for quality writing

Ken Borland


Rugby

Bulls listed in last 16 of Champions Cup after good win, but made life hard for themselves

 

Beaten Bulls show the spirit that ensures they won’t be temps but contenders in Currie Cup semis

Bulls dominate the battle of sibling rivals … but change has to come at Loftus

Retribution v Ulster not on the Sharks’ minds – Janse van Rensburg

Kolisi ditching his 5yr Sharks contract is all kosher – Eduard

Sharks have become hot property in dramatic turnaround

Powell not happy with untidy 1st quarter, but Sharks immaculate thereafter

Meant to be close derby at Kings Park, but Sharks blow Bulls away

Highs & lows of 2022: The shock wins & humiliating defeats

Jake says whether his decision was right or wrong is only going to be decided at the end of the season

The car’s most definitely back on the road for the Sharks

Rapid recycles & direct rugby sees Sharks motor into early lead, before splutter & then running rampant again

Keeping their fine Champions Cup form going is the Sharks’ goal

Jake has 1st-choice Bulls but says Stormers minus 3 Boks are still favourites

A few options when locating the source of the Bulls’ motivation, but the past is not their focus

Phepsi eager to be a seller of the Sharks brand

Bulls & Stormers can drive buses through opposition defences, but tight derby expected between them

Jake has a little grouse: SA Rugby should remove the cap

Bordeaux-Begles may be languishing, but they are no mugs – Powell

Sharks have put SuperRugby epoch behind them, fully ready to embrace European competition

Jake critical of budgetary imbalances & lucrative sale of SA players overseas

Quins will bring entertaining rugby, but Sharks must not give them any freedom

CEO says it’s irrelevant whether BBCo houses Nkosi’s rugby career in future as Bok wing is found

Sharks swop URC action for Champions Cup, with Powell relieved to get a result

Bulls not enervated by disjointed, error-ridden start

Bulls’ attacking seeds bear fruit as they thump Cardiff

Sbu an adult who can look after himself, but worried Bulls report his absence to the police

Advisable not to watch Sharks at the moment; ugly win over Ospreys

Jake able to choose his returning Springboks

A 50% winning record that hit all the targets

All is not well in The Shark Tank

Bulls could call Van Staden back into service v Cardiff

Sharks following the manual on how to retreat into a laager

Sharks so lacking in elan & polish that CEO apologises

Sharks reserves don’t like water; sink without trace v Cardiff

Twist on old joke about Sharks staying with family in Bloem as Cheetahs visit Durban to make sure Powell’s team ready for Cardiff

Jake delighted by Carr’s man-of-the-match return to the Bulls

Bulls have fans purring in delight in 1st half, but splutter for most of 2nd

Jake bemoans bare Bok cupboard, but confident team will ‘play some rugby’

Nortje willing & excited about new adventure as Bulls captain

Everitt pleased with attacking play of Sharks, but obviously not the defence

Sluggish Bulls on back foot from outset & torn to shreds by Glasgow

Sharks contribute superbly to dazzling game, but sadly defence found wanting

Sharks looking to take away Leinster quick ball & phases

Rugby as dangerous as a behind-schedule minibus taxi

Sharks clinical & dominant in 1st half; last 45 minutes the opposite

Louw as excited as a young kid on his birthday to be back with Bulls

Springboks v Argentina: Work-ons ahead of Kings Park decider

Jake grateful his team didn’t just resort to terrible kicks straight down the field

Daring to use ball-in-hand pays off for Springboks

Big season looms for Hendrikse & for the Lions

Time for the Springboks to ‘ruk reg!’

Simelane is on a mission to gather as much proficiency in all facets of the game as he can

Out-rushed by the Boks, how speedy will the All Blacks’ rebound be?

All Blacks don’t have to be dragged to Ellis Park like it’s a chore

Jake did not care to discuss the nitty-gritty but rather made digs at the referee

Professor Jake & Duane the Dean team up to plot Stormers downfall

URC final heralds completion of 2 remarkable coaching stories

Bulls need to jack up their ability to turn pressure into points – Coetzee

Few chances for Tambwe to shine in semi, but he’s eager to repay Jake in the final

Stransky: Flamboyant flyhalf who kicks with either foot v unassuming No.10, with weather to decide?

Coetzee always wants to win trophies so Bulls have not completed their job

Jake was emphasising how important a fast start would be … but early defence was the making of the Bulls

Magnificent Bulls break stranglehold of Leinster

Daunting challenge for Bulls again as they leave their families & comfort zones

Everitt: Sharks meant to force a penalty & meant to avoid giving Bulls the ball

With the Bulls’ chances on the wane, Jake had much on his mind …

Bulls show they have the stubborn refusal to concede defeat in their genes

If there was hair on Nienaber’s head, he would be pulling it out over Goosen’s injury

Plenty of distractions adjacent to CT Stadium, but Schoeman’s focus is on Stormers front row

Bulls youngsters have a lot on their plates, but Uys says there is clarity

Bravely entering a new world is paying off for SA Rugby

Bulls need to overcome strong Ospreys kicking game and pack, and the weather

Sharks have to be on fire on a cheerless, rainy evening in Belfast

Ospreys have top scrum, Bulls have intel from someone who scaled heights of Welsh rugby

Cronje yet to win the Currie Cup, and he burns a bit

Clear Bulls did not have equity in 2nd half, but Smal praises Lions

Rough CC year for Lions gets worse with unexpected loss to Bulls

Do the Sharks have a cat’s ability to land back on their feet?

