The influence of South African coaches in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is nowhere more evident than in the current log standings where they occupy positions with six of the top eight teams.
The Junior Springboks will kick off the inaugural Rugby Championship (TRC) Under-20 tournament with an exciting match against New Zealand on Thursday, 2 May at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, SANZAAR confirmed on Wednesday when it announced the draw for new competition.
The Springbok Women are determined to finish their European tour on a high and deliver a commanding performance when they face the USA on Saturday.
Jakkie Cilliers loves kicking for poles, and added pressure – like lining up a potential match-winning kick – does not change her approach, and she admitted that some sage advice by a former Springbok flyhalf helped her adjust to this new role entrusted to her.
The four Currie Cup Premier Division sides all reigned supreme in the first round of the inaugural SA Cup, which was played over the weekend, while Eastern Province won a thrilling contest against the Valke in Gqeberha.
A win on Test debut is one thing, and it’s something else to help seal the victory in the last play of the game, but the four Springbok Women debutants in Saturday’s victory over Spain in Villadolid would not change their dramatic entry into international rugby for anything.
The South African teams in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship delivered on their desire to return to the field with a bang as all four registered victories this weekend.
Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen congratulated his team on their narrow 15-13 win over Spain in their season-opener in Valladolid on Saturday and added that the Test would be remembered for the way in which the South Africans ground out the victory, rather than the spectacular play by the visitors.
Springbok legend Jean de Villiers has applauded the recent Six Nations for showcasing how competitive global rugby has become at Test level, and how the shift of players between countries as well as between international clubs in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is enhancing this.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks host Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this Saturday in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash that’s shaping up to be a season-changer for the Durban side.