
Sports update: Boks & Proteas secure wins
All-rounder Corbin Bosch, seen here with Proteas fans in London last month, was superb in the second Test of his career against Zimbabwe. Picture: Paul Harding/What a weekend.
Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner captured their first Wimbledon titles, Chelsea won the Club World Cup title in the USA and the Springboks beat Italy in Gqeberha to take their series 2-0.
There were all sorts of other actions across the globe as well. England and India were embroiled in an exciting cricket Test match, while MotoGP action was underway, and Banyana Banyana was in action in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
And the action continues this week, with the Boks taking on Georgia in Mbombela, the Proteas in action in a tri-series with hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand and plenty more to keep sports fans entertained.
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The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Boks' ‘fake lineout' in open play: ‘It's about evolving and being creative'
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids says the team will continue to learn and evolve, and are happy to pick ideas from any rugby team. Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids says they will continue to learn and evolve and are happy to accept good ideas from any team. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images After a stunning 45-0 whitewash over Italy in Gqeberha over the past weekend, where the Springboks pulled out a full bag of tricks, they want to continue to learn and evolve, according to assistant coach Deon Davids. The Boks used a number of trick plays in the match that had the Italians at sixes and sevens, with one of those moves being the 'fake lineout' in open play, where the scrumhalf throws the ball to a lofted player, allowing the team to set up a maul in open play. The Boks scored twice from that with Canan Moodie busting over, and Malcolm Marx being driven over, and Davids was asked to elaborate on the decision to use a move that coach Rassie Erasmus admitted came from a clip they had seen of a school rugby team earlier this year. 'As a team we always try to evolve our game and try to be creative. We watch rugby from different teams in our country and all over the world, and we took notice of that innovative move,' explained Davids in Mbombela on Monday, ahead of their match against Georgia on the weekend. 'We saw an opportunity to do something different and it's good that it worked for us and is maybe something we can take forward. 'It also serves as encouragement for the coaches. There are lot of bright ideas out there, and it's good to learn. Even from primary schools and high schools, or any team (with a good idea), in terms of where we can get better and how we can evolve.' Strong start It has been a strong start to the season for the Boks, with them thumping invitational side the Barbarians 54-7, and picking up two big wins over Italy, the first 42-24 at Loftus, with them now turning their attention to the one-off Test against the Georgians on Saturday. Although the home side will be heavy favourites, and a largely inexperienced team of fringe players is expected to be named for the game, Davids said that they were not underestimating their opposition and they are well aware of the challenge that awaits them. 'We see every Test as an important game because we want to win every one, and we never underestimate any team. We understand the DNA of Georgia, we (last) played against them in 2021. They are a team that brings a lot of physicality and they leave everything out there,' said Davids. 'So we are expecting a very tough game. They have been very competitive in their last couple of matches. They are also pressing really hard to be a part of the Six Nations, and they have their own goals. 'Coming over here and playing against us will be another step up for them in that direction. So we are expecting a very competitive game against Georgia. 'For us it's also important to keep setting our own standards, and to improve in every game. Especially with the Rugby Championship and the rest of the year lying ahead. So going into this game there is a massive focus on where we can improve, evolve and get better.'


The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Next step on a ‘long journey': Rubin Hermann delivers on Proteas debut
At the age of 28, Hermann shone in his first international match against Zimbabwe in Harare. Rubin Hermann, seen here during a domestic match, made 45 runs for the SA team in the opening match of the T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe. Picture: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images Top-order batter Rubin Hermann believes his experience at domestic level has given him a strong foundation as he embarks on his international career, after playing a key role for the Proteas in their five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Monday. Playing his first international match at the age of 28, Hermann top-scored for the SA team, hitting 45 runs off 37 balls as they got their T20 tri-series campaign off to a winning start in Harare. Hermann has played top-flight domestic cricket for more than eight years, and though he admitted he had followed a long path to the top, he was pleased to stand up in his first game for the Proteas and he hoped to continue delivering for the national team. 'I don't see any tournament or innings I play now as pressure. Obviously there's expectation to perform, and it's more highlighted here (at international level) but my mindset doesn't change against any opposition,' Hermann said. 'I've obviously had a longer journey than most, but I'm very thankful because it built certain characteristics in my game and maybe gave me some mental resilience that will stand me in good stead. 'This is the first step, but hopefully there are a couple more and I can have a decently long career playing for South Africa.' Rubin Hermann receives his first T20 International cap for South Africa! 🇿🇦🔥 From the domestic grind to the international spotlight, Rubin's journey has been one of hard work, grit, and relentless determination. 💪🏏 #WozaNawe — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 14, 2025 'I want to win games for South Africa' Though he shone alongside the likes of Dewald Brevis and George Linde in the tri-series opener, Hermann said he was a little disappointed that he fell five runs short of a half-century. And even more so that he didn't carry his team across the line. He fell in what turned out to be the penultimate over of South Africa's innings, with the Proteas just 12 runs shy of their target. 'That was effectively my role, just to be there at the end, so I'm disappointed I couldn't do that,' he said. 'Maybe I'm just nitpicking. Probably anyone would have taken that, but I want to be a guy who wins games for South Africa.' The Proteas will face New Zealand in their next match of the T20 International tri-series in Harare on Wednesday (1pm start).

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Ruan Nortjé embraces innovative tactics in Springboks' victory over Italy
Ruan Nortje (top) masters a lineout during the second Test against Italy on Saturday. The towering lock was at the centre of the manufactured rolling mauls in open play that brought two tries for the world champions. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé was effusive in his praise for the rolling mauls executed from open play, which played a pivotal role in the team's decisive victory over Italy this past weekend. The line-out specialist found himself at the centre of this manufactured strategy, lending his height and agility to what became a focal point of their attacking prowess during the Test match held in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. It is a move the world champions borrowed from the Under-14 B-team of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, and Nortjé was thrilled that they could execute it almost flawlessly every time they used it. However, it remains to be seen whether the Boks will utilise it again this weekend when they face Georgia in Nelspruit in the final mid-year Test. 'It is always nice to do different things and bring in innovative stuff into the game, it opens up more opportunities,' Nortjé said on Monday. 'We want to develop our game and attack. It enables us to do different things with the ball in hand. It is very exciting, and I am always game for anything innovative and doing something different in a game.' Nortjé added that it's a privilege being back in the Bok mix, especially with most of the senior locks fit and firing. He played in his first Test of the season this past weekend against Italy, and alongside captain Salmaan Moerat, they formed a formidable second row, especially in the line-outs. The Bulls' captain is ready to grasp the opportunity again on Saturday, should he be selected on Tuesday by head coach Rassie Erasmus to face the Georgians. 'The Mbombela Stadium is one of my favourite places to play. Last year, I was fortunate to face Argentina here, and I won't forget the atmosphere and the support for the team. The people here really get behind the Boks, so I'll be very excited if I get an opportunity to play this weekend. 'It is a special environment to be part of, and every player is blessed to be here, so whenever you get the opportunity, you must grab it with both hands. "There are many capable guys who are not part of the group. So, it is always important to remember how privileged you are to be here. 'Personally, I try to learn as much as I can whenever I'm in the team. We have some of the best locks in the world here with Lood (de Jager), Eben (Etzebeth), Franco (Mostert) and RG (Snyman), and it is a real honour to learn from them and grow my game. I try to represent South Africa to the best of my abilities.'