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☆ Springbok belief and physicality make for world beating mix
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - A record fourth Rugby World Cup showed South Africa's dogged determination, which saw the team dig deep at critical moments. Few sides have had as bruising a route to World Cup success as the Springboks in this tournament, playing against each of the other top six ranked nations on their way to the podium. They edged three successive knockout stage matches by a single point to claim the Webb Ellis Cup. "As a South African, as a Springbok, you always believe you are going to win," said centre Jesse Kriel. "We thought we can't mess this up because we believed from 2018 they had the ability to win the World Cup.

Persons: Webb, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard, Jacques Nienaber, I'm, flyhalf Pollard, Kriel, Alexander Smith Organizations: Rugby, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, Springbok, Thomson Locations: New, Paris, South Africa, Jesse Kriel . South Africa, Japan, Ireland, France, England

☆ Fittingly fraught finale for fantastic World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

World Rugby addressed that with a major overhaul of the calendar they described as "the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional" but those long-suffering countries are going to have to suffer for a few years yet before they start to feel the benefits. Elsewhere, England overcame a terrible build-up to win all their pool games and Fiji shocked Australia to go through alongside Wales. FABULOUS BRANDFiji's final pool game against Portugal was one of the best seen at a World Cup, with the Portuguese playing a fabulous brand of all-court rugby reminiscent of France at their pomp. Amid emotional scenes and roared on by neutrals the world over, they secured their first-ever World Cup victory in the last minute, with Fiji scraping through via their losing bonus point. Wales will forever rue their missed chances in the first of them against Argentina before Ireland and New Zealand produced an absolute classic.

Persons: Denis, Mbonambi, Webb Ellis, Sarah Meyssonnier, agonising, England's, Owen Farrell's, Antoine Dupont, Handre, Sam Cane, Mitch Phillips, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Two Nations, New Zealand, Ireland, South, Fiji, Wales, Portugal, Argentina, England, Pumas, Springboks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Portuguese, Fiji, Marseille, Paris, New Zealand, Argentina, New

☆ South Africa hold off 14-man All Blacks to win record fourth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

No team had ever recovered from a halftime deficit to win a World Cup final and the Springboks came out flying in the second half looking to drive home their advantage. It was the first try South Africa had conceded in four World Cup finals but Mo'unga missed the conversion from wide-out and the Springboks held on to the lead. Kolisi had by now returned to the fray after his card was not upgraded and South Africa brought their famed "bomb squad" off the bench to relieve fatigued forwards. South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe was the fourth player to be yellow-carded seven minutes from time but New Zealand's Jordie Barrett struck the subsequent 48-metre penalty attempt wide of the posts. New Zealand had also been hoping to win a fourth World Cup and coach Ian Foster thought the way the cards for Cane and Kolisi played out had been a decisive factor.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Cyril Ramaphosa REUTERS, Gonzalo Fuentes, Cane, Beauden Barrett, NZ Handre Pollard, Sam Cane, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Handre, Siya Kolisi, Black Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Shannon Frizell, Flyhalf Pollard, Richie Mo'unga, Pollard, Cane clattered, Jesse Kriel, Mo'unga, Ardie Savea, New Zealand scrumhalf Aaron Smith, Mark Telea, Cheslin Kolbe, Zealand's Jordie Barrett, Ian Foster, it's, Nick Mulvenney, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, South, NZ, Zealand, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Africa, South Africa PARIS, New Zealand, New

☆ Springboks start with Pollard, go 7-1 on the bench
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

In the end, Pollard proved the match winner again as he kicked over a 48 metre penalty to hand South Africa a place in the final. South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber surprised with his choice of replacements, going with seven forwards and a single back for the third time in the last two months. It means South Africa are gambling on fresh forward power winning them the game but risking having no cover should there be any injury among the backs. New Zealand, who like South Africa have won three previous World Cups, will name their team later on Thursday. South Africa: 15-Damian Willemse, 14-Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Cheslin Kolbe, 10-Handre Pollard, 9-Faf de Klerk, 8-Duane Vermeulen, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya Kolisi (capt.

