SA RUGBY February 2025

This month's cover story celebrates the inspirational journey of Siya Kolisi, whose leadership has redefined Springbok rugby. From his Zwide roots to captaining South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, Kolisi's influence transcends sport, uniting a nation and inspiring millions. Yet, as much as his leadership defines him, Kolisi's qualities as a player are equally extraordinary and are the reason he has developed into one of the most complete loose forwards in the game today fitting into Schalk Burger's No 6 jersey at the Stormers in 2012 and most recently following the famous Bok fetcher to the No 8 jersey as a veteran. RG Snyman made a famous move in Ireland before the start of this season when he joined Leinster from arch-rivals Munster. Irish Rugby's policy around foreign…

STORMERS 40 SALE SHARKS 0 Lock JD Schickerling marked his 50th appearance for the Stormers with a memorable try in the i Champions Cup match at Cape Town Stadium. SHARKS 8 TOULOUSE 20 Replacement centre Jurenzo Julius gave Sharks fans something to shout about during the Champions Cup match at Kings Park. CASTRES 49 BULLS 10 Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi on the attack at Stade Pierre Fabre. A third defeat in as many pool matches ended the Bulls’ Champions Cup playoff hopes. MONTPELLIER 28 LIONS 5 Lions wing Edwill van der Merwe makes a textbook tackle on Montpellier flank Nicolas Martins as captain Marius Louw comes in to provide support. CARDIFF 26 CHEETAHS 10 I Springbok flank Oupa Mohoje soars above Wales lock Teddy Williams to secure his team's lineout…

DYLAN JACK SAYS THOMAS DU TOIT Thomas du Toit's 2024 marked a significant evolution in his role with the Springboks. The utility prop transitioned from a squad player to a serious challenger for a starting position, through demonstrating his ability to excel on both sides of the scrum. This adaptability proved crucial during the November tour, where injuries tested the Boks’ depth up front. Frans Malherbe's absence from the tour left a gap at tighthead, while Ox Nché's withdrawal before the final game against Wales added to the challenges. Thankfully, Du Toit rose to the occasion and took his opportunities with both hands, for the first time in his Test career showing a consistent impact on both sides of the scrum. In the November tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield,…

FORWARDS 1. GURTHRÖ STEENKAMP Gurthrö was a strong scrummager, big ball-carrier and had an inflict-the-pain attitude. He's a good friend too. 2. ANDREW HORE I've selected him purely for his tenacity. He was like a badger tough, relentless and in your face. 3. CENSUS JOHNSTON One of the biggest and strongest tightheads, who could carry and had skills. 4. BAKKIES BOTHA The true destroyer. 5. VICTOR MATFIELD King of the lineout. He understood movement on the ground, as well as jumping and timing. He was often just too quick for other locks. 6. SCHALK BURGER Schalk had a total disregard for his own safety and an engine that just kept going. 7. THIERRY DUSAUTOIR A true leader and as tough as nails. 8. LOUIS PICAMOLES A big, strong ball-carrier who…

JESSE KRIEL ‘2025 up and running.’ – The Canon Eagles centre with Fat de Klerk, Jasper Wiese and Wimpie van der Walt after a Japan Rugby League One clash against the Urayasu D-Rocks. JC MARS ‘On to the next.’ – The Stormers rookie with Harlequins flyhalf Marcus Smith after making his Champions Cup debut at the Twickenham Stoop. WANDISILE SIMELANE ‘From Jeppe Boys’ to the Champions Cup.’ – The Stormers centre with Harlequins fullback Tyrone Green after a Champions Cup clash in London. FRANCOIS VENTER ‘Grateful for every opportunity. Looking forward to 2025. Let's go.’ – The Sharks centre with Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe after the coastal derby in Cape Town. CRAIG DAVIDSON ‘A Rolls Royce spotted on the Umhlanga promenade this morning,’ – The former Sharks and Springbok…

Thabang M'lodi-Lodder Nong Americans will mess up your brand value. Just look at Manchester United, who were once the epitome of world club football. Now they have been a sh*t club for almost a decade. Emile Gouws The Springboks are a proudly South African brand. Don't sell out. Tracy Lee Wadsworth Keep SA Rugby South African. Please don't sell out to the Americans. Rudi van Niekerk What about a Rupert and Patrice Motsepe combined deal? Then we tick all boxes in terms of equity and status. Ramaphosa can throw in a couple of US dollars – in cash. Njabulo Wela Ramaphosa will, he's just checking his couch to make sure he's got enough. Thomas Bousquet Well done and so deserved. You've set the bar very high! From a passionate French…