Latest news with #Bok
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie Erasmus plays it very safe with first Springbok Rugby Champs squad
There are no surprises in the Boks' squad for the two matches against Australia. The Springboks will next be in action against Australia when the Rugby Championship gets underway in a few weeks' time. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus sprung a bit of a surprise by playing it very safe with his first squad of probably three for their defence of their Rugby Championship title, with the competition kicking off next month. Erasmus has been known for his unpredictability over the past few years, but didn't make any big changes from the group that took part in the mid-year Tests, essentially just reducing his squad for the Rugby Champs. The big omissions from the squad are experienced scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and wing Makazole Mapimpi, with upcoming stars Morne van den Berg and Edwill van der Merwe backed with a strong look to the future. Morne van den Berg appears to now be a regular in the Bok set-up. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Omissions As usual a premium has also been placed on utility value as Salmaan Moerat, who has captained the Boks a number of times over the last few years, has been left out along with Evan Roos, a specialist No 8. Cobus Wiese, who is primarily a four lock, but was backed at eighthman against Georgia and can cover seven and six, gets Erasmus' backing for the Rugby Champs. The only other players to drop out of the squad that was picked for the invitational Barbarians game and incoming series against Italy and Georgia, are Jasper Wiese, due to suspension, Thomas du Toit, due to resting protocols, Jean Kleyn, due to injury, and Neethling Fouche and Vincent Tshituka, who made their respective Bok debuts in the last month. Moerat, Roos, Fouche and Tshituka have all been released to their franchises and are available for the Currie Cup, though they have been included on the standby list along with De Klerk and Lukhanyo Am, who missed the mid-year Tests with a knee injury, and all can be called up at short notice if needed. Lukhanyo Am is on standby, after failing to get into the Bok squad this season. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Junior Bok stars Where Erasmus has continued to think outside the box is bringing in young and inexperienced players who have recently shone, to give them a taste of Springbok rugby, and this time has included three Junior Bok stars Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead in the training squad. All three were immense in the Junior Boks' World Rugby U20 Championship winning campaign, with scrumhalf Pead electrifying in scoring six tries, outside back Jooste brilliant in all round play, and utility forward Hlekani an absolute battering ram. All three will train with the Boks' senior squad for a week or two, before being released back to their franchises, and being available to play in the Currie Cup. Due to the injury absence of men such as props Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu, Erasmus has retained rookie Boan Venter after a solid debut against Georgia and could be given a run at some stage against the Wallabies. The Boks are off this week, but return to training from Sunday. The Boks' first match in the Rugby Championship, against Australia, is on 16 August.
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth 'Unlocked': discover the untold story of rugby's giant in his debut autobiography
'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied South African rugby titan Eben Etzebeth has released his much-anticipated debut autobiography, 'Unlocked', offering fans a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the life, challenges and triumphs of the most-capped Springboks in history. Feared by opponents and revered by teammates, Etzebeth has long been known for his physical dominance on the pitch - a towering lock with unrelenting energy, intelligence and aggression. Now, in 'Unlocked', he turns the spotlight inward, reflecting on the highs and lows of his life and career, and how a determined boy from Goodwood became one of the most iconic figures in world rugby. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey - the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people and the moments that shaped me,' he shared on Instagram. ''Unlocked' tells my story, from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me - this one is for you.' Etzebeth has been a pillar in the Springboks setup during one of the most successful eras in South African rugby, helping lead the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and maintaining their spot at the top of the global rankings. His story is one of grit, discipline and unwavering focus - themes that pulse through the pages of his book. From battling adversity in his early years to the intense inner workings of the Bok squad, 'Unlocked" promises readers a deeply personal journey. Etzebeth's story is also part of a broader initiative to inspire young South Africans. 'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied Recently, a special youth-focused book series was released, featuring Etzebeth alongside Springboks greats Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe and Handré Pollard. These short, accessible books aim to spark ambition among young readers, especially those from tough backgrounds. Told in simple language and rich with inspirational anecdotes, the books reveal the human side of these sporting icons. Readers learn how Kolisi once went to bed hungry in