The Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-final line-up has been confirmed after a dramatic final round of pool fixtures, with South Africa's Bulls and Sharks earning home advantage, while the Stormers will travel to Scotland for a tough clash against Glasgow.

Quarter-Finals Locked In

The Bulls, already assured of second place before the final weekend, rounded off their regular season with a commanding 55–15 win over the Dragons at Loftus Versfeld. Their nine-try performance, dedicated to late teammate Cornal Hendricks, sets up a quarter-final against Edinburgh in Pretoria on Saturday, 31 May.

Joining them at home will be the Hollywoodbets Sharks, who secured third place by grinding out a 12–3 win over the Scarlets in Durban. Despite a scrappy affair marked by handling errors and missed chances, the Sharks did enough to claim the South African Shield and will now host Munster.

The DHL Stormers booked a playoff trip to Glasgow after defeating Cardiff 34–24 in a fiery clash at the DHL Stadium. Both sides received red cards in a match filled with attacking flair and defensive lapses. The Cape side will now face the Warriors on Friday, 30 May.

Leinster, who topped the table, will host the Scarlets in Dublin to complete the quarter-final roster.


Match Highlights

Stormers 34–24 Cardiff
The Stormers struck five tries, with doubles from Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s late penalty sealed Cardiff’s fate. The Cape side’s handling errors, however, remain a concern ahead of their Scottish test.

Bulls 55–15 Dragons
A rampant Bulls side dominated from the outset, with tries from Akker van der Merwe (2), Sergeal Petersen (2), and others highlighting their attacking cohesion. The emotional win was a fitting tribute to Hendricks.

Lions 29–28 Ospreys
Jaco Visagie bagged a brace, and Dobela’s dramatic final score clinched a morale-boosting win. The Lions showcased grit in their final outing of the season.

Sharks 12–3 Scarlets
In a scrappy match dictated by penalties, Aphelele Fassi’s accurate boot delivered the win. While the Sharks’ attack misfired, their resolute defence held firm to secure the home quarter-final.

Upcoming Quarter-Finals

Friday, 30 May

Glasgow Warriors vs DHL Stormers, Glasgow

Saturday, 31 May

Vodacom Bulls vs Edinburgh, Pretoria

Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Munster, Durban

Leinster vs Scarlets, Dublin

URC action pauses for a week to accommodate the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals before the race for the title resumes.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Pretoria, South Africa: In 2001, South Africa briefly became the center of the boxing universe when Hasim Rahman shocked the world, knocking out Lennox Lewis at Carnival City to claim the WBC heavyweight crown. For more than two decades, no bout on South African soil matched that level of global impact—until now.

On May 1, 2025, The Reckoning changed everything. Staged at the sold-out SunBet Arena in Pretoria, The Reckoning was more than a boxing event. It was a defiant return to form, Africa’s roar back into a sport that had left it behind. At the heart of it all was Johannesburg’s Kevin Lerena, defending his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against Ukrainian veteran Serhiy Radchenko.

For South African entrepreneur Dewald Mostert, founder of Legacy Boxing Promotions, the vision was bold: bring world-class boxing back to African soil. At a time when Las Vegas, Riyadh, and London dominate the global fight circuit, Mostert bankrolled a risk few others would take—putting his own money behind an African supercard that featured 23 fighters from the continent, many of whom had long been overlooked by the global boxing establishment.

From the opening bell of the undercard, the tone was set. Rising prospects Gary van Staden and Leo Careeri impressed on debut, Former SA heavyweight champ Chris “The Wolf” Thompson delivered a punishing victory over Malawi’s Mussa “The Elephant” Ajibu. Cruiserweight veteran Thabiso Mchunu, who once pushed current unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk to the brink, secured a hard-fought split decision. Rising names Gary van Staden and Leo Careeri impressed on debut, while crowd favourite Tulz Mbenge clinically dismantled Emmanuel Mungand, who had talked a big game but couldn’t back it up.

By the time Lerena entered the ring more than 7,000 fans including celebrities, politicians, former world champions, and UFC Middleweight king Dricus du Plessis—were on their feet. The atmosphere was electric. Lerena, 32, came in with fire. The former IBO Cruiserweight Champion had seen his career take a detour after a crushing loss to Daniel Dubois in 2022—a bout he nearly won after dropping the Brit three times in one round. That missed opportunity still lingered, especially with Dubois now preparing to fight Usyk in front of 90,000 at Wembley. This was Lerena’s moment to remind the world who he is. “This isn’t just about the belt,” Lerena had said before the fight. “It’s about reminding the world that South Africa belongs at the top of boxing.”