Golden opportunity for rare Lions win at Loftus

WorldRugby mainly interested in money, not good of the game nor fairness

Xaba gobbling up every opportunity with Stormers & WP

Williams brings the aerobatics as Pumas win the battle in the air

Jake like an aeronautics expert wanting take-off at exactly the right time

Looking after welfare of children features strongly in Beast’s post-Boks life

Bulls will attack Currie Cup as hard as player-management allows; hoping Lions & Sharks follow suit

Sharks only focused after being told ‘actions speak louder than words’

Bulls have overcome a sterner challenge in URC after always being 1st or 2nd on log in Jake’s early days

Sharks a dazzling regiment of ball-players in 3rd quarter

Not many pleasing attacking shapes, but no denying Bulls’ efficiency

Bulls hoping they don’t need a dromedary race to attract a crowd to Loftus

Bosch has been through hell, Everitt delighted with his return to form

Bulls winning trophies almost monthly, but Strauss as proud of club rugby

Bulls need exuberance of puppies … and patience of a crocodile

Phepsi delivering on a weekly basis; Teichmann rates the 8th man

Overseas refs have made it easier for the Bulls to adapt – Nollis

De Villiers raves about rampant form of De Allende & Esterhuizen

SA sides chasing playoff spots must go for high intensity – Hamilton

URC loans some of the predictability of SuperRugby

Jaden wins the battle of the exciting Hendrikse bros

Jake not even waiting for outcome of Bismarck disciplinary; 100% sure he’ll play

Everitt full of praise for his forwards’ wonderful improvement

With the services of Duane, Ulster will come & play Test rugby – Jake

Gaps in defensive matrix also a concern for Sharks

‘A good game for us to develop further, ’ Everitt says as he rotates team to face bolstered Dragons

Top-class rugby beckons at Loftus for a slashed price of R25

Jake satisfied but still wants Bulls to up their game

Everitt’s focus is on why Sharks were practically residents in Edinburgh’s 22 but could only score 5pts

Bulls cash in on overwhelming physicality advantage

Edinburgh rise like a phoenix with top-class finishing in the wet to beat a wasteful Sharks side

Getting overwrought about finishing would be counter-productive, but Sharks need to be more clinical

Bulls will not have Louw … and it’s not as if he’s resting either

Critics staring at ill-looking scrum stats but Winter adamant that Bulls are making progress there

Sharks continue to hide their URC players from dual duty

Bulls sitting pretty through utilising the services of all their players – Jake

Sharks have 2 significant advances for their defensive cause

Defence, game-management & bouncebackability listed by Van Rooyen as Lions’ best qualities

Jake normally like the pantomime harlequin before North/South derbies, but this time he’s not taking the bait

Bulls’ decision loans some credibility to the Currie Cup

Siya and Bongi missing, but Sharks will still bring 6 Boks and a Wallaby to Ellis Park

Jake did not want Bulls to use scrums to get penalties; Sharks did not get the memo

Looking to play more from scrums will not weaken the resolve of Bulls front row to make a point

Bulls need to fix the fissure in their confidence away from home

Continuity & consistency trumps beloved new blood & bolters

A penny for Lizo’s thoughts reveals his bitter disappointment

Du Toit will be tasked with ensuring Sharks get in the game way quicker

2nd-half comeback will please Everitt but unfocused start will dismay him

A torrid year not quite over for the Boks

Foster gives Boks their due; Nienaber delighted

Drop goal, turnover, maul and penalty all adds up to a triumph for Bok determination and belief

Connacht break free v Bulls in 2nd half with wind at their backs

Everitt had to look through many lenses when it came to selecting his side to face Glasgow

Boks looking to make the sale & convince their fans: Kolisi says they all need to be better as individuals

Davids says Boks must take the emotion out while critics say their No.1 reign has gone to the dogs

All Blacks next & Springboks need to get down to business & fix many aspects of their game

Nienaber: Worst Springbok performance in 3 years

Jury still out on maverick 6-2 approach v Australasian sides

Boks have measured themselves … & found themselves wanting – Kolisi

Momentum is where it all starts, Kwagga and Trevor agree, so Boks looking to hit Australia with ferocious forward effort

Magical Cronje at flyhalf but Sharks not looking to deck out their game with any embellishments

Rassie not in Queensland, but business as usual for Nienaber/Erasmus relationship

No dissension in the ranks when it comes to how sorely missed Goosen will be in the Currie Cup final

Duane back to check momentum, Faf to cause mayhem in defence & 3 flanks on the bench for pace

Attack will come to the fore but Kolbe dogged by a leg injury

Beating Bulls at Loftus a precipitous task but captain Buthelezi backing Sharks to do it

Coetzee loving CC final build-up week … & chance to join other Loftus legends

Springboks nervous over how socialised they are to playing in front of a big crowd

Currie Cup final will be repeat of Bulls v Sharks and Sharks believe they can win it

Success breeds success for Boks … and barking dogs

Sharks have great depth at scrumhalf but Everitt still has dig at Kremer ‘cheap shot’

Griquas & Pumas have hunger & belief & cannot be taken for granted

100th meeting between Boks & All Blacks to happen in unlikely venue of Townsville, deep in the tropics in northern Queensland

Loose forward injury problems easing, but fresh crisis at scrumhalf – Nienaber

Nienaber has no idea when or where Boks will next play, but he’s ‘unbelievably proud’ of them

Argentina bear the brunt of the Bok game-plan at close to its best

Counter-attacking pace the pivotal weapon of the Sharks

6 remaining teams in the Currie Cup will have the strength of their gizzards tested

Boks have had to play their rugby against the grain, but that mental toughness should serve them well

Key battles in the second Rugby Championship Test between the Springboks & Argentina in PE on Saturday

Mostert back in the fray & an almost entirely new backline for Boks

Everitt a restless sleeper as he considers Sharks’ high penalty count

Boks impressive, but Davids says far from a 10/10 performance

It’s often said that teams don’t care how they win, but Sharks will be disappointed in their performance

Kolisi has no reason to massage egos of Pumas pack, pays them ultimate compliment

What to do when a sheep offers an opinion to a lion

4 Argentina players Boks need to be cautious of

Disappointed by Lions spectacle? Argentina are disruptors too

Kolisi & Etzebeth: No rest for the wickedly good

Rejigged Bulls know how tough it is to tame rough & ready Griquas

Lood de Jager Q&A

Rassie Erasmus Q&A

Am says smashing Daly to the deck was a deliberate effort to lay physicality platform

Jack-in-the-box Grobbelaar leads Bulls to victory; red card too high an obstacle for gutsy WP

Ante raised by Boks as Kolisi says he was disrespected by officials & Stick says all they want is to be treated equitably by authorities

Lack of dominance in SA A set-pieces and gainline battle concerns Nienaber

SA A performance would have rapidly aged Bok coach Nienaber

Goosen is in such good nick that Jake says he won’t be surprised if Boks snatch him soon after SA A game

Kolbe praises Boks’ kicking game & defence for allowing him to deliver another beloved meme

Despite encouraging 1st half, energy reserves depleted & Rassie concerned with Bok player management

