Mark Keohane

Loftus win for SA not the Bok way

The Springbok series-opening victory over Ireland in Pretoria is a good one, but the analysis of the result will not make for impressive reviewing, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Bok champs owe Rassie

Rassie Erasmus desperately wants to beat Ireland after the Springboks disappointed when the teams clashed at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Eben Etzebeth lineout Matthias Hangst Getty Images

Springboks-Ireland a series to savour

Winning two Tests in South Africa this July would be Ireland’s greatest achievement, writes MARK KEOHANE.

KRUGERSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 24: Akehlulwa Boqwana of the Skarks with the ball during day 1 of the SA Rugby U18 Craven Week between Sharks and Western Province at Hoerskool Monument on June 24, 2024 in Krugersdorp, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

SA ‘blessed’ with brilliant next generation

Age-group level action this week has been a great advertisement for South Africa’s talent and the perfect teaser to the July series between the Springboks and Ireland, writes MARK KEOHANE.

DOMONT, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 19: Handre Pollard of South Africa during the South Africa men's national rugby team training session at Stade Omnisports des Fauvettes on September 19, 2023 in Domont, France. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Pollard the perfect 10 to punish Irish

The team options for Rassie Erasmus are plentiful but the key pick for the Springboks against Ireland is at flyhalf, and that must be Handre Pollard, writes MARK KEOHANE.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 22: Caleb Clarke and Dalton Papali'i of the Blues pose for a photo with the Super Rugby Pacific trophy inside the changing rooms after winning the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match between Blues and Chiefs at Eden Park, on June 22, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Kiwi champs have Bok appeal

Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues are the definition of what the All Blacks have not been in recent years, and are closer in DNA to the Springboks, writes MARK KEOHANE.

SWANSEA WALES - MARCH 30: Jordan Hendrikse of Emirates Lions attacks during the United Rugby Championship match between the Ospreys and Emirates Lions at the Swansea.com Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

Bok flyhalf cupboard far from bare

Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s elevation to Test players confirms the quality of playmaker available to Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks, writes MARK KEOHANE.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 17: Jake White during the Vodacom Bulls team announcement press conference at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Glorious time for SA rugby

MARK KEOHANE praises Rassie Erasmus and Jake White for doing a great job ramping up the intensity and enthusiasm for the 2024 Test season and the sport in the Republic.

Akker van der Merwe and Ruan Nortje celebrate with the Bulls against Benetton

Bulls bruisers on Bok comeback mission

Akker van der Merwe and Wilco Louw have had a taste of the Springboks, and know that starring for the @Vodacom Bulls is their ticket back into the national team, writes MARK KEOHANE.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 25: Willie le Roux of the Bulls during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Connacht at Loftus Versfeld on November 25, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

‘Be Bok and adopt a Bull’

MARK KEOHANE argues that the Bulls versus Leinster showdown at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday is the unofficial first of three Tests between SA and Ireland in 2024. @Vodacom #URC