Round one was a slow burn. Then came the eruption. In round two, Lerena unleashed his trademark power. Radchenko, a veteran of many wars, had no answers. Punch after punch rained down. The referee hesitated to step in. Only the bell saved Radchenko from an early stoppage. But the end was near. Just 16 seconds into round three, Radchenko’s corner threw in the towel. The arena erupted.

Visibly emotional in his post-fight interview, Lerena made it clear what this victory meant: “After 14 months out of the ring, I treated this like someone was trying to take food off my kids’ table. Nobody’s doing that. When I show up, I beat anyone, heavyweights, Bridgerweights. I just got a call for a possible big fight. Let’s go, baby!”

The Reckoning wasn’t just a boxing showcase. It was a revival. Fighters were treated with respect. Fans were welcomed. The media was engaged. And the atmosphere? Unforgettable. One thing is now certain: South African boxing is alive, hungry, and ready to reclaim its place on the world stage. And after a night like this,

The Reckoning II can’t come soon enough. Kevin Lerena made his statement. The world heard it.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Tazmin Brits produced a valiant century, but it was not enough to prevent South Africa from falling to a 15-run defeat against India in a dramatic One-Day International played in searing heat at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.

Brits scored a sublime 109 off 107 deliveries, including 13 fours and three sixes, as the Proteas Women chased India’s competitive total of 276 for six. Despite her efforts, South Africa were bowled out short of the target in the final over.

India’s all-rounder Sneh Rana delivered a match-winning performance, earning Player of the Match honours with figures of 5 for 43. Her efforts with the ball followed a composed innings of 78 off 91 balls by Pratika Rawal, who anchored the Indian batting.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, India got off to a solid start with openers Smriti Mandhana (36) and Rawal combining for an 83-run stand. The breakthrough came when all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (1 for 40) dismissed Mandhana, caught behind by debutant wicketkeeper Karabo Meso.

Rawal continued to build the innings, reaching her fifth ODI half-century and combining with Harleen Deol (29) before left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2 for 55) made a crucial double breakthrough to leave India at 154 for 2 in the 33rd over.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (41*) and Jemimah Rodrigues (41) added a vital 59-run partnership to steady the innings, before Rodrigues was dismissed via a sharp catch off the bowling of Masabata Klaas (1 for 43). A late cameo by Richa Ghosh (24 off 14) pushed India to a challenging total, though South Africa’s bowlers—Ayabonga Khaka (1 for 42) and Nadine de Klerk (1 for 39)—claimed key wickets to restrict further damage.

In response, the Proteas Women made an excellent start. Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt (42) added 61 runs during the powerplay, and their partnership blossomed to 140 before Wolvaardt was trapped lbw by Deepti Sharma (1 for 40).

Brits pressed on, supported by Lara Goodall (9) and debutant Meso (7), eventually notching up her third ODI century. Unfortunately, she was forced to retire hurt on 109 due to cramping, leaving South Africa at 170 for 2.

Despite spirited contributions from Suné Luus (28), Chloé Tryon (18) and Dercksen (30), India maintained pressure with disciplined bowling and key breakthroughs. Rana’s five-wicket haul included the returning Brits, who bravely came back in at No. 9.

Two late run-outs sealed South Africa’s fate as India secured victory with four balls to spare.

The Proteas Women will now turn their attention to their next fixture against hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — Mark your calendars, fight fans. On May 1st, South African boxing takes a thunderous leap back into the global spotlight with The Reckoning — a high-octane, no-holds-barred showdown at the cutting-edge SunBet Arena in Pretoria. At the center of the storm? None other than Kevin Lerena, South Africa’s own wrecking machine, defending his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against the tough Ukrainian brawler, Serhiy Radchenko.

For Lerena, 32, this isn’t just a title defense — it’s a mission. After being officially elevated from interim to full champion status when Lawrence Okolie moved up to heavyweight, Lerena now has one goal: to remind the world that South African boxing belongs at the summit of the sport. “This one’s about pride, power, and proving a point,” Lerena declared. “Radchenko’s a worthy challenger — but I’m a different animal. I’m going to knock him out. No doubt.”

