Category Archives: Sports News

Sport24.co.za | Needed: New Bok loose-head in mid-year

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An embarrassment of riches has suddenly taken a significant downturn … at least in one position in the Springbok rugby team.

The glittering World Cup 2019 campaign saw the Bok brains trust enjoy the luxury of fielding two top-notch loose-head props in major outings: Tendai Mtawarira and Steven Kitshoff, the former generally the starter and the latter a cracking member of the bench “Bomb Squad”.

Between them, the pair ended the tournament with a formidable 164 Test caps – Mtawarira 117 and Kitshoff 47.

Suddenly, however, both will be unavailable (Mtawarira definitely, Kitshoff almost certainly) when the national side open their 2020 account in the first of two Tests against Scotland at Newlands – assuming the coronavirus has not scuppered the clash – on 4 July.

As always intended, the popular “Beast”, a yeoman Bok servant since 2008, retired from international activity following the hoisting of the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan.

What that did was supposedly open the door, and deservedly, to Kitshoff’s more regular ascension in 2020 to the No 1 jersey: he has only started a dozen of his Bok games thus far and would have been itching to make the berth his own.

But it has been confirmed by the Stormers camp that the flame-haired acting captain of the franchise has torn a pectoral muscle – it occurred late in the 24-14 defeat to the Sharks in Durban on Saturday – and will be side-lined for some four months.

That seems to rule him out of contention for the three July Test matches, the third being against renowned strong scrummagers Georgia in Port Elizabeth on 18 July, a game that might have seen Kitshoff earn his 50th Bok cap.

So in the event that the trio of internationals go ahead, Jacques Nienaber and company will be seeking a fresh occupant of the No 1 shirt unless Kitshoff gets a much earlier than expected go-ahead to resume playing.

Uncertainty surrounds the remaining roster in Super Rugby because of the global pandemic, but at least two SA franchise-based “possibles” for the vacancy, the Bulls’ Lizo Gqoboka (already sporting two Test caps as a substitute in 2019) and Lions’ Dylan Smith, haven’t yet stormed the palace performance-wise this year – though perhaps impeded by the broader struggles of their respective Highveld-based teams.

Another scenario, then, might well be for the Bok brains trust to contemplate asking either of Thomas du Toit (Sharks) or Trevor Nyakane (Bulls) to place their gradual, now blossoming conversions to tighthead on hold in July and summon their versatility: the pair still boast greater levels of career wisdom on the loose-head side of the engine room, after all.

Both played their part in RWC 2019, although Du Toit as a squad replacement for Nyakane when he tore a calf muscle in the Boks’ opener against the All Blacks in Yokohama.

They are at least well familiar with Bok systems, as low-slung Nyakane has 42 caps stretching back to 2013 and Du Toit, a particularly formidable physical specimen at 136kg, boasts 12 appearances.

The latter’s last start, perhaps significantly, came in the No 1 jersey when he operated there in the 66-7 thrashing of Canada in Kobe at the World Cup, as then-head coach Rassie Erasmus rested some of his more regular first-teamers.

Dynamic ball-carrier and clattering tackler Ox Nche, growing nicely into his new career at the Sharks after his switch from Bloemfontein, may also stick his hand up forcefully for a recall this season, after a less than stellar debut in that hotchpotch, controversial Test match against Wales in neutral Washington DC in 2018.

While the Kitshoff layoff is a blow to both “club” and country, one plus might well be that he returns a fresher force by the time the Boks’ defence of the Rugby Championship crown begins in early August …

*Follow our chief writer on Twitter: @RobHouwing

Sport24.co.za | Stodgy Stormers still good at gate-shutting

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2020-03-16 14:56

Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer

TheStormers’ campaign was just beginning to develop a wobble – successive defeats, without a losing bonus point to show either time – when Super Rugby’s coronavirus-related cut-off took effect.

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John Dobson’s charges had slipped to seventh overall, after a heartening four-from-four start, when the suspension was announced.

But they do manage to retain a reputation, something that stretches back to the Allister Coetzee coaching tenure between 2010 and 2015, for noticeable defensive solidity even as their dynamism as an offensive force has come into regular question.

The Capetonians enter the enforced break with at least one honour (of sorts) intact: concession of the fewest tries in the competition.

