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☆ Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, suffers chemical burns from detergent in ‘freak accident’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been hospitalized after suffering chemical burns from detergent in a “freak accident,” South Africa Rugby said in a statement. The 51-year-old is said to be “recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product.”“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks,” the statement added. Erasmus coached the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup title in 2019 in Japan – the third time the country had lifted the Webb Ellis Cup – before stepping upstairs to the director of rugby role ahead of the 2023 edition of the tournament. South Africa is next scheduled to play in a two-game series against Ireland in July, first in Pretoria and then in Durban. With Jacques Nienaber installed as head coach and Erasmus overseeing the operation, South Africa retained its World Cup title in France last year, winning its second successive and fourth championship overall after beating New Zealand in the final.

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Erasmus, Webb, Jacques Nienaber Organizations: CNN, South Africa Rugby, Springboks, Rugby, Ireland, New Zealand Locations: Japan, Africa, Pretoria, Durban, South Africa, France

☆ Kolisi committed to Springboks ahead of Racing 92 move
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - South Africa return home after winning the Rugby World Cup - O.R. Thousands of Springbok fans welcomed the team at the airport following their epic 12-11 final victory over old foes New Zealand on Saturday, which secured them a record fourth World Cup title. Kolisi, 32, will play for French Top 14 club Racing 92 this season and said he still had the hunger to represent the Boks. Head coach Jacques Nienaber will leave for a role at Irish side Leinster, but hinted he could be back in the future. The team embarks on a four-day trophy tour around major centres in South Africa from Thursday.

Persons: Culture Zizi Kodwa, Jacques Nienaber, Kolisi, ‘, Nienaber, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, of Sports , Arts, Culture, Springbok, New Zealand, Racing, Springboks, Irish, Leinster, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, JOHANNESBURG, France, New

☆ Siya Kolisi says South Africa’s title can unite country where ‘so much is going wrong’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Captain Siya Kolisi said on Saturday that South Africa’s second consecutive Rugby World Cup title has the potential to unite the country, after he led the team to an enthralling 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the final. “There is so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence,” Kolisi told broadcaster ITV Sport. Not just on the rugby field but in life in general,” added Kolisi. Siya Kolisi has led South Africa to two consecutive World Cup titles. The win maintained the country’s perfect record in Rugby World Cup finals, securing a record fourth win to make the Springboks the most successful country in the competition’s history.

Persons: Siya Kolisi, ” Kolisi, “, ”, Kolisi –, Port Elizabeth –, Zealand’s Richie McCaw, Nelson, can’t, Kolisi, Hugo Pfeiffer, Cyril Ramaphosa, Boks ’, Deon Davids, Sam Cane, “ Siya Kolisi, Tshidiso Mnisi Organizations: CNN, Rugby, New Zealand, ITV Sport, IMF, Springboks, Kolisi Foundation, ” Rugby, Reuters Locations: France, Zwide, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Africa

☆ South Africa Holds Off New Zealand to Win the Rugby World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

On any given day, whichever 15 men happen to be wearing the jersey of the New Zealand All Blacks can be the most fearsome outfit known to rugby. New Zealand learned that lesson the hard way on Saturday inside the Stade de France, where the first ever red card in a Rugby World Cup final left the All Blacks a man short for nearly three-quarters of the match against South Africa, the No. 1 rugby union team in the world. The Springboks are a grueling enough machine to face when things go right. But when things go wrong against them from the opening minutes, you end up losing the World Cup.

Organizations: New Zealand, Blacks, Stade de France, Rugby, South, team, Springboks Locations: New Zealand, South Africa

☆ New Zealand PM praises resilient All Blacks despite World Cup final loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins praised the All Blacks for their resilience and determination despite seeing Ian Foster's side slip to a narrow defeat against South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday. "It's been incredible to see the team bounce back from that tough opening game against France and set the tournament alight. "New Zealand looks forward to welcoming the team home and celebrating their achievements." The All Blacks reached the final to defy lowly pre-tournament expectations, after a first-ever home series loss to Ireland and defeats against South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby Championship last year. "It's been an incredible seven weeks of rugby and the team has done New Zealand proud.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, Ian Foster's, Sam Cane's, Hipkins, It's, Ian Foster, Sam Cane, Grant Robertson, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Zealand, Blacks, South, Rugby, . New Zealand, All Blacks, France, Rugby Championship, New Zealand, Springboks, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Paris, ., Japan, Argentina, France, New Zealand, Zealand