Persons: Handre Pollard, Pollard, Faf, Klerk, Jacques Nienaber, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Deon Fourie, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie Le Roux, Mark Gleeson, Deborah Kyvrikosaios Organizations: Rugby, Springbok, New Zealand, South, England, Libbok, Blacks, Twickenham, Ireland, Leinster, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, South Africa, Japan, flyhalf, scrumhalf, Africa, South Africa’s, Zealand

☆ World Cup braced for second superpower showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

That means that should they triumph on Saturday they will have an incredible 50% success rate - four finals from eight tournaments. New Zealand won the inaugural event in 1987 then became the first to win back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2015 - an achievement defending champions South Africa are also desperate to emulate. Their previous final meeting was in 1995, the first World Cup South Africa were allowed into. At the other end of the experience spectrum is winger Will Jordan, whose eight tries in France equal the tournament best. Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)Reporting by Mitch Phillips; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Chester Williams, Siya Kolisi, Richie McCaw, Handre Pollard, Ian Foster, Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan, Jordie Barrett, flyhalf Richie Mo'unga, Ardie, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert, Damian Willemse, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Deon Fourie, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie Le Roux, Wayne Barnes, Mitch Phillips, Ken Ferris Organizations: Springboks, New Zealand, South, France, England, Twickenham, Zealand, Blacks, Ireland, Webb, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, England, flyhalf, Argentina, Ireland, France, Zealand, Brown

☆ Springbok focus on final despite Mbonambi controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Rugby Union - Championship - New Zealand All Blacks vs South Africa Springboks - Auckland, New Zealand - September 16, 2017 South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi reacts after their loss to New Zealand. REUTERS/Nigel Marple/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 25 (Reuters) - South Africa have no problem focusing on Saturday's Rugby World Cup final despite the controversy hanging over hooker Bongi Mbonambi and World Rugby's investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour, assistant coach Felix Jones said. World Rugby are formally reviewing the allegation that Mbonambi directed a racial slur at England's Tom Curry in Saturday's semi-final, where South Africa secured a 16-15 win to set up a final against New Zealand this weekend. "Everyone, as you can expect for a World Cup final, is hugely excited and there is a high level of focus. World Rugby said separately an investigation into the allegations was being conducted by its disciplinary structures but no time line on the process was known.

Persons: Mbonambi, Nigel Marple, Bongi Mbonambi, Felix Jones, Tom Curry, Jones, Curry, Ben O'Keeffe, Malcolm Marx, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Deon Fourie, Marco van Staden, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby Union, Zealand, Blacks, South Africa Springboks, REUTERS, Saturday's Rugby, Rugby, South, New Zealand, Springboks, South Africa Rugby, Stade de France, England, France, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand, COURCELLES, France, South Africa, Saturday's, England, South, flyhalf

☆ World Cup 2023: Previous World Cup finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

PARIS, Oct 25 (Reuters) - On Saturday, New Zealand take on South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France, with both teams hoping to win a record fourth title. Mapimpi scored the first try in the 66th minute, becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final, despite South Africa having won two previous titles. The teams had met in the pool stage with South Africa winning 36-0. Fullback Jonathan Webb scored two penalties for England, whose decision to ditch their forward-reliant tactics for an expansive running game backfired. 1987 - NEW ZEALAND 29 FRANCE 9 (AUCKLAND)The All Blacks laid down the marker in the first World Cup final, dominating from start to finish as flyhalf Grant Fox's kicking helped his team gain territory time and again.

Persons: Makazole, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Mapimpi, Richie McCaw, Flyhalf Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett's, Tony Woodcock, Stephen Donald, Percy Montgomery, Francois Steyn, Alain Rolland's, Mark Cueto, England's Jonny Wilkinson, Australia's Elton Flatley, Wilkinson, Matt Burke, Ben Tune, Owen Finegan, Nelson Mandela, Jonah Lomu, Joel Stransky's, Webb Ellis, Tony Daly, Michael Lynagh, Fullback Jonathan Webb, flyhalf Grant Fox's, Michael Jones, David Kirk, John Kirwan, Pierre Berbizier, Rohith Nair, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Stade de France, England, Springbok, South, Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, South Africa, ZEALAND, Fullback, Fox, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, ENGLAND, YOKOHAMA, Japan, AUSTRALIA, TWICKENHAM, FRANCE, AUCKLAND, France, PARIS, England, SYDNEY, CARDIFF, Australia, JOHANNESBURG, Bengaluru

☆ South Africa show England how it's won
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Semi Final - England v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 21, 2023 South Africa's RG Snyman, Deon Fourie and teammates celebrate after the match as South Africa reach the final REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - England played a wonderful kicking game against South Africa but their inability to score tries and their inferiority in the scrums eventually proved their undoing in their World Cup semi-final loss on Saturday. South Africa won seven of their eight scrums while England could only won three of their seven, and that eventually gave the defending champions the decisive momentum. England have not scored a try against South Africa at a World Cup since the pool phase in 2003. South Africa are current world champions and world number ones for a reason," Borthwick said. It was the second match in a row that South Africa won by a single point after prevailing 29-28 against hosts France last weekend.