After six matches, they have leaked only 10, so a miserly average of 1.66 per game.

Next best for bolting the gate are SA conference rivals the Jaguares, who have conceded 12 from as many played matches, even though they were awarded a draw for a seventh fixture, the called-off one at the weekend against the Highlanders.

That pair’s records are light years better than the basement Sunwolves, who have haemorrhaged 45 tries in six games – an average of 7.5 per outing.

Yet the current statistics also do little to suggest that the Stormers are evolving yet to the extent many of their supporters would like in attacking terms: nine teams eclipse them in “tries for” although their tally of 17 amounts to a respectable enough nearly three per match.

Last season, under Robbie Fleck’s coaching charge, the Newlands-based team shared with the Sunwolves (34 each from 16 ordinary-season matches) the statistical low for tries registered.

Surprise leaders for tries dotted in 2020, considering their relatively lowly berth of 10th, are the Reds, on 32 from seven matches (4.57 a game). It is helped greatly, admittedly, by the 10 registered alone in a 64-5 drubbing of the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium.

Hot on their heels – again just a little against expectation? – are much higher-riding Aussie compatriots the Brumbies, second overall on the table and with 31 to their name.

The Sharks top the overall log, with their encouraging six wins from seven fixtures so far, and are the top try-scorers in the conference (21), although that leaves them a humdrum eighth competition-wide in that department.

Dubious record for fewest tries falls to the Highlanders: 11 from five completed contests although they have technically played six due to the Jaguares “draw”.

In a reflection of their lowly statuses on the table, other South African teams, the Lions and Bulls, are second and third-worst in tries posted: 13 and 14 respectively.

*Follow our chief writer on Twitter: @RobHouwing

Sport24.co.za | Stormers flank cited for dangerous hit

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2020-03-15 07:52

Stormers flank Johan du Toit has been cited for alleged foul play during his side’s 24-14 Super Rugby loss to the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

TALKING POINT | Did Stormers flank deserve red?

Du Toit received a yellow card in the first minute for taking out Sharks scrumhalf Louis Schreuder in the air.

Schreuder fell awkwardly on his back but referee AJ Jacobs overruled the television match official Willie Vos’s advice to hand out a red card.

In a press release issued by Sanzaar on Sunday, the governing body stated that Du Toit was alleged to have contravened Law 9.17: A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground.

Upon further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play.

The case is to be considered in the first instance by the Sanzaar foul play review committee which will take place via video conference at 09:00 on Monday (16 March).

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the foul play review committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered.

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– Sanzaar

Sport24.co.za | Sporting calendar shredded as coronavirus ravages top events

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The collapse of sports events worldwide gathered pace Friday with England’s Premier League, Europe’s Champions League and the Masters golf major among competitions swept aside by the coronavirus pandemic.

As sports calendars were shredded worldwide, Formula One motor racing was in turmoil with the first three Grands Prix of the season – Australia, Bahrain and Vietnam – scrapped while the Masters, the first major golf tournament of the year at Augusta National, was postponed. 

England’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka also fell victim to the virus while suspension of the Premier League until 4 April came shortly after the French Football League announced that all Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 games would be on hold until further notice.

The German Bundesliga then followed suit, announcing that the league would be halted for the first time since World War II.

European football took a major hit when officials suspended next week’s programme of Champions League and Europa League ties.

And cycling’s first Grand Tour of the season, the Giro d’Italia, scheduled for 9-31 May, was also put on hold as officials feared the impact of Covid-19.

The virus, which has killed 5,043 people according to an AFP tally, is accelerating just over four months from the Tokyo Olympics’ start on 24 July.

Football’s Premier League, with a worldwide audience of billions, was suspended after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi were confirmed to have the disease.

“Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time,” the Premier League said in a statement.

The decision by authorities in England, France and Germany to postpone top-flight football means that all Europe’s top leagues have ground to a halt. Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A have already suspended matches.

On Friday, four more players of Italian club Sampdoria tested positive for Covid-19, joining teammate Manolo Gabbiadini in contracting the virus.

European football’s governing body UEFA took the step of postponing matches after two of next week’s four scheduled Champions League last 16, second legs – between Manchester City and Real Madrid, and between Juventus and Lyon – had already been called off.

“In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed,” UEFA said in a statement.

