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☆ This train goes nowhere. Now it’s a luxury attraction
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Tom Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —South Africa is home to some of the most luxurious, nostalgic train journeys on offer anywhere in the world. But for certain enthusiasts, a train going nowhere is the country’s star attraction. Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge is a hotel in Skukuza in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The culture of steam trains and the culture of historical trains I think is beginning to re-emerge,” says Mabena. “We don’t have a moving steam train, but one day, I think we will.”

Persons: Kruger, Jerry Mabena, ” Mabena, ”, Thuli, Mnisi, “, Vusi Mbatha Organizations: CNN, UNESCO, Heritage, Motsamayi Tourism Group, Staff, Kruger, Park, Bridge Gardeners, springbok, Rand, South African Railway Locations: South Africa, Skukuza, Kruger, Selati

☆ The Extreme 19th: is this the most terrifying shot in sport?
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Golf is nothing like an extreme sport – but it absolutely is in one corner of South Africa. Courtesy Legend Hospitality GroupInto the lion’s denThe seed for The Extreme 19th was planted in November 2000, when Cilliers’ wife Mart surprised him with a family picnic at the summit of Hanglip Mountain for his 41st birthday. Courtesy Legend Hospitality GroupStaff donned crash helmets as balls rained down from above in an attempt to plot the best landing zone. Two icons of British sport have played The Extreme 19th: seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and five-time Olympic rowing gold medalist Steve Redgrave, as well as South African Springbok rugby heroes Frik Du Preez, Naas Botha and Morne Steyn. Courtesy Legend Hospitality GroupCilliers occupies neither.

Persons: Africa’s, they’ve, ”, Peet Cilliers, “, Cilliers, Mart, –, Gary Player, teed, ” Cilliers, “ We’ve, Franklyn Stephenson, Sergio Garcia, Bernhard Langer, Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, Lewis Hamilton, Steve Redgrave, Frik Du Preez, Morne, Morgan Freeman, Nelson Mandela, Matt Damon, Clint Eastwood, ” Freeman scrawled, you’ve, you’re Organizations: CNN, Safari Conservancy, Legend, Rand, Lions, Staff, Golfers, West Indies, –, African Springbok, Naas Botha, Globe, Cilliers Locations: South Africa, Limpopo, Zimbabwe, “, China, Europe, Naas, Morne Steyn, Lake Entabeni, Johannesburg, it’s

☆ 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 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

☆ 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

☆ England claim bronze but need more to challenge the elite
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - From where they were at the end of their dismal warm-ups, England's World Cup was an unqualified success and they were within three minutes of one of the great sporting turnarounds. They arrived amid the gloom of five defeats in six games but finished on a high with six wins out of seven. The skewed nature of the draw obviously favoured them, and reaching the semi-finals looked possible and even probable regardless of their form based on their World Cup history and the quality of players in the squad. Already assured of top spot in their group, England laboured against Samoa before snatching a late victory. "I always believed we would be right... We were clear that the World Cup isn't played in August," he said after clinching third place.

Persons: Tom Curry, George Ford, Henry Arundell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell's, Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Steve Borthwick's, Ben Earls, Borthwick, hasn't, Eddie Jones, isn't, Hooker Theo Dan, Mitch Phillips, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Japan, Samoa, Fiji, Springbok, South Africa, Argentina, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: France, Argentina, England, Marseille, Chile, South Africa

☆ 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

☆ Different feel as England Argentina meet again in bronze final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Of course the one that spoiled that streak was the agonising one-point semi-final defeat by South Africa, but it is still an England team unrecognisable in confidence and execution from the one that endured a dismal August warm-up campaign. England eventually advanced as pool winners, then beat Fiji before their Springbok loss, while Argentina improved to beat Japan to clinch second place then see off Wales in the quarter-final. Borthwick and Pumas coach Michael Cheika followed their defeats by immediately stressing that they were treating the bronze final as a match they were taking very seriously. "Winning the bronze medal is very important for the future and the legacy of the most experienced players. England have also won all four of the teams' pool clashes at the World Cup.

Persons: Steve Borthwick, Tom Curry, flyhalf George Ford, Ford banged, Michael Cheika, Borthwick, Cheika, Owen Farrell, Ford, Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell, Freddie Steward, Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Tomas Cubelli, Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya, Thomas Gallo, Agustin Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matias Moroni, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Ollie Chessum, Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlum, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Mitch Phillips, Christian Radnedge Organizations: England, Rugby, Fiji, Springbok, Japan, Borthwick, Pumas, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Argentina, South Africa, England, Marseille, Wales, New Zealand, flyhalf

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ France flanker Jelonch continues rapid recovery from surgery
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Oct 11 (Reuters) - France flanker Anthony Jelonch will likely continue his remarkable recovery from injury in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against South Africa and may find time to swap notes with Siya Kolisi. The world champions' captain also won a tight race against time to be fit for the tournament after injury. Jelonch, 27, had initially been given little chance of making the tournament, the same as Kolisi, who suffered a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear in April. I gave myself the means to be able to play this World Cup. This injury did me a lot of good and made me grow," Jelonch added.