a shack in Zwide, terrified at a new school because he couldn't speak English, and how he rose above it all. They show how coach Rassie Erasmus became more than a tactician - a father figure and mentor who guided these men through moments of global triumph and personal challenge. Etzebeth's own story echoes similar themes. As a child, he had posters of rugby legends like Bob Skinstad and Jonah Lomu on his bedroom wall. At primary school, he played wing and dreamed big. On his bedroom door, a handwritten list of goals included one that would shape his destiny: play for the Springboks. In his final year of primary school, he was victorious at his sports day, excelling in sprint events and high jump. But his path was far from easy. At the start of high school, he was considered too small to make the A team. Determined to change that, he hit the gym, scarfed down eggs and tuna for protein, and pushed himself harder than anyone else. By matric, he was a 120kg force of nature - no longer a backline player but a dominant lock whose transformation stunned even his childhood coaches. Unlike many of his peers, Etzebeth never succumbed to distractions. He stayed laser-focused on his goals and chased them with relentless discipline. Now, with 'Unlocked', Etzebeth adds 'author' to his long list of accolades - and opens a new chapter, not just in his own life, but in the rich legacy of South African sport. ∎ 'Unlocked' is now available at major bookstores and leading retailers.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
It's a numbers game: Springbok backline depth separates world champions from their rivals
Flyhalf Manie Libbok has been at the helm of the Springbok attack and is pushing to be the first-choice general for the world champions with his performances. Image: BackpagePix A trademark of the Springboks' recent success has been the remarkable depth and versatility of their backline. From fullback to scrumhalf, South Africa can call upon different world-class players, each offering unique skills while maintaining a consistently high standard as seen during the four mid-year internationals. It says a lot about the side if players of the quality such as veteran outside centre Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse, both World Cup winners, and Jordan Hendrikse are left on the outskirts and unable to crack a nod to be part of a match-day squad. Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will need to cut a few players for his Rugby Championship squad, despite every player putting up their hand during the matches against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Fullback At No 15, the reliable Damian Willemse is back after a long absence, and he brought that trademark attacking flair, strong kicking, and solid defence in the matches he played. He was ably backed up by youngster Aphelele Fassi, who has shown brilliant consistency when called upon. Fassi with his left boot, as well as attacking runs, has been a brilliant addition to the Boks' attack. Centurion Willie le Roux's experience and game awareness remain invaluable. All three of them provide that attacking spark, but with their different traits, they equip the Bok backline with various skills when on the park. The Springboks have no shortage of options at the back with these three in control. Wings South Africa's wings are known for their explosive pace and physicality. While a first-choice pairing has clearly been established over the last year in Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, veteran Makazole Mapimpi hardly disappoints, while the arrival of Edwill van der Merwe brought more pace, sidestepping and an eye for tries. Try number eight is in the bag, and it's a 20th Test try for Kurt-Lee Arendse. Two more from Pollard, Boks lead 48-10 with less than a minute to go 🦅#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvGEO — Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2025 The incredible work of the four wings under high kicks in the three Tests and against the Barbarians ensured the world champions served up with a varied attack. If they are not running the ball, they can pepper opposition with box kicks, which the four chasers achieving plenty of success. They complement each other, ensuring the Boks can rotate without compromising on quality. Centres In the midfield, Damian de Allende and Jessé Kriel form one of the most balanced centre partnerships in world rugby. De Allende's power and direct running perfectly complement Kriel's defensive brilliance and playmaking. Two other midfielders in André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie provided the perfect depth, and they should be the second combination going forward. They are almost like-for-like replacements, looking at what De Allende and Kriel bring to the system. Debutant Ethan Hooker has also shown potential. Youth is on the side of Esterhuizen and Moodie as they continue to grow their partnership. Their strength on both sides of the ball and ability to gel together quickly will enable Erasmus to rotate the centre pairing more to keep De Allende fresh. Flyhalf With the Springbok attack evolving at a rapid rate, Manie Libbok has shown over the last couple of weeks why he is the top No 10 for the Springboks. His game next to Grant Williams brings the best out of the side when they run with the ball. Libbok's awareness of space and decision making on the attack is up there, and it will be difficult for the Boks to keep him off the park at this rate. Handré Pollard remains the option when it comes to composure. He doesn't play the game like Libbok, but he brings a different calmness to the team that only he can. His goal-kicking remains his strong point, although Libbok has improved immensely. With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu waiting in the wings and growing as the Springbok flyhalf, the world champions have a deadly trio that can only take the team forward. 