☆ 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

☆ South Africans call for holiday as they revel in World Cup success
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - South Africa fans watch New Zealand v South Africa - Cape Town, South Africa - October 28, 2023 Fans celebrate in Cape Town after South Africa win the world cup final REUTERS/Esa Alexander TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Acquire Licensing RightsCAPE TOWN, Oct 29 (Reuters) - South Africans woke up in a jubilant mood and with some sore heads on Sunday, basking in the glory of back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins following their nail-biting 12-11 victory over old foes New Zealand in the 2023 final in Paris. Their record fourth World Cup victory from the eight tournaments they have played was won the hard way, and with no shortage of good fortune. "I think in the last World Cup (in 2019) we were quite ignorant about the game but this time we are all united. I think South Africa obviously had the power over New Zealand in the game." "Siya Kolisi and the 2023 World Cup champions have gifted us an extraordinary and inspiring national achievement that lifts our hearts and hoists our flag even higher."

Persons: Esa Alexander TPX, Johannesburg’s Nelson, Siya Kolisi, Zealand's Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Siya, Tshidiso Mnisi, Cyril Ramaphosa, Hendrick Ngobeni, Ramaphosa, Nick Said, Bhargav Acharya, Rachel Savage, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, New Zealand, South, Rugby World, Springboks, Sandile Ntu, Springbok, Thomson Locations: Africa, New, South Africa, Cape Town , South Africa, Cape Town, Paris, Rugby, Zwide

☆ 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

☆ Ardie Savea named best rugby player of the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Ardie Savea in action with South Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand loose forward Ardie Savea was named World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year on Sunday, despite ending up on the losing side in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final. Savea was chosen ahead of Irish centre Bundee Aki, South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth and France captain Antoine Dupont, who won the award two years ago. Savea is the 11th All Black to win the award, which was first introduced in 2001. His award comes after a stellar season in which he helped New Zealand to win the Rugby Championship and a place in the World Cup final, which they lost 12-11 to the Springboks on Saturday. Ireland’s Andy Farrell was chosen as World Rugby Coach of the Year while All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a won the award for Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Persons: Denis, Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS, Sarah Meyssonnier, Savea, Bundee Aki, Eben Etzebeth, Antoine Dupont, Black, Ireland’s Andy Farrell, Mark Tele'a, Mark Gleeson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Africa's, Rights, Saturday’s Rugby, New Zealand, Rugby Championship, Springboks, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Saturday’s, New

☆ Uncertainty now for Springboks as winning era ends
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

First to be settled is what happens with Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, who is seen as the maverick genius behind the country's successive World Cup triumphs. He was coach in 2019 when they won in Japan but tweaked his role thereafter, relinquished the coaching post to his long-time lieutenant Jacques Nienaber. Both have been lauded for the analytical work and attention to detail and are likely to be sorely missed. None of the winning squad have spoken of quitting, either the game overall or their international careers, but the intensity of the World Cup campaign takes a toll as the 31-year-old centre Damian de Allende explained when asked whether he would continue with the Boks. "I would love to say yes but at the moment I have to take it year by year,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Stephanie Lecocq, Rugby Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Felix Jones, Steve Borthwick, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, ”, “ I’m Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Irish, Leinster, South, England, Ireland, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Japan, Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Europe

☆ 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

☆ A World Cup Final of Rugby’s Super Heavyweights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

PARIS—The Rugby World Cup, a tournament longer than the Summer and Winter Olympics combined, has been going on in France since the first week of September. But two months of bruising competition and occasional upsets have led exactly where history promised: The final that purists wanted to see between the two most decorated rugby nations in the world, South Africa and New Zealand. The Springboks and the All Blacks have each won the tournament three times, meaning that by Saturday night, one or the other will have been crowned champion in seven of the 10 World Cups ever held. And what makes this matchup so compelling is that these two squads couldn’t have taken more different approaches to get there.

