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The Star
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Springboks leave out experienced trio for Australia tests
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 13, 2022 South Africa's Lukhanyo Am in action REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo (Reuters) -South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with no place for double World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-player group on Wednesday to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead, the stand-out performer in the tournament. South Africa squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese. Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Springboks leave out experienced trio for Australia tests
South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with no place for double World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-player group on Wednesday to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore New online channel for public to report illegal ride-hailing services Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead, the stand-out performer in the tournament. South Africa squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese. Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse. REUTERS
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
S Africa leave out experienced trio for Australia Tests
South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship Tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with a trio of dual World Cup winners missing out. There was no place for 2019 and 2023 World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi when coach Rassie Erasmus released his squad on Wednesday. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as Erasmus named a 37-player group to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three Tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Still flash, but Russell brings true grit to Lions playmaker role
Rugby Union - Premiership Rugby - Final - Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, Britain - June 14, 2025 Bath Rugby's Finn Russell celebrates after converting a penalty Action Images/Matthew Childs/ File Photo BRISBANE (Reuters) -Finn Russell may be on his third British & Irish Lions tour but the 32-year-old Scotland flyhalf will wear the red number 10 shirt for the first time in a test on Saturday when he takes the field against Australia. Russell's test experience with the tourists has been limited to 69 minutes as a replacement for Dan Biggar in the 2021 decider after injury had prevented him from playing the first two matches against the Springboks. In 2017 in New Zealand, Russell was one of the Geography Six -- half a dozen players called up solely for one midweek match against the Wellington Hurricanes to protect the test squad in a move coach Warren Gatland later said he regretted. On Saturday, the 32-year-old with the unerring boot and ability to turn a defence inside out finally gets his chance to lead the Lions backline from the start of a test after being one of Andy Farrell's least controversial selections. Russell has been working in Australia with assistant coach Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland flyhalf who previously suggested that Russell had beaten him to a spot on the 2021 tour because Gatland considered him "flashy" and a "media darling". "He's still flash. Yeah, he would hate if I said he wasn't," Sexton joked to reporters on Friday. "But no, I think in the last couple of years, he's really come into his own as a 10 and being able to manage the team. "Ultimately, that's the main job that he's got tomorrow, to manage all the guys around him, and then his brilliance will come out once he's into the game." Sexton said he had been impressed with the work the apparently carefree Russell does on his game behind the scenes as well as with his defensive efforts in the tour matches. "He's probably been our best defender in the back line on this tour so far, I would say," Sexton added. "And that's the thing that you always knew, that it was in there with him. He's a feisty guy out there in terms of physicality. He doesn't look that big but he's fronted up big time this tour with a lot of impact tackles. And we'll need him tomorrow in that regard, because they'll come down his channel I'm sure." Sexton said evidence of Russell's increased maturity had come when the Scot led Bath to the English Premiership title before joining up with the Lions. "You can see it with Bath, getting to finals and winning trophies," he added. "You can't do that if you're just that kind of mercurial 10, you know what I mean? You've seen that this year in particular. He's got his team over the line and he's won a few trophies and he's carried that form into here." (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Mitch Phillips)
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Lions boss makes call on son, Wallabies set for opener
Andy Farrell is set to overlook son and four-time tourist Owen for the British and Irish Lions' series opener in Brisbane. But the Wallabies are poised to create some family history of their own with 22-year-old flyhalf Tom Lynagh tipped to wear the No.10 on Saturday, 36 years after champion father Michael did the same. The sides will confirm their squads on Thursday afternoon but it's expected former England captain Farrell will be beaten to a spot on the bench by countryman Marcus Smith. Farrell was a late call-up after Elliot Daly's (arm) tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. "I'd pick him. It's not my job, but I know how much of a competitor he is," Wallabies lock Will Skelton, who won the English Premiership in 2018 and 2019, and 2019 European Cup alongside him at Saracens, said. "You could see how well he played on the weekend after a few months off. He hadn't been playing much, but we'll be ready if he does play. "He's demanding and has high standards. That's what you want in a team." But father and coach Farrell has reportedly instead favoured fellow