 31 January 1970: Barbarians 12 – 21 Springboks, Twickenham, London 3 December 1994: Barbarians 23 – 15 Springboks, Landsdowne Road, Dublin 10 December 2000: Barbarians 31 – 41 Springboks, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 1 December 2007: Barbarians 22 – 5 Springboks, Twickenham, London (End of Year Test) 4 December 2010: Barbarians 26 -20 Springboks, Twickenham, London (End of Year Test) 5 November 2016: Barbarians 31 – 31 Springboks, Wembley Stadium, London 28 June: Barbarians vs SA – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town 5 July: SA vs Italy – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria12 July: SA vs Italy – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha 19 July: SA vs Georgia – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chicken feet and champions: Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am enjoy Mzansi's fave dish
On a boys day out, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi decides to kick back with his teammates. The setting is just as epic as the man himself. Recently, Siya Kolisi and fellow Sharks and Bok players Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am took a much-needed break from the pressures of the rugby field. They indulged in a classic South African meal, chicken feet and dombolo (steamed bread). It was the perfect occasion for Siya, Makazole and Lukhanyo to enjoy Mzansi's favourite dish together. What started as a simple meal turned into a celebration of culture, food and camaraderie. There was also a side of humour and some playful banter from fans and teammates. Traditional feast in Durban: the Xhosa way Chicken feet and dombolo. Picture via Instagram The Rugby World Cup winners headed to Fresh Food with Thuladu, a popular eatery in the heart of Durban. It serves up traditional South African dishes, like the ones Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am relish. The setting was relaxed, with the men indulging in a hearty meal while sharing stories, laughter and, of course, a touch of rugby banter. But it wasn't just the food that caught everyone's attention. It was the bond between these Xhosa men that was highlighted when they relished the traditional dish. Siya, known for his strong connection to his Xhosa heritage, posted a picture of the meal with a caption that included their Xhosa clan names: Zikhali, uQhinebe, and oGqwashu. To netizens who saw the post, it felt like a reunion of the Dyani's, a term that means 'big man', 'grown man,' or, as locals say, 'Grootman'. This was a nod to those who have successfully gone through the rites of passage in Xhosa culture. For many, it was a powerful moment of shared identity and respect for their ancestry. Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am: the silent giants While Siya may be the captain, his teammates Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am are no strangers to the spotlight. Mapimpi is often seen as the quiet, stoic but most fashionable player in SA. He was at ease as he sat down with Siya and Lukhanyo. The trio looked content over plates filled with chicken feet, dombolo, and other offal delicacies. Lukhanyo is often reserved. However, you could see in the photos that he was savouring the rare opportunity for a bit of fun while standing out with Kolisi and Mampimpi. ALSO READ: WATCH: Inside Ntando Duma's magical wedding to Una Rams Offal: South African tradition of brotherhood In South Africa, meals like offal, the internal organs of animals such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, have long been associated with tradition and brotherhood. Men often share these hearty meals over good conversation, sometimes accompanied by a cold beer. It's a time-honoured tradition that goes beyond food; it's about bonding, sharing wisdom, and celebrating life. The meal Kolisi, Mampimpi and Am enjoyed was a reflection of their heritage and the unity they feel as teammates. South African captain Siya Kolisi lifts the trophy at the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Picture:Siya's Instagram post didn't go unnoticed. Fellow celebrities were quick to jump into the comments with playful jabs and cheers. One follower affectionately called them 'Desiney's Child,' a nod to the legendary R&B group, Destiny's Child, all while enjoying Mzansi's prescribed dish with Mampimpi and Lukhanyo. Another teammate, Eben Etzebeth, couldn't resist poking fun, quipping, 'Really nailed it with that food, yummy.' The comments were full of love, proving that the gents picked the right dish for a fun boys' day out. ALSO READ: SA's Amapiano DJ duo TxC wins BET award From the looks of it, this meal wasn't just about satisfying their hunger. It was a chance for these athletes to recharge, bond, and celebrate their shared history. In the end, it was the perfect choice for a boys' day out, illustrated beautifully by Kolisi, Am and Mapimpi enjoying Mzansi's favourite dish.