SA A provide a little pocket of cheer by beating the Lions

SA A like a shadow Bok team because every opportunity to play together is like gold

Lions expected Covid cases & tour will go ahead – Gatland

Serviced by steady flow of quick ball, Duhan & Adams score hat-tricks

Lions hit by Covid; tour at a tipping point

Lions playing in the Cape a beacon of hope

Sharks as excited as puppies about taking on British & Irish Lions

Even more lux now shining on Bok Covid protocols

Exceptional co-operation sees Ivan not going to England just yet

Sharks need to draw on deepest deposits of energy so Everitt goes for 6 forwards on the bench

Du Toit’s versatility 1st mentioned in Umhlanga 2015 & now might come into play

Boks working on increased intensity because Lions are the benchmark for that – Davids

Lady Luck had her eyes on Fassi as did all his well-wishers from the Eastern Cape

Nienaber a bit crabby over Bok 1st-half ill-discipline

Boks understandably a bit over-boisterous & rusty before settling in to dispatch Georgia

Test rugby like a drug for Siya, while Stick says chase memories

On tour with the Lions: Classy players, embarrassing moments

WP grateful for services of ace goalkicker in 8/8 Swiel

The Sharks are Phepsi’s one Facebook life event … and he has blown them away

Boks all have their own journeys & Nche says he only had hope & hard work to rely on

Reinach says playing in France has made him more alive to opportunities

No slip-up in Bok protocols, training resumed

Despite frustrations, plenty to rave about in potential Bok team against rambunctious Georgians

Bulls over 1st CC hurdle as Jake has to manage players’ morale & bodies

Sharks need to draw on deepest deposits of physicality & energy

Jake not one to massage players’ egos, but he wants his Bulls to go out & have a go

Big city boys prevail as Sharks beat plucky Griquas

From eiderdown duvets to Mediterranean summer cruises

Boks serious about being a haven of inclusivity, says Am

The Bulls are like migrant birds but they are hoping to bring the heat in the final

Kitshoff no longer sharing No.1 jersey with Beast, but is not going to change his approach

Bulls go to Italy missing just 3 Boks & looking to transfer their dominance in SA to Europe

So many versatile players a positive for Boks, and that’s a fact – Davids

‘Uncle’ Sean knows it is going to be tough against a Bulls side led by his former protégé , Coetzee

Maudlin cries about best talent going overseas coming to the fore again

Players in Japan not just parking off playing touch rugby – Kriel

Never mind the final, the Sharks cannot brook the thought of the Bulls beating them on their home turf

Marcell will come out roaring for Bulls v Sharks, but not angry, says Jake

With pack hit by injuries, it makes no sense to load outside backs

Everitt praises new-look Sharks outfit for excellent performance

Nienaber on how the Boks will remain a top-class side

There will be rugby in SA this weekend as Cheetahs look to quickly get up to speed

Travelling to the inner city of Joburg to play at Ellis Park never easy & Jake not shocked by Lions loss

What happens when Everitt loans out most of his Sharks players to the Boks?

Scrum and lineout problems cost Sharks and Swiel kicks matchwinning penalty at a wet and miserable Kings Park

Sharks tell Bulls not to get too roomy at the top & warn Stormers there’ll be no armchair ride

Jake complaining like your wife about there being too much rugby!

SA franchises need to show they are top-class to get a seat at Europe’s top table

Every Sharks fan adores Mapimpi but he’ll be sitting out for another couple of weeks

Not surprising to see Walt play with extreme vigour after his Covid nightmare

Bulls bench comes on to great effect to change Jake’s communication from ‘not great’ to ‘very proud’

Everitt explains what went wrong for the Sharks against the Bulls

The slow poison of the Bulls too much for the Sharks in the 2nd half

Van Staden on his way to Leicester but Jake still backing him

Jake hopes Captain’s Challenge is used to reverse obvious mistakes & not as a weapon

‘The opinion of a sheep; Regards, Rassie’

Sharks focused on avoiding bubonic plague of turnovers this weekend

Everitt is a coach for whom consistency in selection is important

Jake gets Duane & Morne back … and then can’t resist listing all the players the Stormers have lost

Young Mornay may seem ill-equipped to take on Kitshoff, but he’s been on a roll lately …

Lions like a pack of dogs at the breakdown, so Sharks know it’s a key area

Europe the new proving ground where SA boys are transformed into men

Everitt not pleased with painfully slow start, but happy with character shown to win

Jake wants Bulls to be flexible, so satisfied with ‘winning ugly’

Bulls score early but then struggle to go around or through Lions defence

Tens of thousands could die, are crowds worth it right now?

Rest assured there is much to play for in the Rainbow Cup

Jake excited by the ‘athletic’ Bulls team to be led by Carr

Kolisi did okay in Cape Town, but Sharks expect explosive impact

10-man rugby might not have totally died at Loftus Versfeld …

Arrival of Herbst at Kings Park shows where obvious focus of Sharks is before Stormers clash

Lizo was the new kid in town who is now up against the man about town who helped him

Coetzee checks in, Agaba checks out

Tambwe ready to spread his wings as a Vodacom Bulls ‘Future Champ’

The Boks are seeking the same levels of readiness as before the World Cup – Nyakane

Jake without the pearl in his crown for opening Rainbow Cup match

Van Rooyen supports the notion that every game could be your last, so even local derbies should be savoured

Bulls use brute force of forwards to win in Nelspruit heat

Everitt warns of 12 months of non-stop rugby, which is why he’s resting stars

Van Staden gone but Bulls backline stocks to be substantially boosted

‘Working with Jake is one of the best relationships of my career’ – Carr

Private equity improves the product out on the park – SuperSport

Kolisi so desperate to join his management company at the Sharks he paid his own release fee

A major asset on the field for the Sharks – what both Kolisi & CEO Coetzee expect

For all their work in the gym, Matfield says it was the Bulls’ heart that won them the Currie Cup

Hendricks shows up critics’ tendency to be suspicious of position changes – Jake

Courageous effort, but an accumulation of mistakes cost the Sharks – Everitt

Jake praises his bench for doing the business in Currie Cup final

Botha try deep in extra time settles industrial-strength clash in Currie Cup final

A Currie Cup final with a number of decisive match-ups

Jake does not need social media to create stir

Disappointment for Gans as Bulls are going into final with just 1 change

Hendrikse front & centre in this age of scrumhalf riches

Front-foot ball, tempo & execution the prime reasons for the Bulls’ semifinal success