Englishman Smith, who can play fullback or flyhalf. Finn Russell is set to wear the No.10, with Irish duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan in the No.9 and 15, and Russell's Scottish teammates Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in the centres. But exciting flanker Henry Pollock, who boasts just one Test for England earlier this year, has also reportedly missed a spot on the bench. Italy-born, England-raised Lynagh finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He boasts just three Test appearances off the bench and is tipped to be named alongside veteran scrumhalf Jake Gordon in a fresh halves pairing for the crucial first Test. Michael won a World Cup for the Wallabies and wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. They would be the first father and son to play for the Wallabies against the Lions in 126 years of touring history. Skelton is set to return after missing the Wallabies' only lead-in Test but influential backrower Rob Valetini (calf) was less likely to be back in a blow to the side's crucial ball-carrying stocks. Reds hooker Matt Faessler, who scored a historic hattrick in his last Test appearance, is also poised to return after he started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his return from a hamstring injury. Andy Farrell is set to overlook son and four-time tourist Owen for the British and Irish Lions' series opener in Brisbane. But the Wallabies are poised to create some family history of their own with 22-year-old flyhalf Tom Lynagh tipped to wear the No.10 on Saturday, 36 years after champion father Michael did the same. The sides will confirm their squads on Thursday afternoon but it's expected former England captain Farrell will be beaten to a spot on the bench by countryman Marcus Smith. Farrell was a late call-up after Elliot Daly's (arm) tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. "I'd pick him. It's not my job, but I know how much of a competitor he is," Wallabies lock Will Skelton, who won the English Premiership in 2018 and 2019, and 2019 European Cup alongside him at Saracens, said. "You could see how well he played on the weekend after a few months off. He hadn't been playing much, but we'll be ready if he does play. "He's demanding and has high standards. That's what you want in a team." But father and coach Farrell has reportedly instead favoured fellow Englishman Smith, who can play fullback or flyhalf. Finn Russell is set to wear the No.10, with Irish duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan in the No.9 and 15, and Russell's Scottish teammates Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in the centres. But exciting flanker Henry Pollock, who boasts just one Test for England earlier this year, has also reportedly missed a spot on the bench. Italy-born, England-raised Lynagh finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He boasts just three Test appearances off the bench and is tipped to be named alongside veteran scrumhalf Jake Gordon in a fresh halves pairing for the crucial first Test. Michael won a World Cup for the Wallabies and wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. They would be the first father and son to play for the Wallabies against the Lions in 126 years of touring history. Skelton is set to return after missing the Wallabies' only lead-in Test but influential backrower Rob Valetini (calf) was less likely to be back in a blow to the side's crucial ball-carrying stocks. Reds hooker Matt Faessler, who scored a historic hattrick in his last Test appearance, is also poised to return after he started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his return from a hamstring injury. Andy Farrell is set to overlook son and four-time tourist Owen for the British and Irish Lions' series opener in Brisbane. But the Wallabies are poised to create some family history of their own with 22-year-old flyhalf Tom Lynagh tipped to wear the No.10 on Saturday, 36 years after champion father Michael did the same. The sides will confirm their squads on Thursday afternoon but it's expected former England captain Farrell will be beaten to a spot on the bench by countryman Marcus Smith. Farrell was a late call-up after Elliot Daly's (arm) tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. "I'd pick him. It's not my job, but I know how much of a competitor he is," Wallabies lock Will Skelton, who won the English Premiership in 2018 and 2019, and 2019 European Cup alongside him at Saracens, said. "You could see how well he played on the weekend after a few months off. He hadn't been playing much, but we'll be ready if he does play. "He's demanding and has high standards. That's what you want in a team." But father and coach Farrell has reportedly instead favoured fellow Englishman Smith, who can play fullback or flyhalf. Finn Russell is set to wear the No.10, with Irish duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan in the No.9 and 15, and Russell's Scottish teammates Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in the centres. But exciting flanker Henry Pollock, who boasts just one Test for England earlier this year, has also reportedly missed a spot on the bench. Italy-born, England-raised Lynagh finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He boasts just three Test appearances off the bench and is tipped to be named alongside veteran scrumhalf Jake Gordon in a fresh halves pairing for the crucial first Test. Michael won a World Cup for the Wallabies and wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. They would be the first father and son to play for the Wallabies against the Lions in 126 years of touring history. Skelton is set to return after missing the Wallabies' only lead-in Test but influential backrower Rob Valetini (calf) was less likely to be back in a blow to the side's crucial ball-carrying stocks. Reds hooker Matt Faessler, who scored a historic hattrick in his last Test appearance, is also poised to return after he started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his return from a hamstring injury.