Persons: Anthony Jelonch, Siya Kolisi, Jelonch, I’ve, ”, Jacques Nienaber, Ed Osmond Organizations: Sunday’s Rugby, South, Uruguay, Springbok, Wales, Thomson Locations: France, South Africa

☆ 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

☆ Springboks still on track to win World Cup - coach Nienaber
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - South Africa's lack of accuracy close to the Ireland tryline and off the kicking tee were major contributors to their epic 13-8 loss in a Rugby World Cup Pool B showdown on Saturday but the belief that they can win the World Cup still burns bright. By contrast, South Africa had numerous entries into the Ireland 22 but a mixture of excellent defence and their own inaccuracy proved costly as they slipped to a first World Cup defeat in nine games. "Hats off to Ireland, we missed a couple of points off the tee but I won't say it's only goal-kicking (that was the problem)," coach Jacques Nienaber said. "We lost two balls close to the Ireland tryline and we had another opportunity late on in the game. Nienaber said the defeat did not in any way diminish their belief that they could retain their World Cup crown.

Persons: Manie Libbok, scrumhalf Faf, Klerk, Jacques Nienaber, Nienaber, Siya Kolisi, haven't, Kolisi, Nick Said, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Marine Strauss, Clare Fallon Organizations: Ireland, Rugby, Springbok, Thomson Locations: Ireland, South Africa, Tonga, Marseille

☆ Melissa Etheridge Is Ready to Rewatch ‘Barbie’
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Sarah Bahr | More About Sarah Bahr | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

5Esther HicksWhen I went through cancer 19 years ago, it was a big wake-up call about health and life. 6My Gibson Chuck Berry 1970s ES-355 Replica Murphy Lab GuitarI recently went down to Nashville with my band and my crew, and we all went to the Gibson Garage. I have to have it.” I think I’ll use it in the last few numbers of the show. It started 20 years ago when I was undergoing chemotherapy and didn’t have the energy to do anything else. I saw “Barbie” on the road recently at a dine-in theater in Lexington, Ky.

Persons: Esther Hicks, Gibson Chuck Berry, Taylor Swift, Barbie ” Organizations: Gibson Locations: Nashville, New York City, Washington Square, Chicago, Kansas City, Westlake, Lexington, Ky

☆ Captain Kolisi backs flyhalf Libbok to lead Springbok attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But Kolisi said his side have no concerns around Libbok in potentially tight knockout contests and there were others who could take over kicking duties if required. "We play as a team and sometimes you are not good at one thing on the day," Kolisi told reporters. "But the way he attacked and the way he takes control of the team, people forget that and remember only the other stuff. "Faf (de Klerk) can kick, Cheslin (Kolbe) can kick, there are a lot of guys we can call upon. South Africa led 6-3 at halftime but Kolisi was not happy with the intensity they showed.

Persons: Siya Kolisi, Libbok, Kolisi, de Klerk, Cheslin, Kolbe, Duane, Vermeulen, Eben, Etzebeth, Libbok’s, Lee Arendse, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby, Scotland, Springboks, Kurt, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, South Africa, Marseille, Africa

☆ South Africa flyhalf Jantjies reveals failed drug test
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 26 (Reuters) - South Africa flyhalf Elton Jantjies said he had tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol, but denies intentionally ingesting the substance as he faces a ban that could end his career. Janties played for French second-tier side Pau this past season and has not turned out for the Boks this year. South African Rugby confirmed they are aware of the failed test. "SA Rugby has noted the statement issued on behalf of Elton Jantjies and confirms it was advised of the adverse finding. Former Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has recently returned to professional rugby following a four-year ban after he failed a drugs test in December 2019.

Persons: South Africa flyhalf Elton Jantjies, Jantjies, Janties, Elton Jantjies, Dyantyi, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Springboks, Rugby, South African Institute for Drug, South African Rugby, SA Rugby, Springbok, Thomson Locations: South Africa, France, Pau, Durban

☆ Cheika bemoans "step back" for Argentina in Springbok loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 6 (Reuters) - Argentina battled at the breakdown in their 23-14 Rugby World Cup warm-up loss to South Africa in Buenos Aires on Saturday as coach Michael Cheika described the defeat as a "step back" in their preparations for the tournament in France. Cheika’s side led 10-3 at halftime against a much-changed Springbok team packed with fringe players seeking to confirm a place in South Africa’s World Cup squad that will be announced on Tuesday. Cheika hopes the performance will be a wake-up call to his side, who start their World Cup campaign with a crunch pool clash against England in Marseille on Sept. 9. If we want to achieve excellence, we need to be able to overcome difficult situations, because in two games we will be at the World Cup. Since we played well last week (in a 22-21 loss to South Africa in Johannesburg), we were complacent.

Persons: Michael Cheika, Cheika, Nick Said, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Springbok, England, Spain, Thomson Locations: Argentina, South Africa, Buenos Aires, France, South, Marseille, Johannesburg, Madrid

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