Latest news with #Barbarians
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springbok coaches zero in on players after trimming squad for Rugby Champs
'It was a bit tough to get that right with the big squad,' Rassie Erasmus said. Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said the team's training camp has started well, as they've been able to meet their goal of providing more one-on-one attention to players ahead of the Rugby Championship. Erasmus told the media they had cut the squad size and extended the training camp from one week to two, after finding that the larger group earlier in the year (55 and then 45 players) didn't meet their need for focused work, though it did offer more depth. The 37-man squad started training in Johannesburg on Sunday, and after three sessions by Tuesday afternoon, Erasmus told the media that he was happy with their progress. More time to focus on players 'We just decided after the four games [Barbarians, Italy twice, and Georgia] that giving guys two weeks off before we go full-on Rugby Championship was a bit too long,' the Springbok coach said. 'So this week has basically given us time to go through every single facet of our game and be 100% aligned between players, coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and the medical team. That all the players know exactly what we expect from them, what is happening in the next couple of weeks.' He said the squad was focusing on their conditioning programme ahead of tough matches against 'top tier one' nations. 'When we were 46 or 47 most of the time, you had about 12 guys less at training to swop in and out. We did not cut the squad to drop guys, which a lot of people think. It was just to make sure that some of those guys… have a lot more one-on-one time. 'When Daan [Human] does the scrum and eight props have to swop in and three hookers, the locks…' Springboks get the most out of their training Erasmus said the larger squad provided a large player base who are comfortable in the Springbok setup. They know what is expected of them at international level. Their good scorelines despite having fresh faces, were a positive. And the players will be available going forward. But the Rugby Championship is a big competition with less margin for error. 'We will swop a little bit in and out against Australia in the two Test matches, seeing how much game time we can get into most of the guys. But the positive in this is having guys here and getting a hell of a lot of reps in the attack, in defence, at the breakdown, contesting systems, aerial skills, where it was a bit tough to get that right with the big squad.'
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Two Best Horror Films Of 2025 Grab 100%, 99% Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Weapons It's about to be an absolutely crazy two weeks for horror movies, as the currently best-scored pair of films of 2025 will release within ten days of each other. That would be Together, out Wednesday, July 30, and Weapons, out Friday, August 8. Now, reviews are coming in for each, and as of now, they have a near-perfect and perfect-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, respectively, even beating out Sinners. As it stands, Zach Cregger's Weapons, his next film after the stunning Barbarians, has a perfect 100% from a limited number of critic reviews in. It's had a number of harrowing trailers and is now releasing full clips that the internet is finding deeply unsettling. Meanwhile, it's pretty clear that Together is a lower-profile film, but it has more reviews in and has stuck at a 99%. If Weapons drops at all, that would make Together the best-reviewed mainstream horror movie of the year. It stars husband and wife duo Dave Franco and Alison Brie, whom you would not normally pair (no pun intended) for a horror movie, but it's supposed to be excellent. Together Here's where the two currently rank among the best mainstream horror films of 2025: My gut tells me that Weapons may drop below both Together and Sinners as more reviews come in, as there just aren't all that many right now (I'm not clear on why the embargo seems to have lifted for only a small number of outlets). Together may stay that high, as I would expect fewer reviews to come in overall, with it being a lower-profile film. Though both may drop below Sinners at some point, which has an incredible 402 reviews in, locking in that 97%. If you want to know what each is about, here's the synopsis of Weapons: And Together: I'll be seeing both and will report back if the hype is worth it. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
The South African
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks: How much key players have made in 2025
The Springboks are stacking up the wins while the players stack up some well-earned money. The Springboks have maintained their spot as the number one ranked team in the latest world rankings following an undefeated start to the 2025 season. The Boks have won all four of their opening fixtures to date. Firstly, they kick-started their 2025 season with a resounding 54-7 victory over the Barbarians. Thereafter, the Springboks won all three of their opening Test matches defeating Italy 42-24 and 45-0 before demolishing Georgia 55-10 in Mbombela. So, let's take a look at some of the key players match-earnings to date. This article takes a look at Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Ox Nche. Please note: These figures are based off the Springboks Test matches and match-day earnings. They do and do not include their match-earnings from their opening fixture against the Barbarians due to these figures not being disclosed. Furthermore, this does not include salaries – it is strictly match-day earnings. As reported on The South African, the PONI (Players of National Interest) figures have been disclosed by SA Rugby. Each player is paid R118 197. 93 per Springboks Test match. So, this is how much each of these Bok players have made so far in 2025: Cheslin Kolbe – R118, 197. 93 (one Test) Kolbe started against Italy in the first Test at Loftus. However, he was rested in the second Test in PE and in the Georgian game. Eben Etzebeth – R236, 395. 