Persons: Denis, Deon Fourie, Sarah Meyssonnier, Steve Borthwick's, Owen Farrell, Handre Pollard, Jacques Nienaber's, Ellis Genge, Borthwick, Farrell, Nienaber, It's, Julien Pretot, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, England, Stade de France, Saint, Snyman, Rights, South, South Africa, Springbok, France, Thomson Locations: South Africa, France, England

☆ Pollard gamble pays off for South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - An injury to hooker Malcolm Marx early in the Rugby World Cup threatened a major blow to South Africa’s hopes of retaining the title but the opportunity to call up Handre Pollard was a gamble that paid off handsomely in Saturday’s semi-final. Pollard, who kicked South Africa to the title at the last World Cup in Japan, was left out of the original 33-man squad after failing to prove his fitness. "We needed some energy and that's why we decided to bring on the bench early," the Springbok coach said. When South Africa won a scrum penalty two metres inside the England half with two minutes to go, the stage was set for Pollard. "Firstly the scrum penalty, that is what got us the opportunity," said Pollard.

Persons: Malcolm Marx, Africa’s, Handre Pollard, Pollard, Libbok, Jacques Nienaber, Siya Kolisi, ” Kolisi, It’s, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, Tonga, France, Springbok, South Africa, England, Leicester, Thomson Locations: Saturday’s, England, South Africa, Japan, Yokohama, France

☆ Champions slam door shut to maintain World Cup hegemony
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Ossian Shine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

While Ireland have never progressed beyond the World Cup quarter-finals – losing all eight they have contested – the All Blacks are three-times champions. France had been seeking a maiden World Cup triumph, buoyed by the support of a host nation. Their opponents South Africa have also won the trophy three times, most recently four years ago in Japan. Stuff like that happens, they’ve been there before, they’ve been at a World Cup before and they’ve found solutions during the game." With 2003 champions England also in the semi-finals, only Argentina could break the hegemony this time around and it seems the proven powerhouses will prevail at the Rugby World Cup once again.

Persons: France’s, Fabien Galthie, Naivety, Jacques Nienaber, they’ve, Handre Pollard, Faf, Klerk, Ed Osmond Organizations: France, Blacks, Springbok, Springboks, England, Rugby, Thomson Locations: Paris, Ireland, France, Africa, Japan, South Africa, Argentina

☆ Ruthless South Africa extinguish French fire to reach last four
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

We had good opportunities but unfortunately we couldn't convert them into points," France manager Raphael Ibanez said. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said the bench was critical. Jonathan Danty was held up and Arendse dived over for South Africa after collecting a fortunate bounce from a speculative kick. With barely time to breathe, South Africa regained control when Kolbe outpaced Damian Penaud with astonishing ease to collect Jesse Kriel's kick and score. Pollard added another penalty before Ramos brought France back within a point, but South Africa defended brilliantly to keep out a late French onslaught.

Persons: France's, Fabien Galthie, Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Mannie, Handre Pollard, Antoine Dupont, scrumhalf, Les Bleus, Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Thomas Ramos, Raphael Ibanez, Siya Kolisi, Jacques Nienaber's, Dupont, Baille, Jonathan Danty, Arendse, De Allende, Mauvaka, Kolbe, Damian Penaud, Jesse Kriel's, maul, Ramos, Atonio, Nienaber, Etzebeth, Pollard, Julien Pretot, Ed Osmond Organizations: France, Galthie Springboks, Springboks, England, Kurt, Mauvaka, South, Thomson Locations: Africa, France, England, PARIS, South Africa, South

☆ Springboks delay naming team as they ponder bench options
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Springboks have been regimented in naming their team four days before a test, but director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says there are still deliberations over whether to go with a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench. In some cases we are not even sure who is the best," Erasmus told reporters on Tuesday. "We are keeping our options open for a 7-1, 6-2 or 5-3 (bench split) with both Handre and Manie being available. I think having everybody fit and seeing what the French team looks like may influence us going 7-1 or 6-2." "I have been in World Rugby meetings where we break into little groups and he's a very interesting character with the way he looks at the game," Erasmus said.