Lerena may have tasted defeat in his last bout against Australia’s Justis Huni in Saudi Arabia, but that loss only lit a fire. Back home and reborn, he’s coming into this fight leaner, meaner, and sharper than ever. The former IBO Cruiserweight king, with seven successful title defenses under his belt, is ready to send a message to the world — and to every fighter in the Bridgerweight division.

But The Reckoning isn’t a one-man show. The undercard is stacked with elite South African firepower. IBO Welterweight World Champion Thulani Mbenge puts his skills on display against Namibia’s Emmanuel Mungandjela in a 10-round war. Veteran cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu, known for his silky defense and big-fight experience, will face off with DRC’s Amador Kalonji in what promises to be a tactical yet violent 8-round battle.

Trainer Alex Mchunu, a cornerstone of the local boxing scene, didn’t mince words. “Expect knockouts. All three of our guys — Lerena, Mbenge, and Thabiso — are locked in. They’re not just fighting opponents. They’re fighting to lift an entire nation.”

The all-day card, promoted by Dewald Mostert’s Legacy Boxing Promotions, also shines a spotlight on the future of South African boxing with rising stars Tiisetso Matikinca, Lindokuhle Khuzwayo, and the much-anticipated return of Pretoria’s own Jabulani Makhence.

Outside the ropes, Lerena’s passion runs deeper than belts and paychecks. “Boxing’s not about where you come from. It’s about how far you’re willing to go,” he said. “I’ve been starved of combat. I dream of Radchenko. I wake up thinking of him. And now I’m coming to feast.”

The Reckoning isn’t just a fight card — it’s a statement. A call to arms. A moment of national pride and international attention. The biggest boxing event on South African soil since Lennox Lewis was upset at Carnival City in 2001 is here. And it’s not just going to be epic. It’s going to be unforgettable.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

A historic night for South African boxing is on the horizon as Kevin "2 Guns" Lerena prepares to defend his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against Ukraine’s Serhiy Radchenko at The Reckoning on May 1 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

Presented by SunBet in partnership with Legacy Boxing Promotions, The Reckoning isn’t just a fight card — it’s a full-blown statement. For the first time ever, a WBC world title will be defended on South African soil, and fans can expect an electric night loaded with firepower.

The headline bout pits Lerena, the pride of South Africa with a 30-3 record (14 KOs), against Radchenko, the tough WBC Silver Champion from Ukraine. Originally set for Ukraine earlier this year, the fight was moved after geopolitical tensions, giving Lerena a chance to make history in front of his home fans. "It’s an absolute honor," said Lerena. "I’m proudly South African, and to defend a WBC title here, in front of the Lerena Army, is a dream come true. We’re looking to make history and create a legacy."

Lerena’s journey has been meteoric — from dominating the cruiserweight division with seven successful world title defenses to challenging heavyweight Daniel Dubois and now ruling the newly created bridgerweight class. His hunger for greatness has only grown. "This is just business for me, nothing personal," Lerena said. "I’m a different beast, a different man, and a different animal. People have been messing with the bread for my children. I’ve been starved of fighting. No one is taking food off my table."

Radchenko, who spent nearly a week traveling from Poland to South Africa for this fight, is more than ready to seize his shot. "I have followed Lerena for a long time. I respect him a lot for accepting this challenge," said Radchenko. "It will be my first time as world champion. It’s time to deliver it to me."

Despite the mutual respect, Lerena isn’t taking any chances."I wake up thinking of Radchenko. I go to bed thinking of Radchenko. Everything else means nothing right now," he said. "You’re going to see a starved man in the ring — a well-oiled machine who’s hungry."

Legacy Boxing’s Dewald Mostert emphasized the magnitude of the night. "It’s an honor to host this event and have Radchenko here. Diversity has helped us become a great host. And it’s the first time the WBC title will be defended on home soil."

But The Reckoning is more than just one fight. The undercard is packed with heavy hitters including:

Thulani "Evolution" Mbenge vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela
Thabiso "The Rock" Mchunu vs. Amandor Kalonji
Chris "The Wolf" Thompson vs. Mussa Ajibu
Lindo Khuzwayo vs. Sthembiso Maduna
Tietsetso Matikinca vs. Mbulelo Gubula

Boxing South Africa has hailed the event as a major step forward for the sport locally, but the energy of The Reckoning will be felt worldwide. As Lerena himself says, "If you truly want to be a champion, you have to work like an underdog every single day. Everyone works hard at the top — but what are you doing that’s extra? What’s your story? What do you believe in?"