Sports across the globe have suffered major disruption because of the virus with the PGA Tour golf season, the men’s tennis tour, NBA basketball, Major League Baseball and a host of top-flight events interrupted.

England’s cricketers will be returning from Sri Lanka among the latest victims of the sporting chaos. 

Their tour of Sri Lanka was scrapped on Friday as the team took part in a practice match ahead of the first of two Test matches due to start on 19 March.

Rugby union was also affected with the last Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff scrapped one day ahead of Saturday’s scheduled kick-off.

More bad news could come as European football chiefs are to meet next week to consider whether to postpone Euro 2020, due to start in June and this year’s other major international sports along with the Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics organisers, Japan’s government and the International Olympic Committee have been adamant the Games will go ahead as planned despite the global panic.

But US President Donald Trump became the first foreign leader to break ranks and raise the prospect of delaying the Olympics until 2021.

“Maybe they postpone it for a year,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, 19 weeks before the opening ceremony in Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.

Trump’s comments were followed by a decision by Greek organisers to scrap the Greek leg of the Olympic torch relay soon after it was launched because the large crowds had triggered concern over the spread of the virus.

For their part, Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said there were no plans to delay or cancel the Games.

Sport24.co.za | ‘Disappointed’ Rassie wants Proteas to keep winning momentum

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Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen hopes that his side can continue to feed off their form against Australia in the away ODI series against India.

The first of three ODIs between India and the Proteas was abandoned on Thursday without a ball being bowled following persistent rain in Dharamshala.

The Proteas were seen practicing in the indoor nets (video below) during the rain delay at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

Van der Dussen expressed his disappointment over not playing at the picturesque ground, which overlooks the Himalayas.

“It’s really disappointing as a player to come here, see the beautiful ground and passionate fans and not being able to get out on the park,” said Van der Dussen in Dharamshala.

“You can’t control that. There’s still two games in the series so we’ve got to work hard and really prepare ourselves as best as we can for the conditions we’re going to face now.”

The Proteas come off a 3-0 ODI win against Australia, Van der Dussen hopes that his side will continue to feed off that excellent form.

“India’s one of the best teams in the world, especially in their conditions,” he said.

“We will be looking to keep that form and momentum going after the Australia series.”

The second ODI is expected to get under way in Lucknow on Sunday (10:00 SA time).

The Proteas are continuing their tour of India despite the coronavirus pandemic that has prompted the postponement of top sporting events across the globe.

The team is travelling with CSA Chief Medical Officer Dr Shuaib Manjra and will keep abreast of the latest developments in India.

According to Times of India, the number of confirmed cases in India has gone past 70.

It was reported earlier on Thursday that the Indian Premier League could be played behind closed doors with the tournament scheduled to start on 29 March.

– Compiled by Lynn Butler

Sport24.co.za | Why the Stormers had to let Notshe go

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There was a moment when watching television last Saturday afternoon that Stormers coach John Dobson had to remind himself that he wasn’t a Sharks supporter and that they were in fact the team his men have to go out to beat on Saturday to restore their pride and prime position in the South African conference race.

According to SuperSport.com, it came when Sikhumbuzo Notshe, the man everyone in Durban appears to be talking about ahead of the eagerly awaited Super Rugby derby, went over to score a spectacular try after taking a pass off a quick tap from Louis Schreuder.

They’re both former Stormers players, so maybe it was easy for Dobson to be momentarily transported into another reality.

But it was Notshe doing so well that excited him, that had him suddenly doing a double take and remembering that his former prodigy is one of the big threats that his own team will have to blunt in the opposition line-up this weekend.

“Notshe may be playing for another team now but he is a really good friend of mine, and remains a good friend, so it was a weird experience,” said Dobson of watching Notshe score against the Jaguares.

“You watch him score and you shout ‘Yes!’ And then you remember, ‘Oh shoot, we are playing against him next week’. I want him to do well at the Sharks, but hopefully he won’t do too well on Saturday.”

There was another reason that Dobson enjoyed seeing Notshe score against the Jaguares.

He sees the Argentine side as a big threat in the conference race as he knows how difficult they are going to be for the South African teams to play against in Buenos Aires.

Once they get a run of form going, they are hard to stop, as they showed on their way to topping the conference last year.