Organizations: PARIS, The Rugby, Olympics, Springboks, Blacks Locations: France, South Africa, New Zealand

☆ Rugby World Cup final: Inspirational South Africa captain Siya Kolisi chases history against New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Patrick Snell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —South Africa and New Zealand will meet on Saturday in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time since 1995. On that occasion, it was tournament host South Africa which won a close fought contest 15-12 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time. Twenty-four years on from that enduring moment, it was the inspiring Siya Kolisi who led his country to victory in the 2019 final against England, becoming the first Black captain to lead South Africa to World Cup glory. Indeed, his participation in this year’s World Cup is also nothing short of remarkable. South Africa or New Zealand will become the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

Persons: Webb Ellis, Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Mandela, Siya Kolisi, Kolisi, Richie McCaw, Jeanne Accorsini, ”, England’s Tom Curry, ” Kolisi, he’d, Curry, Thomas Samson, it’s, “, Unwisely, Sam Whitelock, Whitelock, Ian Foster, we’ve, ” Foster, Samuel Whitelock, Sebastien Bozon, Foster, Barrett, – Scott, Jordie, Beauden –, Will Jordan Organizations: CNN, Rugby, South, Springboks, England, All Blacks, World Rugby, Rugby World, Getty, While New Zealand, Kiwis, South Africa, Blacks, Twickenham, New Zealand, New, Stade de France Locations: South Africa, New Zealand, Africa, Zwide, Port Elizabeth, England, AFP, While New, London, France , New Zealand, France, Zealand, Paris

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Springbok forwards know the stakes after final selection gamble
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 26 (Reuters) - South Africa’s forwards know any successful outcome of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final depends on how they dominate New Zealand upfront after the Springboks made a surprise selection gamble for the clash at the Stade de France. "It's going to come down to the forwards," said prop Steven Kitshoff, one of 15 players who were in South Africa's victorious World Cup final squad in Japan four years ago and who starts on Saturday. "We all know the brand and style that the All Blacks play and how dynamic they can be, but for us it’s all about work rate, the scrum battle, the lineout mauling. "It’s always big to play against the All Blacks, but to do so in a World Cup final is like a dream," he said. "I think for a player to play in a game like this, I don’t think it’s ever going to be any bigger.

Persons: Steven Kitshoff, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, we've, De Klerk, Bok, Siya Kolisi, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Saturday’s Rugby, Springboks, Stade de France, New Zealand, Twickenham, Blacks, Ireland, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, New Zealand, South Africa's, Japan, England

☆ All Blacks tweak team with one change for World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

All Blacks coach Ian Foster changed his lock combination again with Brodie Retallick restored to the lineup and Sam Whitelock returning to the list of replacements in the only change to the starting team. New Zealand believe the 35-year-old Whitelock, playing his third World Cup final, is most effective coming off the bench, and could bring an injection of energy at a time when South Africa are refreshing their forwards. Six of New Zealand's matchday squad for the game are previous World Cup winners and the 23-man team has a collective total of 1,387 caps, making it the most experienced All Blacks squad for any of their record five World Cup finals appearances. "We've woken up this week to find ourselves in a World Cup final and we've worked to deal with all the distractions. They (South Africa) are great at their style, we want to be great at ours," added Foster.

Persons: Zealand's Brodie Retallick, Paul Childs, Ian Foster, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Whitelock, Retallick, Scott Barrett, Barrett, Nepo Lualua, Fletcher Newell, Foster, Sam Cane, We've, we've, Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert, Mark Gleeson, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Groupama, REUTERS, Blacks, Kiwis, Saturday’s Rugby, South, Springboks, Ireland, Argentina, New, Foster . New Zealand, Brown, Thomson Locations: Zealand, Italy, Lyon, France, South Africa, MALMAISON, Foster . New

☆ Springbok hooker Mbonambi cleared to play in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

World Rugby were subsequently asked to review a similar incident in a match between the two teams in London last year. "Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby...," it said in a statement. World Rugby added that it accepted that Curry made the allegation in good faith, "and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious." "World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity."