86 (two Tests) Etzebeth did not play the first Test match at Loftus. The lanky powerful lock returned to action for the Springboks in the second Test and was selected again to take on the Georgians. Ox Nche – R236,395.86 (two Tests) Ox has played two Test matches for the Springboks so far in 2025. He started against Italy at Loftus and he was utilised off of the bench in the second Test. He was rested against Georgia. Pieter-Steph du Toit – R236, 395.86 (two Tests) The World Rugby Player of the year missed the first Test match against Italy due to injury. Thereafter, he returned to action for the Springboks in back-to-back Test matches against the Azzuri (in P.E) and against Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium. Damien de Allende – R236, 395. 86 (two Tests) De Allende started against Italy at Loftus and was replaced by Andre Esterhuizen in the second Test against Italy. He returned to the side named by Rassie Erasmus to take on Georgia. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- NZ Herald
A stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis didn't stop me from travelling to Australia
Approaching the first security checkpoint in Auckland Airport has always caused me anxiety. So showing up with a cabin bag loaded with oversized syringes, saline, medical oddments and morphine, brought on palpitations and sweating. Further complicating the scenario was various internal metalware and a drain protruding from my abdomen, connected to my bile ducts. Eyebrows were raised as my bags lit up the x-ray machine. I nervously revealed my haul of liquids and supplies. But the sweats were redundant. After a quiet word explaining my situation, the officials could not have been more helpful. The 'pat down' protocol felt a little too intimate, but several minutes later I was safely on the other side, the only confiscation being a half-used tube of toothpaste. All the security checks, both here and in Australia, ran with similar efficiency, without me even needing to show back-up letters from oncologists. Working my way through airport procedures, at a slower pace than usual, certainly raised my stress levels. Fortunately I allowed for extra time on the ground, as my walking speeds are reduced. Charlotte Kutia on the plane. There was a sigh of relief when I was safely in my allocated (aisle) seat. I will only travel in the aisle now, so while great views are a thing of the past, I am safe in the knowledge I can quickly get to the bathroom if necessary without clambering over sleeping bodies. However, the flights were smooth and comfortable. I felt pretty much well the whole of the time mid-air, untroubled by cabin pressure, vomiting or claustrophobia. I even managed to down my share of much-maligned airline cuisine and have it stay put. Sitting in the lit-up sports stadium, watching my son take the field in unfamiliar green and gold, bungle the Australian national anthem and steamily sign autographs after the match is a cherished memory for the coming tough weeks. Charlotte Kutia with her son at his Barbarians game in Coffs Harbour. I have always been an avid reader of travel stories and actively scheming my next destination. I have enjoyed many wonderful destinations in my life. Less in recent years, with the financial challenges of being single and the sole breadwinner in mid-life. After a relationship break-up in my 50s, I realised that there might never be someone to take me on a romantic Pacific Island holiday that I had always longed for, so I decided I would just have to take myself. Charlotte Kutia in Aitutaki. Photo / Supplied I suspected it would be a one-off, so chose the island where I was very sure I would have the full deal – long stretches of white sands, turquoise waters, swaying palms. Aitutaki was the perfect Pacific paradise. Sipping cocktails alone in a resort full of honeymooners was admittedly a strange vibe but the wonderfully warm staff and juicy cocktails under soft pacific night skies were so damn good, they made up for it. Learning to kayak alone in a safe warm blue lagoon with colourful fish at the end of my paddle was unforgettable too. I'm so glad now I took the opportunity at the time, which I will never have again. Other memorable travel memories include eating goat curry in the backblocks of Bangladesh, slurping luscious mangoes in an old yellow Ambassador taxi in Goa, riding elephants with my children in Cambodia, and being blown away by the beauty of the longships in Oslo Museum while exploring a little of my Viking whakapapa in Scandinavia. Charlotte Kutia with her children at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Photo / Supplied With stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts, and currently on aggressive chemotherapy, I am uninsurable in terms of medical conditions. So for me, the only safe destination now is Australia. But that's okay, because the continent offers more incredible landscapes and adventures than I could ever fit in. From stunning white Whitsunday beaches, to red outback rocks, Kimberley canyons, Snowy mountains, Aboriginal culture and history going back millions of years, food and fashion adventures in stylish cities – there is more to see and experience across the Ditch than I could squeeze into any lifetime. We have reciprocal healthcare arrangements across the Tasman, meaning I will receive a high standard of medical care. For my recent trip to see my son, I took copies of all my medical history with me. My oncologist was also supportive but very clear – any hint of a problem such as high fevers or issues with the external drain in my abdomen, head straight to an A&E hospital. But he also pointed out that many Australians live more than three hours from good hospitals with cancer care, so flying across from NZ is not an outrageous proposition. Charlotte Kutia in Western Australia. Travel insurance may be available at different stages of cancer. Depending what type of cancer you have, how advanced, whether chemo has been effective in controlling it, or for those in remission, cover may indeed