Wiese not worried about Duane
Jasper Wiese is relishing the battle for the Springbok No 8 jersey with veteran Duane Vermeulen, who the younger back-row bruiser is thrilled to see “playing very good rugby”.
Jasper Wiese is relishing the battle for the Springbok No 8 jersey with veteran Duane Vermeulen, who the younger back-row bruiser is thrilled to see “playing very good rugby”.
Handre Pollard’s lack of game time in the build-up to the World Cup has evolved from a niggle to a serious issue for the Springboks’ hopes of defending their title in France, writes DYLAN JACK.
Lock David Ribbans will feature at his first World Cup, but Henry Slade was the shock omission from England coach Steve Borthwick’s 33-man squad for the global showpiece.
Tendai Mtawarira has sounded the alarm about the strength in depth of France, and sets the stage for a playoff “spectacle” between the Springboks and the World Cup hosts.
Canan Moodie is hoping that his “special” performance against Argentina on Saturday was enough to clinch a spot in the Springbok squad chosen to defend the World Cup.
Canan Moodie stole the show as the fans’ MVP after helping a resurgent Springboks come from behind to beat Argentina in a World Cup warm-up in Buenos Aires.
Veteran lock Brodie Retallick and experienced utility back David Havili were on Monday named in the New Zealand squad for the World Cup, despite injury and fitness concerns.
Ireland suffered a few injury scares in the process of claiming a convincing win over Italy in a World Cup warm-up match in Dublin on Saturday.
Handre Pollard is in a race against time to prove his fitness for the Springboks’ World Cup opener against Scotland, but Siya Kolisi is expected to make his return before the tournament.
Jacques Nienaber admitted that the Springboks have left him and his coaches with plenty to consider after fighting back to beat Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.