Currie Cup the big prize Bulls are after at end of the day – Jake

Newlands has been kind to the Sharks on their last 2 visits …

Hopefully a thrilling end for a Currie Cup that has been no apocalypse

With Bulls having Springboks & experience on the bench and the Lions having inexperienced reserve forwards, Jake feels they have the edge

Return of Du Toit & absence of Kitshoff an obvious shift in favour of the Sharks

A million mistakes sees young Bulls team humbled

Landmark moment for Swiel & Neethling as WP snatch last-minute win

According to Jake, Bulls expected a halftime bollocking

Sharks have failed to reach same great heights but Currie Cup is a new slate

‘We are adapting well to different interpretations’, Bulls breakdown coach says

Jake to deviate from old consecrations at Loftus Versfeld

Commercial imperatives dictate Boks must play, however unideal

Marinos says Sanzaar will continue but whether that includes the same SuperRugby is still classified

Call for legal action highly unlikely to happen

Kolisi has gone beyond being a sports star & SA Rugby will not muzzle him

Back to training but SA Rugby planning not getting any easier – Roux

Ralepelle’s lawyers believe they have something for an appeal

Every rugby union is going to be doing it

Roux not subscribing to Australasian players’ views on Sanzaar & SA

Habana arrows in on tech solution for sportspeople

Habana spent enough time in Europe to not be totally sold on SA Rugby moving teams there

Champion rugby stars are champion humans helping those South Africans in extreme need

Rugby will need to be streamlined post-Covid, says Smit; ‘Speed it up!’ says Stransky

Integral Nyakane looks forward to return of Marcel

Conference system is bad for SA rugby, Jake warns

Jake confident bringing Aplon & Van der Merwe back down south will pay off

Rugby in the age of Covid-19

An office without coffee

SA Rugby expresses disappointment & frustration of millions over no SABC RWC coverage

So which schools are actually the stuck-up elitists?

Beast has 157 reasons to savour that summons to Dick Muir’s office in 2006

Many things buffet the SuperRugby product, but here’s a fresh idea to sell it

The inconvenient truth about Pat Lambie

Du Toit not getting bogged down, Currie Cup title is where he’s looking

Sharks now in the semis; now-now a major force

Unparalleled Kwagga leads the way as Lions forwards see them home

Three changes as time for rotation nears for Bulls

Bulls discover their inner mongrel at Ellis Park

Protea Loftus Park has made the Loftus Versfeld experience easier than ever

When did the position of Springbok captain get downgraded?

Now this would be a Marvellous rugby team

Nothing logical, just sheer passion

Youngest member of SA’s exciting wing stocks just wants to learn

More proof that SA’s rugby system is broken

Pro14 expansion & no more talent-hogging in the pipeline for SA Rugby

Lions rugby: Out of the abyss but digging a new hole?

Swys has brushed aside all teething problems & maintained Lions’ high standards

Whiteley back from the cold, but Kolisi right captain – Morne

Time to take ownership of how wasteful we are

Bulls’ 3rd-choice, but now in the Springbok set-up, Papier is the future

Boks look in good hands with emboldened Erasmus

Lions seal enthralling semifinal win with excellent second half

Lions expose the Jaguares’ pseudonyms with terrific defence

Torsten van Jaarsveld Q&A

Time for club rugby to fix this broken system

Chapter & verse from Coetzee, and then what?

Rugby not expediting much joy for me

A simple calculation for WP: Forward might is right

The Currie Cup has fallen from its perch

When there are problems in a relationship, people start looking elsewhere

SuperRugby final a benefit for entire city – Lions CEO

Whatever they say, Lions prove travel is hard & territory is vital

Sharks surprise nobody but nearly unhinge the Lions

Sanzaar have forgotten the importance of tournament integrity

Sheer delight for SA rugby

Response of smaller wings to space the key factor – Paulse

Upping the tempo the biggest difference for Boks – Mac

Stormers are confident despite disappointing dress rehearsal

Springboks overcome tough times to get back on right track

Lions hit Bulls early & hard

A passionate, top-class SA coach without a job

Ex-national coaches the finished article: Heyneke

Focus on the overseas-based players as Springbok selection draws near

Anxious times for Coetzee as his plans are undermined

The future is doubtful but the SA Rugby Annual has the past in glorious detail

Bulls kneel in submission to Crusaders at Loftus

Bulls have the spirit but little power

Nollis is not going anywhere – Van Graan

SA Rugby had to listen to stakeholders’ bark or face the bite – Roux

Ackers deserves enormous credit & support

Boks fitter than ever to do justice to up-tempo hopes – De Allende

Lions winners of a pulsating epic

Bulls earn credit, but still lose

Bonus point left in Bloem, but Du Preez happy with attacking work

Handling & defence chief concerns for Nollis

That’s awful, Bulls!