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo, Erasmus, Antoine Dupont, Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell, Nick Said, Toby Davis Organizations: France, Springboks, Namibia, Rugby, Rugby League, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Paris, France, Ireland

☆ Ireland beat South Africa 13-8 in bruising Paris showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Ireland underlined their status as the number one team in the world with a bruising 13-8 Rugby World Cup victory over defending champions South Africa in Paris on Saturday, though the Springboks will rue their inaccuracy off the kicking tee. Ireland scored their only try in the first half through wing Mack Hansen as he found some rare space out wide and led 7-3 at the break but had to withstand a barrage of Springbok pressure in the second half amid a raucous atmosphere. South Africa’s only try came from winger Cheslin Kolbe but they missed the conversion and three penalty chances to highlight their goal-kicking woes and perhaps hasten the return of experienced flyhalf Handre Pollard to the team. Ireland will be odds-on to win the pool as they claimed a 16th test win in a row, while South Africa suffer defeat in a World Cup game for the first time in nine matches and will likely have to beat Tonga in their final group game on Oct. 1. Reporting by Nick Said Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mack Hansen, Cheslin Kolbe, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Nick Said, Christian Radnedge Organizations: South Africa, Springboks, Ireland, Tonga, Thomson Locations: Ireland, Paris, South Africa

☆ Ireland come out on top of bruising clash with South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

PARIS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Top-ranked Ireland claimed a 13-8 statement victory over defending champions South Africa in a high-octane heavyweight World Cup clash that lived up to the hype at a sweltering Stade de France on Saturday. Scotland and Tonga, who both lost their opening game in Pool B, face each other in Nice on Sunday. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi hailed his team's performance despite the loss. South Africa came into the contest with a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench and Ireland boldly looked to keep the ball in play as much as possible, going for the corner instead of kicking early penalties. South Africa got onto the scoreboard first in a brutal start with a Libbok penalty as huge tackles and collisions drew oohs and aahs from the 78,542 crowd.

Persons: Andy Farrell's, Mack Hansen, Johnny Sexton, Jack Crowley, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie, Klerk, Farrell, Siya Kolisi, Hugo Keenan ghosted, Sexton, Robbie Henshaw, Hansen, James Lowe, Kolbe darted, Libbok, Crawley, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Julien Pretot, Ken Ferris Organizations: Ireland, South, Stade de France, Springboks, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Tonga, Nice, Africa, Ireland, France

☆ 'Sad' Springboks mull over Marx replacement in World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

It was in a contact session, it was a team run and it was just unfortunate," Nienaber told reporters on Friday. Rugby players work incredibly hard for four years to come to a World Cup, the players sacrifice a lot and their families sacrifice a lot. "Every individual in our team adds something to the Boks, so we lose that (with Marx). The Boks are holding off naming a replacement until after their Pool B clash with Romania in Bordeaux on Sunday, with Nienaber saying all options remain open. We will discuss it after the game, we are fully focused on Romania because we should show them that respect."

Persons: Malcolm Marx, Jacques Nienaber, Marx, Bongi, Nienaber, Malcolm, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Pollard, Malcolm wouldn't, Nick Said, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, Springboks, Leicester Tigers, Thomson Locations: BORDEAUX, France, Toulon, Bordeaux, Romania

☆ South Africa hooker Marx ruled out of World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela, South Africa - August 6, 2022 New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho in action with South Africa's Malcolm Marx REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 14 (Reuters) - South Africa's World Cup title defence suffered a major blow on Thursday when hooker Malcolm Marx was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a long-term knee injury as coach Jacques Nienaber delayed naming a replacement in the squad. The pair were not deemed fit enough when the World Cup squad was announced on Aug. 8 but both played a major role in the team's 2019 triumph. Stormers hooker Joseph Dweba was the nominated standby option when the squad was announced. One of the leading hookers in world rugby, Marx has also been a strong ball carrier for the Springboks and a key source of turnovers at the breakdown. Reporting by Julien Pretot and Nick Said; Editing by Alison Williams; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Africa's Malcolm Marx, Siphiwe, Malcolm Marx, Jacques Nienaber, Nienaber, Bongi Mbonambi, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Pollard, Joseph Dweba, Marx, Malcolm, Deon, Marco, Mbonambi, Van Staden, Julien Pretot, Nick Said, Alison Williams, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, New Zealand, Mbombela, Africa's Malcolm Marx REUTERS, World, Leicester Tigers, South African Rugby, Romania, Sunday, Springboks, Bongi, Thomson Locations: Africa, New, Mbombela, South Africa, Bordeaux

☆ Rugby World Cup 2023: How to watch, teams and star players
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The Stade de France will host this year's Rugby World Cup final. A full list of international broadcasters is available here on the Rugby World Cup website. A total of 20 teams have qualified for this year’s Rugby World Cup and they will compete in four pools of five teams each. “It’s probably the most open Rugby World Cup we’ve seen for a long time,” former England international Ugo Monye told CNN Sport. Antoine Dupont will be a key player for France at this year's Rugby World Cup.