be a possibility. My only advice is to discuss your situation with a specialist insurance adviser, have good documents from your doctors, choose your destination with care and be thoroughly honest with the insurer. With a tight timeline to get back home to vital medical appointments, I was hit on the eve of departure with a message from Air New Zealand that our return flight had been cancelled due to 'maintenance issues'. A stressful few hours juggling plans saw me secure the very last seats on a crowded Jetstar flight instead. Anxious about my seating, I spoke with staff as we checked in, explained my condition, and they willingly looked for accessible options. After several minutes messing around with seating plans, they found me an aisle seat, ensuring access to bathrooms for mid-air emergencies. We hit the tarmac back in Auckland intact and on time. My initial flights were refunded by Air NZ as it was their issue that caused the cancellation. The hardest part of the flight was a mental challenge on the final descent back to Auckland Airport. Circling over the city, it was hard not to let the tears fall, knowing that with a terminal diagnosis, this was very probably the last time in my life I would fly abroad, and so many travel dreams would go unfulfilled. A cancer diagnosis didn't stop Charlotte Kutia from travelling. Travel with cancer is certainly not a cinch. But I encountered nothing but empathy and assistance from airline staff and airport officials on both sides of the Tasman. I am grateful that I made the trip – if only for sweaty post-match hugs under the New South Wales night sky. My health since returning home has been a mixed bag. Unfortunately, after four cycles on my previous chemo regime, my CT scans showed no slowdown in my tumours' expansion, which was very frustrating. We recently switched to a new chemical cocktail, which is tough but encouragingly is showing some signs of slowing down the growth. The hardest thing is the uncertainty. Do I have a month to live, three months or a year? Nobody can say for sure. In terms of mindset and that elusive thing called 'happiness', the trip was a huge success. When my son video calls me, eating breakfast on his deck, or sends shots of his hard rugby training, I think 'oh yes, I saw that place', and I feel so much closer to him. Doctors have been clear that my cancer is incurable and chemo is about extending my time to make happy memories. Travelling to be with him was a huge success in that regard. I'm not planning any more trips at the moment, but the latest news is that my son's team is playing well, and last week I got a message saying, 'We might make the grand final, Mum. It would be so cool if you could be here'. Life remains fragile and unpredictable, but I'm not ruling anything out. Tips for travelling with cancer Thoroughly research your destination and what is possible under health care arrangements and/or travel insurance. For me, the only possible destination is Australia, but everyone is different. Share your intentions with your medical specialists as early as possible Check the website for your airline's rules and follow their guidelines. Don't book flights with tight connections – allow extra time getting through airports and plan for fatigue Carefully plan any nutrient and medication requirements. Staying well hydrated is more important than ever If possible, book 'preferred seating' with extra leg space – but your condition probably disqualifies you from sitting in an exit row. Final advice A final word for all healthy travellers with intentions to roam. Cancer strikes with no warning and closes off many pathways. Make the most of your wellness and follow your wildest dreams while you can.
eNCA
20-07-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Erasmus calls time on mass Springbok experiments
MBOMBELA - South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus says mass Springbok experiments will end when he names a 36-man squad on Tuesday for two Rugby Championship Tests against Australia during August. "The bulk of that squad will be experienced players who are suited to the way we want to play while there will be room for one or two guys we want to experiment with," he told reporters. "We wanted to experiment against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia in build-up matches, and the scorelines we achieved were pretty satisfying. "We used 46 players and gave first caps to a number of players. There are others we want to give opportunities to like Jaden and Jordan (Hendrikse), Quan (Horn) and Renzo (du Plessis). "But the Rugby Championship is definitely a step up, starting with the Wallabies in Johannesburg and Cape Town on successive Saturdays next month." South Africa are defending the Rugby Championship title and after Australia, play in New Zealand twice, then Argentina home and away, with the latter match switched from South America to London. In November, the record four-time Rugby World Cup winners face a daunting tour of Europe, including France in Paris and Ireland in Dublin. Erasmus, a key figure in different coaching roles in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, also reflected on the build-up matches for the southern hemisphere championship. "We are fairly happy if you look over the four games," he said, recalling victories over the Barbarians (54-7), Italy (42-24 and 45-0) and, this weekend, Georgia (55-10). Each Test was preceded by many personnel changes to the matchday 23 -- 10 and 15 for the internationals against Italy and 16 for Georgia. "Georgia were physical and disruptive, but that is not an excuse for making so many errors. If we chop and change while building squad depth, you will have lost rhythm. "We found rhythm in the final 20 minutes and, while the scoreline was impressive, we can always do better." The coach said fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who missed four of five conversion attempts, injured his hip warming up for the match. "Sacha wanted to play, but that is no excuse for the way he kicked at the poles. However, he is certainly not one of the guys who made the most errors."