But it was mainly on a personal level that he wants to see Notshe, a player he himself mentored for a long time, do well for the Sharks.

RIGHT DECISION

While there are many who question how Dobson could have let Notshe leave Cape Town to move to Durban given how he is playing now, the reality is that Dobson never wanted him to leave and did make a counter-offer to the sizeable one that was made to the No 8 by the Sharks.

At the same time though, he had to be honest, and ultimately that honesty might well have turned out the best for Notshe and, indirectly, the Sharks.

“I am being sincere when I say he is a good friend, we are house friends. You can be emotional about the way he is playing now, but the reality is that we were in a situation last year where we had to trim a squad of 70 to 45. Notshe has been capped a few times for the Springboks and he wants to play for the Boks again.

“To play for the Boks you need to be playing regular Super Rugby, to be starting in Super Rugby. He came around to my house when he got the offer from the Sharks and we discussed it. He wanted to know could I guarantee him a start in every game. On his form of last year I could not guarantee him that if you consider the players we have.

“Siya Kolisi started the year at No 8. Then we have Trokkie (Juarno Augustus), who was a Junior World Player of the Year not that long ago. Jaco Coetzee is also a very good player and is also a No 8. It would have been irresponsible of me to guarantee him a starting place given the competition for places in his position.

“So we shook hands on it. We had a beer at my house, we wanted to keep him and we made him an offer. But we had to look at the reality of the game time he would get. I always knew if he was given a good extended run he could come through.

“The style of rugby the Sharks play suits him. The turnover emphasis and the space they play for suits him. At the time we made the decision it was the right decision for us and I think we have seen now that it was the right decision for him too. He made the right move.”

Dobson is aware that Notshe could hurt his former team on Saturday and says he regards him as a massive threat.

“It is hard to shut down Notshe once he is in space, that is why I was disappointed we weren’t able to create enough of those opportunities for him here at the Stormers in the last few years. Make no mistake, he can do the hard yards too. He played for us in the 2017 Currie Cup final against the Sharks at King’s Park as a No 6. No-one saw him but jeepers he worked hard,” said Dobson.

“We will keep an eye on him, we can’t afford to let him get the space he has enjoyed the last few weeks.”

Read FULL story on SuperSport.com

Sport24.co.za | ‘Colour card’ blamed for Loftus jersey confusion

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2020-03-10 09:21

Sanzaar, the southern hemisphere’s rugby governing body, says it hopes that the jersey confusion which occurred in the Bulls v Highlanders game can be avoided in future.

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There was chaos in first half of the encounter at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday when both teams ran out with similar-looking jerseys.

The Bulls wore their regular blue kit, while the Highlanders’ sea-green colour made it difficult to distinguish between the teams.

The Bulls, who trailed 10-5 at half-time, then changed into a yellow and white strip before running out 38-13 victors.

Greg Thomas, a spokesperson for Sanzaar, told Netwerk24 that they were happy that the issue was sorted out at half-time and that the governing body would take note of what transpired.

Sanzaar is responsible for approving teams’ jerseys and a “colour card” is made of all the matches. However, Thomas said on the colour card it looked as though there was enough of a contrast between the two jerseys.

The governing body did not indicate whose responsibility it was to intervene prior to the match.

Meanwhile, Blue Bulls Company CEO Alfons Meyer said he was surprised that Sanzaar approved the jerseys.

“You could see in the first half some of the players were struggling with it. Luckily we had the yellow jerseys on hand at Loftus,” Meyer told the Afrikaans publication.

Meyer added that the yellow and white kit was originally designed for their away match against the Waratahs on March 21.

The Bulls boss continued: “This year we didn’t want to make a home and away kit, as well as a Captain America jersey. Before the competition started we asked the Waratahs if they would consider playing in their white jerseys when we tour there but they refused.

“The plan was for the yellow jersey to be an exclusive one with only 1 000 produced, but now it looks like there won’t be a supporters’ jersey. They team will wear the (yellow and white) jersey against the Waratahs and there may only be about 30 of it (produced).”

The Bulls start their Australasian tour this weekend against the Reds in Brisbane (March 14), before facing the Waratahs (Tamworth, New South Wales, March 21), Hurricanes (Wellington, March 27) and Chiefs (Hamilton, April 4).

