In a thunderous declaration of their world supremacy, the Springboks, reigning champions of the Rugby World Cup, have set their sights on the Northern Hemisphere giants: Scotland, England, and Wales. The Castle Lager Outgoing Tour promises an exhilarating showcase of rugby prowess as the Boks prepare to defend their crown in November.
Commencing their campaign on November 10th in Edinburgh, the Springboks will renew their rivalry with Scotland, a team they vanquished in a commanding display during the opening match of their triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup journey. The clash promises to be a test of wills as the Boks seek to extend their dominance over the Scots.
The battleground then shifts to London on November 16th, where the double world champions will face off against England, their old adversaries at Twickenham. Memories of their victorious showdown in 2022 still echo through the hallowed grounds, igniting anticipation for another epic encounter.
Venturing into the dragon's lair, the Boks will conclude their tour in Cardiff on November 23rd, where they'll lock horns with Wales at the Principality Stadium. This will mark their second encounter with the Welsh in the same year, following their earlier clash at Twickenham in June.
Coach Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Boks' resurgence, expressed eagerness for the forthcoming battles, stating, "Facing Scotland, Wales, and England on the year-end tour, two of which we faced in the World Cup, will be fantastic for the team and the players."
Indeed, the tour represents a golden opportunity for the Boks to gauge their mettle against the finest in the Northern Hemisphere. With a thrilling season ahead, including home Test series against Ireland and New Zealand, as well as clashes against Portugal, Australia, and Argentina, the Boks are poised to conquer new frontiers and etch their indomitable legacy in the annals of rugby history.
As the world watches with bated breath, the Springboks stand ready to defend their title and showcase the relentless spirit that has made them champions of the rugby universe.
Springbok fixtures:
Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Sunday, 10 November: Scotland vs SA (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
Saturday, 16 November: England vs SA (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 23 November: Wales vs SA (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks brought South African rugby fans some joy in an otherwise mixed weekend, as both teams secured impressive victories to advance to the quarter-finals of their respective European competitions.
The Vodacom Bulls, who delivered a stunning 59-19 victory over Lyon in Pretoria, will now face the Northhampton Saints in England next Saturday in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, following their dominant 47-3 win against Zebre Parma in Durban, will host Edinburgh in their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final.
However, it was disappointment for the other three South African sides. The DHL Stormers suffered a heartbreaking last-minute 22-21 defeat against defending champions Stade Rochelais in Cape Town, while the Toyota Cheetahs fell short against Clermont Auvergne with a 27-22 loss in France. The Emirates Lions also faced a frustrating 27-17 defeat against Benetton in Italy, despite the hosts receiving a red card early in the second half.
Vodacom Bulls Roar to Victory
The Vodacom Bulls showcased their dominance against Lyon, outscoring the visitors nine tries to three for a comprehensive win. Sebastian de Klerk and Embrose Papier each scored two tries, with the team's attack proving relentless. Lyon struggled to match the Bulls' intensity, with the French team forced to settle for scraps throughout the match.
Heartbreak for DHL Stormers
It was a tale of heartbreak for the DHL Stormers as they narrowly missed out on a win against Stade Rochelais. Despite a strong first half, where they entered the break with a 13-0 lead, injuries and a yellow card to Marcel Theunissen in the second half allowed the defending champions back into the game. A missed conversion on the stroke of fulltime denied the Stormers a victory, ultimately leading to their exit from the competition.
Toyota Cheetahs' Brave Fightback Falls Short
The Toyota Cheetahs staged a strong second-half comeback against Clermont Auvergne, scoring three tries after being 27-3 down. Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure a late victory, with Clermont holding on for a 27-22 win.
Emirates Lions' Disappointing Exit
The Emirates Lions faced a frustrating defeat against Benetton, despite the hosts receiving a red card in the second half. The Lions were unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage, ending their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a 27-17 loss.
Hollywoodbets Sharks Dominate Zebre
In a commanding performance, the Hollywoodbets Sharks outclassed Zebre Parma with a 47-3 victory. The Sharks' attack was relentless, scoring seven tries to secure a home quarter-final against Edinburgh.
The quarter-finals promise to deliver more exciting rugby action, with the Bulls and Sharks flying the flag for South Africa as they continue their European campaigns.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial phase in the CSA T20 Challenge, as they face some important matches in the near future. Their path to the later stages of the tournament begins with a thrilling match against the DP World Lions at the DP World Wanderers on Friday.
The Dolphins, currently in fourth place, have an incredible chance to make significant progress in their quest for a home semi-final spot. With a few victories in the upcoming matches, they have the potential to climb up the standings, paving the way for a powerful conclusion to the tournament.
