Rugby

It was never sexy but this afternoon’s Test was compulsive viewing if you like your rugby messy, disjointed and, above all, hard as the Boks won 32-14.

South Africa have put in the hard work to counter the threats posed by Italy ahead of their Test match in Turin on Saturday, with the breakdown a key focus area for the world champions, according to captain Siya Kolisi.

A daunting challenge awaits the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Kenya this weekend, but upon their departure to Nairobi on Wednesday, coach Cecil Afrika was at ease due to the mood and mindset of the departing squad

Azzurri’s ‘huge strides’ shown by their win over Australia, says SA coach.

Scrumming down and helping to push EP towards Currie Cup Premier Division promotion and growing his own skills are both key objectives for newly signed Elephants forward Athi Khethani.

A wary Springbok side will not make the mistake of letting their guard down against a passionate Italian team who have been labelled underdogs ahead of Saturday’s clash in Turin, loose forward Marco van Staden says.

The organisers of the Border Brutten Ten have explained the reason behind opting for Police Park for the competition’s final instead of the larger capacity Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, saying it was more central for travelling spectators.

Several players who caught the eye during the recently completed Grand Challenge club rugby competition are set to be invited to train and go through a conditioning phase alongside the EP Elephants squad, coach Allister Coetzee said.

Andre Esterhuizen’s ability to multitask between the backs and forwards with ease has become a key tactical weapon for the world champions, attack coach Tony Brown said.

Awakening a sleeping giant and triggering a long-awaited EP rugby revival are key priorities for EP’s new-look Elephants team, loose forward CJ Velleman says.

Emotional Springbok captain Siya Kolisi dedicated his 100th Test cap and a momentous win over France to everyone who grew up in circumstances similar to those he experienced on the dusty streets of Zwide township in Gqeberha.

This one had all the ingredients of a blockbuster from the very beginning and what a blockbuster it was. As in all blockbusters, the best came last after a captivating build-up for the first hour.

South Africa take on hosts France on Saturday in a match that will be special in several ways, not least as the 100th cap for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and as a repeat of their epic 29-28 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal victory in Paris two years ago.

It will be a proud moment for Zwide township and all South African rugby fans when their favourite son, Siya Kolisi, runs out to play a landmark 100th Test for the Springboks against France in Paris on Saturday night.

The semifinals of the Border Brutten Ten tournament will take place at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Saturday, after being postponed last weekend.