Cheetahs can surprise everyone with attack variations – Reinach

I know a week is a long time in sport, but …

A single miss costs the Sharks

Top-class Sharks halfbacks hoping for a change in injury fortunes

Back to school for Saru, who look set to fail again

SA rugby needs decency more than anything else

Saru have enough money to throw at the Springbok problem

Coetzee calls for all-encompassing review, including of him

The Springboks still believe – Kriel

Bulls prove their composure to pip WP

Springboks suffering due to lack of solid structure below them

Bulls are more mature & more confident – flyhalf Schoeman

Snyman & Bulls eager to avoid repeat of last year

Bulls move into top two by hammering Griquas

The best way to avoid an awful thrashing

Between AB & Atta, all we need is just a little patience

For now, Hoskins just wants to talk about the good times

The Lions & the Springboks are totally different environments

Griquas’ previous wins in Durban mean Sharks in no doubt about challenge

Injury curse muddying the selection waters for Blue Bulls

Confident Bulls knock stuffing out of WP in first hour

It takes a special organisation to destroy a top-class brand like the Currie Cup

Competitiveness of Sharks youngsters on display after suspension of April

SuperRugby ended negatively so Blue Bulls look to set early marker in Currie Cup

Lions victory due in no small part to Jantjies masterclass

John Smit Q&A

Like Ackermann, Ralepelle is putting those bad days behind him

Lions show they can win well without the ball

Sharks were winners over Hurricanes in May to give them hope

A year of SuperRugby experience a major positive – Nollis

60% Sharks stutter into playoffs

Things have obviously changed in KZN rugby

Gold not hiding his disappointment even after Sharks win

Biggest 40 from Sharks keeps them ahead of Bulls

Bulls romp to victory because of aggressive defence

Sharks come badly undone against superb Lions

‘Lack of bonus points has hurt us’ – Nollis

Pieter-Steph du Toit & Warren Whiteley Q&As

Ireland unable to handle entry of Boks’ big weapons – Schmidt

Delight & relief off the grid for Coetzee

Steyn looking to impose his management on game

Boks need to cut out the stupid stuff – De Allende

The space is there, Boks need to be more patient – Stick

Ball-carriers, but chiefly attitude the Springboks’ major problem – Coetzee

Evaluating Coetzee’s first Springbok squad

New Springbok captain one of the most admired SA leaders

No silver lining for Bulls as emotions run high at Loftus Versfeld

Nollis rightly gives full credit to the Lions

Sensational Lions ensure they stay in pole position

Fans licking their lips for top-class running rugby, but game-management the focus

Jannes Kirsten Q&A

Even schedule from hell can’t keep Sharks from playoff mix

Bulls pack come of age in win over Stormers

Young Bulls gain huge belief as they edge great rivals

Sharks do the job in first half as they romp to victory

Bulls rectify lack of ball-carrying loosie with Potgieter signing

Threatening Botha is back at 8 for Bulls

Bulls learn the harsh lesson that intensity must be raised further

Bulls not able to get attacking play going

Sharks’ defence not perfectly aligned but heart certainly in place

Bulls regress to uninspired, stereotypical rugby

Six changes in Bulls starting line-up in Sydney

Bulls pack have to produce another mighty display – Strauss

Bulls retain starting XV that did the job in Perth

Pass The Buck – A sporting area Mbalula excels in

Organisers learning the hard way about tournament integrity

Sharks end Highlanders’ home run with sheer character

Varsity Cup once again in troubled waters

Marais not happy that bonus point eludes Bulls

John 3D”bookmark”>Bulls win but without bling

Sharks run out of steam in the final quarter

Mokuena part of a seismic week for Black African rugby

In Allister the Springboks have the right man

Coetzee’s appointment means learning experience all round for SA rugby

Jantjies able replacement for Lambie & Pollard – Gold

Do Sanzaar & TMOs act with fairness?

Welcome to the big city, but please be more responsible with the pipeline

Sharks make 5 changes for a site of little success in recent years …

Sharks travel to Loftus Versfeld without robust Du Preez

Just how good are the Sharks? We’ll know this weekend v Stormers …

Just 20 poor minutes enough to take gloss off Bulls’ win

Sharks expect & train for physicality & high tempo from Jaguares

No secret that Bulls are vulnerable in scrum, but still disappointing for Strauss

‘A good result but not a top-class performance’ – Gold

Southern Kings not to be underestimated after Rassie consulting – Gold

Nollis looks to shield Bulls from public expectation

How do Saru best use Rassie Erasmus?

Attack will be at the forefront in new expanded SuperRugby

More injury woe for Bulls coach Nollis Marais

Lambie injures shoulder & out for 6-10 weeks

Cape Town hides many things …

‘Kings players being evicted, unable to buy food & marriages ending’

Foreigner coach idea not discounted by Saru, but Coetzee still favourite

Sharks eager to start new era of success in 2016 – Gold

Leonard to help Bulls pack go from bonsai to mighty oaks

Sands of time move quickly at Loftus as Nollis unearths new talent

Gold defends Sharks’ decision to sign Ralepelle

My question for Heyneke Meyer

Guest blog – An open letter to the South African Rugby Union

Springboks can’t feel hard done by

Lions fix their defence & cut through WP’s to win final

Raising glasses to the Lions for an unbeaten campaign

Western Province used their chances better – coaches

Blue Bulls stumbling in the dark v clinical WP

Bulls look to use attacking approach to beat WP

‘How Bulls pack react to pressure is crucial’ – Maku

High time at Loftus as the Bulls rapidly evolve

White armbands as EP Kings not paid again

Nollis will keep new style of play for SuperRugby

Bulls storm back after dismal first half v Kings

Relief and a tear in the eye

Time to panic as full-scale crisis has developed for Boks

Boks fail to make the country proud, says moer in Frik

Lions fall off the rails but hold on to beat Bulls

2003 was a poor vintage, but it did inspire Mvovo

Heyneke Meyer has me thinking mischievous thoughts

Jannie Dup says criticism made him tough but hurt his loved ones

Paige not surprised by his World Cup selection

Amazing De Villiers gets inspiration from team-mates

Heyneke’s hope in experience, trusted lieutenants & walking wounded

Speaking about transformation

Springbok greats concerned, but not writing Meyer’s team off

Pressure is mounting so it’s no surprise Boks are wobbling

Time for Heyneke to grab the bull by the horns

RWC Pool B players to watch

Springboks are genuine contenders … with genuine problems

Naas not seeing enough responsibility for Pollard

Excuses flowing fast for frustrated Heyneke

Meyer has wanted Brussow since his Japan adventure

Schalk Burger doesn’t tell how to do it, he does it!

Bok scrum fade had much to do with captaincy issues

Our archrivals aren’t scared of age, why should we be?

‘Sharks must stick with Gold because nothing else is suitable’ – Venter

Too many coaching changes at Sharks – Smit

Focus on immediate results & lack of resources for coaches will cost SA franchises – Mitchell