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Lorraine O'sullivan, Bongi Mbonambi, Tom Curry, Mbonambi, Curry, Tom Curry’s, Siya Kolisi, Kolisi, Nick Said, Jason Neely, John Stonestreet Organizations: Aviva, REUTERS, Rights, Saturday’s Rugby, Rugby, England, Springbok, New Zealand, South Africa, World Rugby, Rugby Football Union, RFU, Springboks, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Africa, Ireland, South Africa, Dublin, New, Paris, London, Mbonambi

☆ Forget Twickenham’s record win for Boks, it’s this weekend that counts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

This weekend is the one that counts. "If you look at our bench, even back in 2019, it has had a massive impact for the Springboks," he said. "For us, when we are on the bench, we know we've got a massive responsibility to fulfil. The nice thing is for us is that we can watch the first half and see where we could be falling short as Springboks," Smith added. You've got to be ready and make sure that you use your opportunity when you get it."

Persons: Kwagga Smith, Smith, Scott Barrett, It's, we've, You've, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, All Blacks, Twickenham, Blacks, Kiwis, Kiwi, Springboks, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, Africa, New Zealand, London, South Africa, Japan, England

☆ 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

☆ South Africa's 'eccentric genius' Erasmus continues to divide opinion
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

There is a general view, in the northern hemisphere especially, of how the game should be played, but Erasmus’ Springboks do not conform to that. Former England coach Clive Woodward said if other teams followed suit, the sport would be "dead within five years". And yet since then, many sides have tapped into what they do well, including England, who took the Springbok copybook on their run to the semi-finals this year and almost stunned South Africa in Paris this past weekend. Erasmus raises the ire of traditionalists but almost always sticks within the confines of the laws. And herein lies the other side of Erasmus, the streetfighter who will not lie down and go quietly into the night.

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Erasmus, Clive Woodward, Matt Proudfoot, Sport24, Rassie, Nic Berry, Nick Said, David Holmes Organizations: South, Springboks, New Zealand, Erasmus ’, Erasmus ’ Springboks, Springbok, British & Irish Lions, Erasmus, Guardian, Thomson Locations: CAPE, South Africa, New, Paris, England, Africa

☆ 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

☆ New look for England as Arundell, Steward and Smith start v Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Tom Curry, who will win his 50th cap, moves to the blindside to reprise the successful back row partnership from the 2019 tournament, with Ben Earl at number eight. Scrumhalf Ben Youngs starts his first game of the tournament to extend his caps record to 127, with captain Owen Farrell at flyhalf. Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford and Ollie Lawrence are on the bench. The teams met on the opening weekend of the tournament in Marseille, when England won 27-10 despite having Curry sent off after three minutes. England have also won all four of the teams' pool clashes at the World Cup.

Persons: Henry Arundell, Freddie Steward, Marcus Smith, Steve Borthwick, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ollie Chessum, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Scrumhalf Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Borthwick, Smith, Arundell, Steward, Curry, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlum, Mitch Phillips, Christian Radnedge Organizations: England, Argentina, South, openside, Springboks, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: South Africa, flyhalf, Paris, Chile, Marseille, England

New Zealand and South Africa will contest Saturday's Rugby World Cup final and bring one of sport's most enduring, most intense rivalries to the ultimate stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. The All Blacks and the Springboks — with 102 years of games between them — have met in the Rugby World Cup final just once before, a 1995 showdown that carved out a moment that reverberated way beyond sport. Both teams have won two Rugby World Cups after '95, but never against the other, and to understand the meaning of New Zealand vs. South Africa this weekend at Stade de France in Paris, think Brazil vs. Argentina in a soccer World Cup final. The All Blacks were then beaten by host France in the World Cup opener. ___AP Rugby World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Persons: It's, —, Nelson Mandela, Deon Davids, ” Davids, Ian Foster, “ There’s, Foster, ”, Jacques Nienaber, — Sam Cane Organizations: Rugby, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, South, South Africa —, Ireland, ” STEELY SPRINGBOKS South, France, England, AP Rugby Locations: Zealand, South Africa, New Zealand, New, Africa, Paris, Brazil, Argentina, France, ” STEELY SPRINGBOKS South Africa, — Sam Cane of New Zealand

☆ 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

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