On May 1, Kevin Lerena isn’t just fighting for a title — he’s fighting for history, for legacy, and for the pride of a nation. You won’t want to miss it.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

South Africa’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises delivered a weekend to remember, with all four sides recording victories in Round 16. The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks cemented their playoff places, the DHL Stormers surged into sixth position, and the Emirates Lions kept their slim hopes alive.

The Bulls opened the weekend by beating defending champions Glasgow Warriors 26–19 in Scotland, despite conceding three tries to two. Johan Goosen’s accurate kicking and second-half tries from Johan Grobbelaar and David Kriel secured a crucial win for Jake White’s men, who remain third on the log with 58 points.

On Saturday, the Emirates Lions snapped a five-match losing streak by defeating Connacht 26–7 at Emirates Airline Park. Renzo du Plessis, JC Pretorius and Edwill van der Merwe crossed for tries, keeping the Lions mathematically in the race for the top eight, albeit still six points adrift with two games remaining.

In Cape Town, the DHL Stormers produced a rampant display to thump Benetton 56–5. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starred with a 26-point haul, including a last-minute try, as the Stormers scored seven tries in a commanding performance. With home games against Dragons and Cardiff ahead, John Dobson’s side are well placed for a quarter-final berth.

The weekend was rounded off with a dramatic comeback by the Hollywoodbets Sharks, who overturned a 19–5 half-time deficit to edge Ulster 22–19 in Belfast. Makazole Mapimpi sparked the revival before Emmanuel Tshituka and Jurenzo Julius levelled matters, with Jordan Hendrikse landing the winning penalty three minutes from time. The Sharks sit fourth on 53 points.

South Africa’s teams will now enjoy a break while the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals take centre stage next weekend, before the URC resumes from 9–11 May.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

South Africa, the most successful nation in Rugby World Cup history with four titles—most recently in 2023—appears unlikely to host the tournament again in the near future. Despite the enduring legacy of the 1995 World Cup, a unifying moment in post-apartheid South Africa, the country’s prospects of staging another edition have faded due to a combination of economic challenges, missed opportunities, and strategic shifts in global hosting dynamics.

The controversial loss of the 2023 hosting rights still stings. Despite being World Rugby’s preferred candidate following the technical evaluation process, South Africa was outmanoeuvred by France’s intense lobbying efforts. The decision provoked public outcry and left a deep scar within SA Rugby. Ironically, France’s hosting resulted in an estimated €70 million (R1.3 billion) loss, attributed to high operational costs, ambitious infrastructure upgrades, and lower-than-expected ticket revenues. For South Africa—with its weaker Rand and ageing stadium infrastructure—the financial burden of hosting such a tournament is simply unsustainable.

While the Springboks took revenge on the field by beating France en route to winning the trophy, the off-field setback had lasting consequences. SA Rugby has since withdrawn from future bidding processes, opting not to pursue the 2035 tournament, citing prohibitive costs and government reluctance to underwrite guarantees such as the R300 million required for the 2023 bid.

The global hosting landscape has also evolved. Australia and the USA are locked in to host in 2027 and 2031 respectively, backed by solid financial resources and modern infrastructure. Spain and a possible joint bid from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are frontrunners for 2035 and 2039, offering the kind of financial clout World Rugby now prioritises.

A senior rugby executive delivered a stark assessment to Rapport last week stating that: “I don’t think South Africa can compete financially to host the World Cup anymore. The World Cup is the only real revenue stream for World Rugby, so they will always go where the big money can be made.”
This sentiment reflects a broader truth: South Africa, while a giant on the field, is increasingly marginalised in the commercial arms race off it. The country's stadiums—many dating back to the 2010 FIFA World Cup—require expensive upgrades, while low ticket price potential and limited public funding further weaken its position.

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin’s recent remarks about favouring regional rotation and possibly returning to Europe for 2035 reinforce the shifting priorities. Reports from September 2024 confirmed SA Rugby had shelved any intentions to bid, further dampening hopes.

The 1995 World Cup remains a cherished moment in South Africa’s sporting history—immortalised by Nelson Mandela handing the trophy to Francois Pienaar. Yet thirty years on, the dream of reliving that magic on home soil seems out of reach. While the Springboks continue to lead the world in performance, the tournament itself appears destined for wealthier, better-equipped nations.

