Blitzboks cruise into Sydney final

The Blitzboks produced a powerful performance to claim an impressive 35-7 win over the USA in their Sydney Sevens semi-final on Sunday. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Rassie already taking charge

Although there has been no official confirmation from SA Rugby over the Bok coaching setup, Rassie Erasmus’ work is already well underway, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Around this time last year, SA Rugby conducted a comprehensive review of the Boks’ dismal 2016 season that yielded just four wins from 12 Tests. Despite widespread calls for Allister Coetzee to face the axe,… Read more →

Bulls to play with ‘confidence’

Handré Pollard says there is a real sense of optimism in the Bulls camp ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby season, writes CRAIG LEWIS. The Bulls have endured a disappointing run of results in Super Rugby over the past few seasons, with the three-time champions having last featured in the playoffs way back in 2013. Last year, the Bulls executed… Read more →

Bulls embracing change

The decision to back three young scrumhalves ahead of Springbok Rudy Paige points to a bold, new approach from the Bulls, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks need overseas boost

SA Rugby must review its policy and approach to selecting overseas-based players in order to aid the Springboks’ cause in 2018, writes CRAIG LEWIS. It’s a damning indictment that the Springboks will be forced to press the reset button once again in 2018. After all, it was meant to be so different. When reviewing a 2016 season that yielded just… Read more →

Lions can’t ‘live in the past’

Swys de Bruin says the Lions must move forward proactively with a relatively new-look coaching group, writes CRAIG LEWIS. The Lions head into the 2018 Super Rugby season with a squad that remains largely unchanged from last year – albeit without Ruan Ackermann and Faf de Klerk – but there are some significant changes to the coaching staff. The departure… Read more →

Lions to welcome returning players

Lions coach Swys de Bruin is unconcerned by the number of players who have been playing overseas during the off-season, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Among a number of key squad members, the likes of Elton Jantjies, Franco Mostert, Lionel Mapoe, Warren Whiteley and Lourens Erasmus have all spent time in Japan as part of an increasingly common dual-contract that sees them… Read more →

Flyhalf competition is building

South African rugby’s flyhalf stocks are looking a lot healthier heading into 2018, writes CRAIG LEWIS. In the midst of Western Province’s post-match celebrations following the Currie Cup final last year, there was a throwaway comment from coach John Dobson that largely slipped under the radar, but should not be overlooked. When asked about the influence of young star Damian… Read more →

Five rising stars to watch

CRAIG LEWIS identifies five emerging youngsters who will be worth keeping an eye on in 2018. Juarno Augustus The talented No 8 announced his arrival in no uncertain terms after he was named the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of 2017. Augustus will now be looking to make a name for himself at senior level, and he will provide the… Read more →

Sharks await Mapimpi’s arrival

The Pro14 derby between the Cheetahs and Kings on 20 January is set to be Makazole Mapimpi’s final match in Bloemfontein before joining the Sharks, writes CRAIG LEWIS. A report out of Bloemfontein in December suggested Mapimpi might be remaining with the Cheetahs despite the Sharks having announced his signing in early November. However, the Sharks confirmed to SARugbymag.co.za that Mapimpi has… Read more →