SA RUGBY October 2024

At the time of writing, Eben Etzebeth was on his way to Argentina to earn his 127th Springbok Test cap in the Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Santiago. It's fitting that Argentina were the opponents when Victor Matfield played his 127th and final Test for South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Matfield was 38 when he captained South Africa to victory against Los Pumas in the bronze final. Etzebeth turns 33 in October. Matfield was one half of the most famous Bok lock pairing and while Etzebeth is on the brink of matching Matfield's appearance record in record time, it has been his ability to step into the imposing shoes of revered enforcer Bakkies Botha which has entrenched Etzebeth as a Bok great. In a career…

SPRINGBOKS 18 ALL BLACKS 12 Replacement hooker Malcolm Marx scores South Africa's second try in the 74th minute of the Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town. The Boks claimed four consecutive wins against their greatest rivals for the first time since 1949 and lifted the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009. SPRINGBOKS 31 ALL BLACKS 27 The back-to-back world champions face the haka before an epic Test at a sold-out Ellis Park. WALLABIES 12 SPRINGBOKS 30 The Springboks celebrate the first of three maul tries in the second half of the Rugby Championship clash in Perth. Flank Marco van Staden emerged with the ball here, with replacement hooker Malcolm Marx grabbing a double later on. WALLABIES 7 SPRINGBOKS 33 With five minutes of the first half remaining in…

FACE OFF SA RUGBY MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS GO HEAD TO HEAD LINEBREAKS DYLAN JOHNSON SAYS BULLS Having made two URC finals in the past three seasons, the Bulls will shrug off last season's disappointment at the hands of the Glasgow Warriors to finally brine home the trophy in 2024-25. Coach Jake White has added some serious quality to an already strong squad, with Cobus Wiese, Boeta Chamberlain, Aphiwe Dyanti, Alulutho Tshakweni and Nama Xaba providing stiff competition for places and depth around the park. A potent forward pack, consisting of Elrigh Louw (below), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé and Cameron Hanekom bring the physicality and a credible set-piece threat that creates a platform for an exciting backline to launch. The Boks at the back, Kurt-Lee…

FORWARDS 1. GURTHRÖ STEENKAMP He had such skill and athletic ability for such a big man. A true ambassador of the game of rugby. We saw him transform his body more often than not to reach the team's goals. 2. ADRIAAN STRAUSS Toughest one to call, as there are so many greats who have played in this position. Adriaan stands out for me because of his presence, leadership, incredible work rate, and because he is a great man off the field. 3. OWEN FRANKS He landed the hardest hit that I have ever felt. I also considered Dato Zirakashvili, a Georgian I played alongside at Clermont. 4. BRAD THORN A worthy opponent and respect for everything he achieved throughout his career. 5. VICTOR MATFIELD I owe a lot of what…

GRANT WILLIAMS ‘Freedom.' – The Springbok scrumhalf celebrated with the Freedom Cup after an epic Test match against New Zealand in Cape Town. LUKHANYO AM 'For South Africa.' – The Springbok centre celebrated with fellow midfielders Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende after helping the Boks regain the Freedom Cup. WILLIE LE ROUX 'Freedom Cup.' – The Springbok fullback and Malcolm Marx were joined by injured teammate Damian Willemse for celebrations in the Cape Town Stadium dressing room. DALTON PAPALI'I ‘A wee hike up the mountain with the lads.' – The All Blacks flank went sightseeing with Sevu Reece on Table Mountain. HANDRÉ POLLARD `Pearl Valley Golf Course.' –The Springbok flyhalf enjoyed an off day with Damian de Allende in Paarl. RUAN NORTJÉ ‘Blessed.' – The Bok lock with Bulls…

Diana Medanic Wow, wow, wow! I am sure I am a few kilos lighter and my heart… Thank you All Blacks for this awesome game. Congratulations to my beloved Springboks! Niabulo Wela Take a bow Aphelele Fassi, you were outstanding! Sivuyile Ngalo What a game! Fighting spirit from the team, and the young guns showed bravery today. Rassie and his coaching staff are building a monster here. Tuwani Lisingo Great comeback win! They showed a lot of grit and determination in the final quarter of the game. Justin Sequeira I his era is special. Appreciate these moments. We will remember this 30 years from now! Extremely special team and coaching team. Stanley Pretorius Sacha, what a player! Elton le Roux I really thought it was curtains for us today. The…