Any thoughts of South Africa hosting the Rugby World Cup in the future may have to be banished. For now, Springbok supporters must continue to watch from afar, proud of their team’s legacy, but painfully aware of their country’s off-field exclusion from the sport it helped shape.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the Proteas Men’s contracted squad for the 2025/26 season, signalling a new era of adaptability and depth ahead of a packed international calendar. A total of 18 national contracts and two hybrid contracts have been awarded for the period 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026.

For the first time, CSA has introduced hybrid contracts – a flexible model acknowledging the evolving nature of the global game. Under this arrangement, experienced campaigners David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen will be available for specific bilateral series and major ICC events. Discussions around the future of Heinrich Klaasen remain ongoing, with a final decision expected in due course.

The national contracts see first-time inclusions for Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans) and Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), both of whom impressed in the domestic circuit. They are joined by the highly rated Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), who made his international debut across all formats this past season.

Other notable names retained include Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, and Kyle Verreynne, who earned contract upgrades during the 2024/25 season.

The upcoming season will test the Proteas’ depth and consistency, with challenging bilateral tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Pakistan, and India, alongside a home series against the West Indies. The schedule also features two marquee ICC events: the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in June and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, commented: “These selections reflect our long-term strategic planning with the World Test Championship and the 2027 World Cup on home soil in mind. The hybrid contracts allow us to strike the right balance between flexibility and continuity.”

Proteas Men’s Contracted Squad 2025/26
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.

Hybrid Contracts
David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Legacy Boxing Promotions and SunBet proudly present The Reckoning, a night of world-class boxing set to captivate fight fans on May 1, 2025, at SunBet Arena, Pretoria. With doors opening at 11:00 and the main card commencing at 19:00, the stage is set for a night of high-stakes combat, headlined by the WBC Bridgerweight World Championship.

South Africa’s own Kevin "KO King" Lerena defends his coveted title against Ukraine’s battle-hardened Serhiy Radchenko, in a contest that promises to be a defining moment in the sport’s history. Lerena, revered for his knockout power and technical mastery, steps into the ring as South Africa’s pride, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Opposing him is Radchenko, a relentless warrior renowned for his endurance and resilience. This showdown is more than just a title fight—it is a collision of skill, power, and will, with both men determined to etch their names in boxing lore.

A Fight Card Stacked with firepower beyond the marquee event, The Reckoning boasts an explosive undercard featuring some of the most formidable talents in sport. Fans can expect electrifying encounters, including:

Tulz Mbenge vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela
Thabiso Mchunu vs. Amandor Kalonji
Chris Thompson vs. Mussa Ajibu
Lindo Khuzwayo vs. Sthembiso Maduna
Tietsetso Matikinca vs. Mbulelo Gubula

Earlier in the day, from 11:00, a stacked day card will see future stars go head-to-head, including Jabulani Makhence vs. Antonio Maiala and Ayabonga Sonjica vs. Sanele Magwaza, ensuring an action-packed lead-up to the evening’s main event.

A night of unrelenting action “The Reckoning” is more than just another fight night—it is a testament to pure, unfiltered competition. This event marks the most significant world title bout on South African soil in over a decade, blending national pride with international prestige. With no frills and no distractions, every round will be fought with the weight of legacy, and the atmosphere at SunBet Arena will be nothing short of electric.

Kevin Lerena: South Africa’s Knockout King. Johannesburg’s own Kevin "KO King" Lerena has long been the standard-bearer of South African boxing. Renowned for his devastating power, ring intelligence, and an indomitable fighting spirit, the 32-year-old WBC Bridgerweight World Champion is on a mission to solidify his place among the greats. As he steps into the ring under the bright lights of SunBet Arena, Lerena is not just defending his belt—he is fighting to cement his legacy as South Africa’s most dominant force in the squared circle.

On May 1, the reckoning arrives. The stage is set. The fighters are ready. Who will emerge victorious? Tickets are available now at www.ticketpro.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between France and South Africa remains etched in rugby lore as a clash of titans. On October 15, 2023, at the Stade de France, the Springboks edged out Les Bleus 29-28 in a match that showcased the razor-thin margins at the pinnacle of the sport. France, buoyed by a roaring home crowd, surged with flair and physicality, only for South Africa’s resilience—epitomized by Eben Etzebeth’s late charge-down and Handré Pollard’s nerveless kicking—to secure victory.

That epic encounter underlined France’s capacity to match the Boks’ intensity, a quality that has only sharpened since. Fast forward to 2025, and the shifting tides of international rugby reveal a compelling truth: France, not Ireland, is the northern hemisphere’s most formidable hope against the reigning world champions.