Bulls touring squad:

Trevor Nyakane, Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka, Muller Uys, Josh Strauss, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Ian Groenewald, Corniel Els, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryno Pieterse, Ruan Steenkamp, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Louis van der Westhuizen, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Rosko Specman, Johnny Kotze, Franco Naude, Cornal Hendricks, Warrick Gelant, Ivan van Zyl, Morne Steyn, Divan Rossouw, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Burger Odendaal

– Compiled by Herman Mostert

Sport24.co.za | Blitzboks down USA to reach Vancouver semis

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The Blitzboks have progressed to the Vancouver Sevens semi-finals after defeating the USA in their quarter-final at BC Place on Sunday.

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South Africa won 26-10 after leading 14-10 at half-time.

Neil Powell’s men scored four tries through Werner Kok, Cecil Afrika and a brace by Angelo Davids. 

Branco du Preez added two conversions and replacement Selvyn Davids landed a conversion to seal the victory.

Meanwhile, the United States replied with two tries by Carlin Isles and Danny Barrett.

The Blitzboks will face New Zealand in their Cup semi-final on Monday at 00:14 SA time after the Kiwis beat Fiji 17-5 in their quarter-final.

Scorers:

South Africa

Tries: Werner Kok, Cecil Afrika, Angelo Davids (2)

Conversions: Branco Du Preez (2), Selvyn Davids

USA

Tries: Carlin Isles, Danny Barrett

Vancouver Cup semi-finals (SA times):

South Africa v New Zealand – 00:14

Australia v Canada – 00:36

– Compiled by Lynn Butler

Sport24.co.za | Bosch thanks Sharks coach Everitt for flyhalf faith

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2020-03-07 20:03

Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch, named man of the match in Saturday’s 33-19 win over the Jaguares in Durban, has thanked coach Sean Everitt for showing faith in him in the No 10 jersey this season. 

Bosch, who was played more as a fullback under former coach Robert du Preez last season, is the tournament’s leading points scorer this season with 72 and he added 13 to that haul on Saturday. 

“It was very satisfying to succeed against a quality team like the Jaguares,” Bosch was quoted as saying by AFP after the match.

“Our forwards deserve special praise as they performed well against a Jaguares pack full of internationals.

“Thanks to my coach (Sean Everitt) for giving me an extended run at flyhalf, which is my favourite position, after being moved around the backline last year.”

The Sharks have now moved to the top of the overall log in Super Rugby 2020 with five wins from their six outings this season. 

Sport24.co.za | PSL ‘suspends shaking of hands’ amid coronavirus outbreak

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The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has taken the necessary precaution following South Africa’s first positive case of Covid-19 coronavirus by suspending the “shaking of hands” before matches.

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed on Thursday that South Africa has recorded its first positive test case for the virus.

Mkhize released a statement on Thursday confirming that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) confirmed a positive test.

Meanwhile, the PSL released a statement on Friday urging clubs to take the necessary precautionary measures.

READ THE STATEMENT BELOW:

As the League, it is pertinent that we advise our Clubs’ management, players, technical staff, match officials, match commissioners, sponsors, PSL staff and other stakeholders the importance of the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

This advice is to be wary of controllable risks factors. With several teams in the Absa Premiership and GladAfrica Championship, including playing within the continent, we feel it is necessary for us to caution as a League.

As indicated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Department of Health and the World Health Organisation, the virus is droplet spread – so it is spread via droplets when coughing.

Some precautionary measures include, but are not limited to:

– Shaking of hands should be suspended to reduce spread risk.

– When coughing, cough within the elbow or a tissue (dispose of the tissue in the correct manner).

– Wash hands frequently with soap and water or utilise waterless hand washes often especially after contact with individuals.

– When handling public space materials (trolleys at airports and public spaces etc), it is advisable to, if possible, use disinfectant wipes on these items also to reduce risk.

– Limit direct contact with individuals by handshaking, hugging as much as one can.

Should an individual have flu-like symptoms and has travelled to one of the countries with a present outbreak, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner, but it is advisable to contact the Corona Virus hotline number on 080029999 to speak to a dedicated practitioner to advise accordingly.

Again, as communicated by the NICD, there is no need to panic but the precautionary measures as indicated above, are advised to avoid the spread of the virus.

– Premier Soccer League