🧵 on the current Springbok squad and how it will be trimmed down to 33-36 players for the Rugby Championship 🇿🇦👇 — Angus (@AnalystGus) July 19, 2025 Halfbacks At scrumhalf, the Springboks boast experience in Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach, but the last couple of matches have shown it's time for Williams to be the first-choice scrumhalf. Able to adapt to what is asked of him, he is head and shoulders above the other South African scrumhalves. Known for his sniping runs and quick service, Williams was outstanding against Italy and Georgia. De Klerk and Reinach's knowledge of the game is invaluable and how they pass it on to Williams and Morné van den Berg, who can be happy with his playing minutes, will be crucial for the South Africans as they head into the Rugby Championship.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Leicester Tigers-bound Micke Günter raising the bar at set-piece time for the Springboks Women
Springbok Women's hooker Micke Günter believes her upcoming move to the Leicester Tigers will help take her game to the next level. The experienced former Bulls Daisies front-row forward recently sealed a deal with the Premiership Women's team and will remain in the UK after the upcoming Rugby World Cup. 'Yeah, I think it's been a dream of mine for a very long time,' she told the media after Bok training at UCT on Monday. 'The Bulls set such a good standard, the first professional side in South Africa, and they took me on and I gained so much experience from them. 'I just have to give them credit for what they're doing for the women's game at the moment. 'But now it's my next chapter, going over to Leicester. I'm excited to see what's in store for me. 'The first thing that comes to mind is the standard at Leicester. It's a really good club to integrate in. They're building at the moment, so I think I'll integrate quite well. Yeah, I think it's just to embrace the cultures and just embrace everything that goes with it.'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Boks' ‘V8' that helped power Boan Venter and other debutants against Georgia
The loosehead prop said it was 'a no-brainer' to accept a call-up to the Springboks after also being in the mix to play for Scotland. Springbok debutant Boan Venter said his impressive first appearance in the green and gold was thanks to the power and experience of the other forwards in the pack. Venter made his debut on Saturday in the Boks' 55-10 win over Georgia in Mbombela. It was a completely uncapped front row that started the match, with Venter playing alongside hooker Marnus van der Merwe and tighthead prop Neethling Fouche. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus explained during the build up to the match that they had named a number of experienced players in the pack and on the bench, to balance out their decision to start three uncapped players, and Venter said that made things easier. 'Since the team was announced we definitely felt that support from the whole group. We jokingly call the back five the V8, because you can feel that power coming through,' explained Venter after the match. 'We try to build each other up and be supportive, so it definitely played a massive role in giving us confidence leading into the game.' 'Buzzing to make debut' It was a fantastic debut for Venter and Van der Merwe, as they both scored tries, with the prop crashing over from close range, while the hooker dotted down from two powerful mauls. Venter also said that deciding to play for the Boks was an easy decision, as he also had heavy interest from Scotland, who he would have qualified for next year, having played for franchise side, Edinburgh, over the last four years. Scottish coach Gregor Townsend hailed him as one of the best players in the URC. 'On the performance side I was buzzing to make my debut, and getting a try in there as well (was special). We will obviously reflect on the performance with the review. There is always stuff you can improve on … but just really happy to have gotten on the pitch,' said Venter. 'I think from being a young boy playing rugby, I think it is every South African's dream to play for the Springboks. So when I got that call it was pretty much a no brainer for me.' Playing rugby in Scotland Being picked for the national side for the first time while playing franchise rugby in Scotland made things interesting for Venter, as he had only attended a virtual alignment session, before arriving in the country and going straight into the Bok system. But he was able to fit in well due to a welcoming atmosphere, and admitted that international rugby is certainly a step up from the franchise game. 'It was quite tricky. It was something that we had to navigate. But at the end of the day what counts is that we are here. It was great to just slot into this group, everyone was just so welcoming and helped us hit the floor running. I am just so grateful to be here,' explained Venter. 'I think it's definitely a level up from club rugby. It isn't so different in terms of the processes and stuff like that, but it is a level up. I wouldn't say it surprised me, but it was just so nice to see how big rugby is in South Africa. 'It is quite inspirational to see a whole nation get behind a team, and I think they know how much that support means to the team.'