Straeuli & Williams – memorable World Cup moments

Everitt wants Sharks to lift their focus after ‘easier’ games

England go loose & lose 2nd World Cup final to Australia

Some underestimation of Pumas by Sharks – Strudwick

Du Toit looks to Stormers after turning back on Sharks

Sharks Currie Cup coaches licking their lips

Big Trevor & the lollipop: Meyer leaving nothing to chance

Ludeke on his way out of Loftus

Jurassic World at Loftus every Saturday

Last rites for sad Bulls with Matfield last link to glory days

Injury-hit Alberts back for one last hurrah

Four Bulls changes as Ludeke delays the inevitable

Sharks confirm worst-kept secret of Bok trio’s departure

Lions have earned universal respect despite failing to make playoffs

Bulls playing for their SuperRugby lives & their coach’s future

Sharks have tough time against 14-man Rebels

Superb Williams solo try wins scrappy game for Sharks

Uganda putting initial suspicions & tragedy behind them to embrace rugby

Smit hopes for Sanzar action following abysmal officiating

Sharks sing the blues once again

Sharks will take same valiant 23 into Waratahs match

Burger, Kitshoff & Catrakilis the heroes as Stormers fight back

Sharks denied in controversial fashion

Jean as skipper & experience will be basis of World Cup squad

Absence of Alberts would be major blow for Sharks

Flip van der Merwe inexplicably withdraws from Springbok selection scramble

Bulls & Lions get their waggle on

Bulls top of conference after wild night at Loftus

Bulls scrum faces another crucial examination

Sharks sink to new lows

Ludeke shuffles his cards for crunch game v Lions

Springboks Bismarck, JP & Lewies all return for Sharks

Titanic clash as Bulls search for revenge for opening-weekend hammering

Bulls will be without unsung hero Paige

Ludeke has big fat grin, with good reason

Sharks pay the price for turnovers

Gold keeps faith with ‘special group of players’

Tricky selection for Ludeke as star players wait in the aisles

Gold hopes Sharks’ courage will bring some respite from critics

Bulls give Reds another Loftus hiding

Player power and perfect storms

Return of Alberts just the tonic for Sharks

As if dismal performance was not bad enough for Sharks … Lambie injured & Deysel banned

Michaelhouse & College lift KZN spirits with unbeaten records

Lions finish strong in dramatic win over Bulls

Bulls know underestimating Lions would be an error

Potgieter assumes flyhalf duties after Pollard injury

Deysel recovers quicker than expected & will lead Sharks

Sanzar turn on own judicial officer & appeal Steyn ruling

Sharks need new captain and hooker after Bismarck ban

Bulls win but acknowledge bad performance

Bulls have renewed energy to maintain momentum

Chiefs eager to win v Sharks without midfield maestros

6 weeks in a row for Bok trio but Sharks say they will honour Saru agreement

Matfield to the bench & 2 new props for the Bulls

Sharks savour win, but bigger challenge awaits v Chiefs

Bothma returns in one of four changes for Sharks

Bhubesi Pride – really making a difference to African rugby

Oh for competent officials!

Relieved Ludeke names same starting XV

Deysel out but Alberts back for Sharks

Relief & anger in the halls of Loftus Versfeld

Matfield returned to finish on a high at World Cup & work with Meyer again

Fortune favours relentless Bulls in first win

Bulls will stay faithful to same plan despite pressure on them

Van Zyl’s lack of kicking accuracy costs him place

More relief than elation for Gold as Sharks bounce back

Precious little for Bulls fans to cheer about, but Spies says they’re on right track

Hurricanes finally have right blend – Conrad Smith

Sodden conditions can’t dampen Sharks’ ambition

Hurricanes have fingers & thumbs everywhere, but Bulls pay dearly for one stray hand

Loftus in mourning after 2nd successive Bulls loss

Sharks will stay ball-in-hand despite the risks – Gold

Hard words spoken, but now Bulls need to do their talking on the field

4 changes but Gold wants as much consistency as possible

Deysel wraps up in Japan, straight to Sharks

Nyakane gets chance to prove himself at tighthead

Gold – ‘No need to panic’ after Sharks’ shock home loss

Coetzee delighted that Stormers answer physicality barbs

Delight for Stormers as they upset Bulls at Loftus

Cheetahs standing in the way of new Sharks era

Stormers will provide early measure of Bulls’ reinvention

Camaraderie is the root of it all for rugby

Smit wants to hear the applause at King’s Park this year

Former players’ SuperRugby predictions

Despite talk, Sharks put faith in tight five

Nkumane says SA Conference is impossible to pick

Spies on bench as Matfield leads in SuperRugby opener

SuperRugby preview

Tactical demands will decide who starts at 10 – Naas

Ludeke comfortable with where Bulls are

Naas Botha & his love for a minority sport (in SA)

Sharks close to full-strength for trip to Toulon

Lessons to be had from 40 years ago for the Boks

Mooar teaches Sharks right time to counter-attack

Weird & wonderful brings the crucial variety to sport

Bulls look forward to breaking out of their shells – Spies

Bulls will bring a top-class pack & a desire for more tries – Ludeke

Isuzu & Blue Bulls finally united in partnership

Namibian rugby restored to its former health

Meyiwa’s tragic death had a whole tawdry extra layer

Strength of squad demands Sharks are attacking – Gold

What I’m looking forward to in the Springbok squad announcement

Sharks responded reasonably well to player losses – Macleod-Henderson

No Bulls informer needed for Western Province with Pollard at 12

Bulls are starting to believe – Stegmann

Bulls beat Griquas to saunter into semi-finals

Bulls take on Griquas with just one more win needed

Can the Springboks use ProteaFire?

Bulls don’t have to worry about permutations against Griquas

Namibia’s tears of sadness turn into tears of joy

All Blacks declare Springboks worthy winners

Four reasons for the Springboks to be optimistic

Boks narrow gap on All Blacks as World Cup looms

Flyhalves Pollard & Lambie have Boks resting easy after victory over All Blacks

Zeilinga puts Sharks’ noses in front in photo-finish

Ellis Park a top-class venue – McCaw

Jake’s departure dealt with & Sharks fully focused – coach

Hansen not concerned with winning streak

Bismarck back in the starting line-up

Young and old props returning for Sharks

Rugby steadily growing on small island of Mauritius

Springboks’ game plan has advanced, say All Blacks

Life’s a risk for Sam Cane

Sharks part ways with Jake after no more than a year

Jake White leaves the Sharks after just one year

De Villiers praises Boks for standing up after twin defeats

Ludeke praises Bulls for rising from the canvas

Ugly, but Bulls get the job done

Cricket steps towards proper integration, but what of rugby?

