Category: International Rugby
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Is the South African rugby team too old?
This week, Rassie Erasmus had to come out to bat for captain Siya Kolisi over whether he was over the hill. As someone eyeballing 40, it is hard to believe that players are cast into the scrap heap of rugby after 35. The balancing act of experience versus youthful energy often dictates who wins the…
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Hits and Misses from Six Nations
The Six Nations lit up the screens this past weekend with riveting matches. The results went to the form book, but not without some dicey moments for Ireland and Scotland against England and Italy, respectively. The 2025 Six Nation promises to be fascinating, with teams showing their hand early in deciding how to play the…
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Why can’t SA teams crack the European Competitions?
South African teams continue to disappoint in European competition. This year was terrible, and no teams advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions Cup. Not only did the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls fail to advance, but they honestly looked out for their depth, particularly against French opposition. The Springboks are undoubtedly the best in…
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Why a global rugby calendar can’t come quick enough
The current rugby calendar is reaching the point of no return as the inclusion of South African teams into European competitions has blurred the lines between Northern and Southern hemisphere teams. The mish mash we currently have is because all the power brokers in the game are looking out for their own interests to the…
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How much gas do the Boks have left in the tank?
I am sure I am in the same boat as the countless Saffas who witnessed the rollercoaster ride that was the Boks great escape on Saturday night. The Boks were outplayed, outmuscled, out strategized but for the dynamism of the Bomb Squad they managed to squeak out a victory. This will not go down in…
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My top 5 International rugby analysts
Jim Hamilton Jim is a larger than life character, literally 6 foot 7, and had a successful career as an enforcer on the field. He would have most likely played for any of the top international sides and had a good deal of success had he not been part of the perennial underachievers, Scotland. He…
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5 Observations of the British and Irish Lions vs Japan
The loss of Alun Wuyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in rather innocuous looking tackles will leave a massive void in the team, outside of their obvious abilities on the field it will be the leadership that is most affected. Looking at the available locks in the squad it seems to be a position of weakness…
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Why is New Zealand rugby in so much trouble?
New Zealand rugby was the golden child of World Rugby for so many years producing talent year after year under the brilliant tutelage of Graham Henry and Steve Hansen. Winning became so synonymous with NZ rugby that they thought they could do no wrong. Fast forward to today and the players union are revolting against…