Persons: Etienne, David Rogers, Stan, Clive Mason, Webb Ellis, “ It’s, Ugo Monye, you’ve, Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse, Cyril Baille, Jonathan Danty, ”, haven’t, – let’s, Stuart Hogg, I’ve, ’, Antoine Dupont, Ntamack, Fabien Galthié, Damian Penaud, Alldritt, Richard Heathcote, – Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick –, Sam Kane, Dane Coles, Handré Pollard, Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole, Johnny Sexton, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van, Owen Farrell, Finn Russell, Hogg, “, ” Russell isn’t, Levani Organizations: CNN, Rugby World, New Zealand, Stade de France, Rugby, Paris, Games, Getty, Blacks, Stade de Marseille, NBC, Stan Sport, ITV, S4C, South, CNN Fiji, England, –, USA, Africa, Africa Ireland Scotland Tonga, C Wales Australia Fiji, Japan, Japan Argentina Samoa Chile Who, – New, CNN Sport, New, Wales, Australia, Ireland, “, Scotland, Tonga’s, France, Blacks ’, Fiji, The Pacific Islanders Locations: France, New, Paris, South Africa, Ireland, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Saint, Toulouse, United States, Australia, Sky, New Zealand, England, Argentina, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Georgia, Japan, Tonga, Samoa, Uruguay, Namibia, Romania, Portugal, Chile, Zealand France Italy Uruguay Namibia, Africa Ireland, Africa Ireland Scotland Tonga Romania, C Wales Australia Fiji Georgia Portugal, Japan Argentina Samoa Chile, – New Zealand, Fiji, darting, Zealand

☆ Springboks include injured skipper Kolisi in World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 8 (Reuters) - South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was included in the squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup but other key players left out because of injury, including influential flyhalf Handre Pollard and World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am. There are 12 World Cup debutants but the Boks kept the bulk of the side that won the tournament in Japan four years ago. Also out is Lood de Jager, the giant lock who was also part of team four years ago. He heads a list of players who compete at a third World Cup tournament. South Africa play in Pool B at the World Cup where they also meet Romania, Ireland and Tonga.

Persons: Siya Kolisi, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Kolisi, Pollard, de Jager, Jacques Nienaber, De Jager, Nienaber, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, Pieter, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Malcolm Marx, Kubota Spears, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Nche, Marvin Orie, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, Lukhanyo, Scotland, Argentina, SA Rugby, Wales, New Zealand, Twickenham, Romania, Tonga, Squad, Panasonic, Knights, Canon Eagles, Harlequins, Suntory, Eagles, Toyota, Honda, Snyman, Leicester Tigers, Thomson Locations: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Marseille, Japan, Cardiff, New, Ireland, Montpellier, Ulster, Munster, Stormers

☆ Springboks change 14 for Argentina rematch in Buenos Aires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

He has continued to cast his net wide and manage the minutes of the players with a further 14 changes for Saturday’s test. The only one to retain their place is flyhalf Manie Libbok, with regular starter Handre Pollard still working his way back from injury. Jasper Wiese is in at number eight, with versatile loose-forwards Franco Mostert and Deon Fourie on the side of the scrum. "There is not a player in our enlarged squad who is fully confident that he will be in the World Cup squad, so the competition for places is intense." The Boks scraped a barely deserved win at Ellis Park on Saturday as they withstood intense pressure from Argentina, and will expect a backlash from the home side.

Persons: Manie Libbok, Andrew Boyers, Hooker Bongi Mbonambi, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jacques Nienaber, Handre Pollard, Fullback Damian Willemse, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo, Andre Esterhuizen, Cobus Reinach, Thomas du Toit, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Deon Fourie, Nche, Nienaber, Damian Willemse, – Jasper Wiese, – Deon Fourie, Mbonambi, Joseph Dweba, – Vincent Koch, Jean, Luc du Preez, Evan Roos, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Nick Said, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby Union, International, England, South Africa, Twickenham, Rugby World, Argentina, Springbok, Rugby, Fullback, Ireland, South African Rugby, World, Ellis, Thomson Locations: South, London, Britain, Africa, Buenos Aires, New Zealand, Johannesburg, Mbonambi, France, Argentina

☆ S Africa's Libbok eager to press World Cup claims against Italy
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Apart from flyhalf, I can also cover fullback and centre, both inside centre or outside," Libbok told reporters on Wednesday. "I am pleased I can do that as it means I can help out the team if I am needed there. "It was something I dreamed of since I was a little kid, so it was very special for me," he said. If I got the ball from the kick-off when I came on I would probably just have run with it. "Last week we had a plan against France, as we knew there would be opportunities (to keep ball in hand).

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