Continuity counts for Sharks after Loftus triumph

Stegmann & scrum should hold Bulls in good stead

Beyers has amnesty after one game

Lineouts the death of the Bulls – Ludeke

‘The most boring game of rugby I’ve seen in a while’ – Ackermann

Bulls produce most passionate performance of season to beat Lions

Ludeke looks to one-change forwards to dominate

Ackermann loads bench with forwards as onslaught from Bulls pack expected

Listless Bok pack an unexpected stumbling block

French rugby might not have seen the last of Hernandez

Heyneke Meyer more willing to have global Boks

Seabelo Senatla’s scintillating Saturday

Bok front row is top-class – Matfield

Juan Smith Q&A

Stonehouse praises returning Pumas’ intensity

Pumas make triumphant return to top-class rugby

Springbok BMW brand ambassador Q&As

IRB’s T.O.P. programme ensures it’s onwards & upwards for rugby

Boks focus on laying the platform, not the bonus point

Hourcade decisive in giving Pumas a new look

Damian de Allende: The new face of the Springbok backline

Meyer shows his enormous faith in Pollard

Boks need to lay down the law early on – McFarland

Match-fitness not as big an issue for the Springboks

‘It’s not about the tries,’ says Cobus Reinach

Not many Tests left for Jean, so he’s extra-hungry

‘It will be war at the breakdowns!’ – Richie Gray

Charismatic Jean is back, but where to play him?

Eric Series – the man behind Singapore’s SuperRugby bid

Bryan Habana Q&A

Lions finish in style – 7 wins in a season for 1st time

Ludeke hints that Bulls need special player boost

Bulls end on a high to restore some pride

There’s no masking the passion for rugby in Senegal

Lions turning it on in final quarter ‘very satisfying’ – Ackermann

Cindy Cant can tell a better dreams-come-true story than all her team-mates

Sephaka gathering the Springbok women’s rugby forces

Johan Goosen Q&A

Matfield & Botha – the legendary combination restored

Defeat v Lions epitomised season – Bulls captain

Bulls all but eliminated from playoffs contention

Meyer adds Burger, Matfield & Brussow to his plans

Sanzar are expanding – 18th franchise up for grabs

Bulls out-muscle Stormers to stay in contention

Kenya grow their 15-a-side team in Vodacom Cup

Long, drawn-out process, but Bulls win

Ever-smiling De Villiers still plays for fun

Sanzar’s SuperRugby Christmas present is likely to be meh

Failure to pitch a recipe for disaster for Boks

Now for the Springboks to lay the same platform in Mendoza

Boks honour Madiba with inspired rout of Argentina

All eyes on FNB Stadium as football, rugby & music share the stage

Beware the slip-up as Springboks take on Argentina

New scrum laws will boost Argentina’s bajada

Held together by bandages & gauze, but Jannie still relishes the challenge

The Chiefs are the champions; the Lions will join them in SuperRugby

Chiefs favourites but a sad day awaits for SA rugby

Brumbies stick to game plan to snatch victory over Bulls

Bulls not relying on home ground advantage but knockout experience

Crusaders are inspired but no miracle comeback for Cheetahs

Tight players could make the difference for Cheetahs in playoff

Stormers bring attitude in spades to overwhelm Bulls

Stormers rely on emotion & pride to stop Bulls going top

Bulls hold off ferocious Sharks to go top of SuperRugby

Cheetahs go down in flames, but can still rise from the ashes

Bulls bench three more Springboks for Kings match

Bok backline dazzles but credit to pack for quick ball

Heyneke relies on core players to finish job v Samoa

Two No.4 locks for Springboks against physical Samoans

Adapting to breakdown blowing Boks’ biggest concern

Meyer in the mood for a big victory

Boks could not have hoped for better workout at start of season

How the Springboks win v Italy of most interest

Le Roux & Vermaak could start the spark for Springboks

Meyer shows flexibility & daring despite dark injury cloud

Concerns through the team for Meyer ahead of quadrangular

Bulls display precision & power to beat Cheetahs

Commitment, passion, fire & skill as SA Conference leaders clash in Bloem

Steyn shows he’s still the man to keep Bulls on top

Many mountains to climb for the Stormers

SA SuperRugby conference title heading to Tshwane

Rugby uses its testosterone in the fight against rape

Cultural storm could be rallying call for Sharks

Kings bounce back with only SA victory

Defence will be critical for Cheetahs v Hurricanes

Accurate Bulls force Hurricanes on to back foot

Sharks rediscover attacking mojo but danger lurks in Dunedin

Rule-bound IRB criticised for Cyprus exclusion

Bulls on top but trio chasing hard in SA Conference

Changes aplenty as Sharks look to get back on track

Bulls taking Southern Kings seriously after overseas success

SA conference concertinas after Bulls & Stormers win

Week of unpropitious distractions for Sharks

Sharks, Cheetahs & Kings get job done on epic weekend

Not all looking so rosy now at Newlands

SA underdogs the most impressive sides in round 7

Chance for Stormers to re-establish themselves as strong contenders

Stormers show they won’t give up Conference title without a fight

Stormers return to action against top-class Brumbies

Brumbies confirm credentials with comprehensive win

Sharks & Brumbies dominate home focus

Sharks win, but was it intense or boring?

Sharks & Stormers go head-to-head in crunch match

Thrilling Kings cheered around the country

Humdinger @ Loftus, but Kings centre of attention

SuperRugby will be a baptism of fire for Southern Kings

Saru put their money where their mouth is on grassroots rugby

Luyt was not one for an inclusive leadership style … but maybe he didn’t need it

Ackermann freshens up Lions team

Lions throw 5 new caps straight into the fray

Kicked-out Lions organise their own shindig

Teams from far & wide lining up to face Lions

All Blacks remain the benchmark

Boks on the right track, Meyer & airport fans agree

Boks shade England in day of the extraordinary

Meyer ends year as it began … but is there progress?

Edinburgh win brings more disappointment than elation

South Africans chasing world record with Cyprus rugby

Boks need to improve to maintain feel-good factor

Resolute Boks prove character in comeback win

Meyer errs on the conservative with Steyn failsafe

Meyer makes all the popular selections

WP stun Sharks like few have done before

Sharks favourites, but wary of those silly lapses …

Lions now have the extra burden of heartbreak

Lions players with heavy hearts after semi-final loss

Weight of expectation on Boks to inspire in Currie Cup

Lions left hoping history repeats itself

Sleeker Currie Cup leaves everyone with something to play for

2012 – Actually one of the better years in Bok rugby

Meyer makes popular selections for UK tour

Boks can’t bridge mental gap against All Blacks

Delighted McCaw celebrates 100th win

NZ have too much attacking firepower for SA

Boks battling mighty All Blacks & unfair expectation

All Blacks want to beat Boks to feel like No.1

Two-try Savea makes way for Gear on the wing

Surviving a diet of ‘facts’, stats & obfuscation

Meyer gives vote of confidence … and a warning

SA to field unchanged XV against All Blacks

All Blacks expect Boks to play with more width

Run of defeats against Wallabies rankles De Villiers

Sadness as two players leave the Springbok family

Steyn still integral part of Boks – kicking coach

Meyer ‘very satisfied’ with Springboks

All Blacks eager to add Bok scalp

Springboks transformed into supermodels … but for how long?