A New Era Emerges from the Six Nations
Statistical revelations from the 2025 Six Nations have redrawn the global rugby landscape, spotlighting France’s resurgence as a powerhouse. When Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s mastermind coach, spoke to the media in early March 2025, he flagged Ireland as a key concern, citing their recent dominance—winning four of their last five clashes against the Boks, including a tense 2024 series.

He earmarked the November 22 Dublin showdown as a potential highlight of South Africa’s year. Yet, just days later, France dismantled that narrative with a statement performance, crushing Ireland 42-27 at the Aviva Stadium. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a demolition that echoed the All Blacks’ rare triumph at the same venue in November 2024, snapping an eight-year southern hemisphere drought. France’s victory over Ireland signaled a seismic shift, one that Erasmus and the rugby world could not ignore.

After a rocky start with a loss to England in Round Two, France roared back, clinching their first Six Nations title since 2022 with emphatic wins over Italy, Ireland, and Scotland. Their campaign wasn’t just about results—it was a masterclass in dominance, forcing analysts and fans alike to recalibrate expectations ahead of the July internationals and the Autumn Nations Series. As South Africa prepares for a 2025 European tour featuring France, Ireland, Italy, and Wales, it’s clear that France’s blend of tactical brilliance and raw power makes them the northern side to watch.

France’s Tactical Mastery Outshines the Rest
France’s Six Nations triumph was no accident—it was built on a foundation of statistical supremacy. Les Bleus topped the charts with 218 points and 30 tries, driven by winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s record-breaking eight-try haul. Their attack was electric, but their set-piece precision was the bedrock: their maul generated 37 positive outcomes, second only to Scotland’s ruck efficiency, while 58% of their breakdown ball was recycled within three seconds—an elite marker of tempo. Defensively, under Shaun Edwards’ stewardship, they were impenetrable, conceding the fewest tries (10) and maintaining unmatched discipline with the lowest tally of defensive penalties.

Compare this to Ireland, whose campaign unraveled in the tight five. Without Tadhg Furlong anchoring the scrum, their set-piece crumbled against top opposition, and their once-vaunted kicking game grew predictable, stifling their attack. Ireland’s transitional phase—exacerbated by the retirements of Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, and Cian Healy—left them vulnerable, a stark contrast to France’s cohesion. Meanwhile, Italy, despite flashes of brilliance from Ange Capuozzo and midfield stars Nacho Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, floundered, finishing last in tries (10), carry metres, and defensive discipline. Wales, too, hit rock bottom, their record defeats and 59 penalties conceded painting a grim picture of a team in freefall.

South Africa’s Mirror in the North
The parallels between France and South Africa are striking. Both thrive on physicality, set-piece dominance, and tactical kicking—hallmarks of the Boks’ double World Cup-winning formula. France’s use of a 7-1 bench split in three Six Nations matches mirrors South Africa’s strategic substitutions, a tactic that overwhelmed opponents in 2023, including that unforgettable quarter-final. England, with their 6-2 split and territorial mastery, also shares this DNA, but the Boks won’t face them in 2025. Instead, it’s France who loom as the northern reflection of South Africa’s game plan, their 42-27 dismantling of Ireland a warning shot that echoes their near-miss in 2023.

The Paris Showdown: A Clash of Titans
South Africa’s 2025 northern tour kicks off with two home Tests against Italy in July, a side whose inconsistency—evident in heavy losses to France and England—shouldn’t trouble the Boks unduly. The real tests come in November: France in Paris on November 8, followed by Ireland, Italy, and Wales. Ireland will fight hard in Dublin, but their current frailties suggest the Boks could, for the first time in over a decade, enter that fixture as favorites. Wales, mired in disarray, seem unlikely to pose a serious threat.

The defining battle, however, awaits in Paris. France’s tactical evolution since that 2023 quarter-final heartbreak—coupled with their Six Nations heroics—positions them as the northern hemisphere’s ultimate challenger. The Stade de France, where South Africa narrowly prevailed 17 months prior, will host a clash that promises to be more than a game: it’s a collision of rugby philosophies, a test of who truly rules the global stage. Ireland may have history on their side, but France has the momentum, the form, and the firepower. When the Boks step onto French soil, they’ll face not just a team, but a force ready to rewrite the narrative—and perhaps exact revenge for 2023.


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]