Meyer praises top-class Bok defence

Habana scores hat-trick as SA squeeze Australia

Storming Wimpie adds crucial try to Kings’ win

SWD pile on pressure in 2nd half to beat Valke

Springboks hungry to end losing streak

Boks & Wallabies look to avenge past defeats

Grassroots essential for healthy rugby diet

First start at 10 for Beale, milestones for Sharpe & Robinson

Meyer launches a new Springbok era

Boks choose promising Goosen at flyhalf

A further step up needed by Bok pack

Barnes to play either 10 or 15

Coach delighted with pack, but improvement needed

Fates conspiring against brave selections

Boks happy at home but troubled by injuries

Cooper’s attack no distraction – Ashley-Cooper

Jean de Villiers Q&A

Meyer hedges his bets at flyhalf & fullback

Three flyhalves & 3 fullbacks in expanded Bok squad

No more time for denial

Meyer believes current Boks will become stars

Lions put away Cheetahs & regain top spot

Border Bulldogs rolled over easily by Pumas

Meyer’s psychology training needed after facepalm moments

Kings thrill at home, overwhelming NFS

Loose trio leading lights as Leopards hammer Valke

Sparkless Boks facing the attacking masters

All about quantity rather than quality for Sanzar

Meyer continues to rely on Morne Steyn

Bok fans dying of embarrassment after turgid display

Revival in final quarter leads SWD to victory

Well-drilled Kings take control in 2nd half

Defensive Springboks need to shut down Aussies

SA rugby’s archaic structure marring the game

Meyer relies on forward changes to beat Australia

Meyer likely to rely on forwards

Pumas smash Eagles

Heyneke Meyer still unmoved

Boks need defensive wall v Australia – Meyer

Players believe in the game plan – Bok captain

Two new caps as Meyer opens up to change

Meyer blames Springboks’ inexperience

Valke uphold finest traditions in hanging on

Pumas’ solid debut praised by Boks

Springbok forwards douse Argentina determination

Dazzling Herbst leads SWD Eagles to victory

Late Kotze penalty gives Valke win

Lions relegated from SuperRugby

Boland stage daring comeback to beat Border

Burger to play no part in Rugby Championship

Boks choose five uncapped players

Thrilling Boland romp to victory over naive Valke

Roos salvages draw for Pumas

Michalak overcomes illness to inspire Sharks

Michalak & Sharks beat Stormers

Watts penalty ends Boland’s losing streak

SuperRugby revelations

SA dominate – but still need to ward off NZ team

Bulls raise intensity in 2nd half to beat Lions

Valke gone by half-time as EP Kings cruise

Talented Coleman leads SWD to victory

Jantjies kicks Lions to just third win

Pumas use rolling maul to great attacking effect

Valke pack freezes Border backs

Last October a long time ago for embattled Lions & Mitchell

Bulls use tight dominance to beat Cheetahs

Griffons fight back to beat Valke

EP Kings survive close call

Mitchell suspended due to player complaints

Abendanon gets hat-trick as England run riot

England captain to miss 3rd test

Boks avoid embarrassment thanks to JP

England should be proud – Meyer

Pietersen cuts short England comeback

Lowe replaced by May in England squad

England need to stop Bok ball-carriers

Dowson forced off bench by injury

Flood shrugs off pressure of expectation

England choose more expansive Flood at flyhalf

England win, but not one-way traffic

Lambie returns for Springboks

England getting same passion as NZ – Haskell

England want to restore positive vibe

Oosthuizen’s injury a major blow for Boks

Lancaster delighted to have midweek games

Quins’ Robson to captain midweek England

Kirchner’s knee rules him out of 2nd test

Brown ruled out of Test series

SA scrum dominance due to De Villiers’ hard work

Meyer yet to name a Springbok captain

Stormers hang on to top spot with win over Bulls

Blue Bulls extend focus to schools development

Mallett expects conservative Boks v England

Du Preez a great choice as captain – Matfield

Le Roux snatches win for Cheetahs

Matfield comeback stopped by IRB law

Creaking Stormers hang on to go top

Sharks win bruising physical battle

Wayward Stormers hang on to win

Strauss & top-class forwards lead Cheetahs to win

Pumas too strong for Kings

Griquas end Pampas title defence

Highlanders reserves snatch dramatic victory

Eagles go down to Bulldogs

Brumbies swarm all over Lions

Steyn has to do bulk of scoring for Bulls

Griquas snatch victory

Pumas keep hopes alive

Meyer philosophical about Fourie unavailability

Crusaders cleared of eye-gouging charges

Blackadder says white cards open to manipulation

Crusaders waste lead & face eye-gouge charges

Crusaders dominate 2nd half to beat Lions

Lions charge to victory over Griffons

Former champions hammer Reds at Loftus

Clinical Bulls hammer Lions

Hapless Griffons overpowered by Pumas

Last-minute try wins it for Valke

Half-time shouting-to did trick for Lions

Pumas hold Bulls to a draw

Milestone for Steyn as Bulls hammer Cheetahs

Barrett lands a winner for Hurricanes

Mtawarira’s heart condition ‘not serious’

Jantjies works magic with his boot

Bulls use Steyn’s boot to beat Sharks

Possible relegation drives SA teams

Relegation process dominates SA SuperRugby discussion

SuperRugby preview

Redefine investment defies so-called Lions shambles

Saru hope sanity prevails

Finding common ground is Meyer’s priority

SA Super franchise to lose place

Meyer is new Springbok coach

Bulls say Saru want their man

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    James 2:14 – “What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?”.

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    If you love God unreservedly, you will offer your best to him and be willing to serve him wherever he wishes to use you.

    Love has to manifest itself practically.

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    “How genuine can your love for God truly be if you are aware of a serious need and do nothing to alleviate it?”- Solly Ozrovech, A Shelter From The Storm



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