The Dolphins have a busy weekend ahead, with matches lined up for both Friday and Sunday. They are determined to secure consecutive wins and maintain their winning streak. The team's next matches will be against the Lions, a strong opponent they previously triumphed over in an exhilarating match in Durban. They will also face the Auto Investment North West Dragons in Potchefstroom on Sunday.
Assistant coach Mduduzi Mbatha highlighted the team's unwavering dedication to this pivotal stage of the competition. "We are thrilled about this phase and fully grasp the significance of reaching our peak at the perfect moment," Mbatha expressed. "We have pinpointed the crucial areas we need to concentrate on and are on the verge of delivering a flawless performance."
"We have been putting in relentless effort to ensure that every aspect of our game - bowling, batting, and fielding - is performing at its peak," he stated. "The team's remarkable cohesion has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in our triumphant journey thus far, and it will undoubtedly prove to be of utmost importance as we navigate the thrilling climax of the competition."
As the Dolphins gear up for their upcoming matches, they have a chance to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Mbatha, however, stresses the significance of focusing on each game individually. "Our focus is solely on the upcoming challenge, as we prepare to face the Lions at the Wanderers this Friday," he elaborated. "In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, anything can happen, and it's crucial for us to flawlessly execute our game plan in every single match."
In their recent match against the AET Tuskers, the Dolphins were thrilled to have Tristan Luus join their team. Luus showcased his skills with impressive figures of 2/30 and made a crucial run-out that had a significant impact on the game. Mbatha is thrilled about Luus's immense potential and the valuable impact he brings to the team's overall dynamic.
"We are eagerly anticipating Tristan's development and the unique contributions he will make," Mbatha expressed with enthusiasm. "The way he played against the Tuskers really highlighted his talent, and it's clear that he has a promising future ahead of him."
With the Dolphins preparing for their upcoming fixtures, they have managed to maintain a well-balanced squad that combines the energy of youth with the wisdom of experience. The team's strong unity has played a crucial role in their successful campaign up to this point, and they are determined to maintain this momentum as they head into the playoffs.
The squad of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins is a dynamic blend of experienced players and promising young talents. Some notable names in the team include Ottniel Baartman, Khaya Zondo, Grant Roelofsen, and Andile Phehlukwayo, among others. With a well-rounded roster and a strategic game plan, the Dolphins are poised for an exhilarating finale to the T20 Challenge.
Photo: Gallo
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the sixth and penultimate round of the HSBC SVNS 2024, will take place in the electric Hong Kong Stadium and will feature the best men's and women's rugby sevens teams in the world. One hundred and twenty thousand people, anxious to see the exciting action, are predicted to attend this legendary event from April 5th to 7th.
On Wednesday, the captains of the twelve teams taking part in the festival got into the spirit by dressing up for the traditional captains' photo in front of the iconic South stand at the stadium. Everything is getting ready for what should be an exciting and dramatic weekend on and off the pitch.
With a commanding 20-point lead, Argentina is in a position to win the SVNS 2024 League Winners title in the men's competition. On the women's side, things are getting exciting as we move into the last regular season round in Singapore from May 3rd to May 5th, where Australia and New Zealand will be competing for the crown.
Fans will get to see Michael Hooper, Australia's most capped men's test player, play in his seventh test match, even though French superstar Antoine Dupont isn't playing for France this time. Following the previous round in Los Angeles, the pools for the Hong Kong Sevens were chosen by the legendary sevens player Waisale Serevi of Fiji, ensuring that some intriguing pairings would be formed. In Men's Pool A, you'll find Australia, Canada, Fiji, and France, all of which have won the Olympics twice. The current leaders of the SVNS, Argentina, are in Pool B with the USA, Great Britain, and defending champions of the SVNS, New Zealand. South Africa, Samoa, Ireland, and Spain make up Pool C.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Proteas Women's team is gearing up for the T20 International (T20I) series finale against Sri Lanka in East London, with seamer Tumi Sekhukhune emphasizing the team's determination to secure a convincing series win in spin-friendly conditions. With one win each for South Africa and Sri Lanka in the first two games, all eyes are on the final showdown scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, at the Buffalo Park Stadium starting at 18h00.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sekhukhune highlighted the team's goals in T20I cricket, especially with the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaching. "We need to get that momentum going. We need to clean the series and get 3-0," she said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to subcontinental conditions.
In the second T20I in Potchefstroom, the Proteas Women got off to a strong start thanks to Anneke Bosch's half-century, but Sri Lanka fought back to restrict South Africa to 137/8. Sekhukhune stressed the need for the middle-order batters to capitalize on such strong starts and aim for scores above 180 consistently.
Despite facing challenges with injuries and limited game time, Sekhukhune expressed her eagerness to earn a spot in the upcoming World Cup squad, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and growth in the game.
The series finale promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for supremacy. Fans can expect an exciting display of cricket as the Proteas Women aim to clinch the series victory.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Benoni: As the stage is set for an electrifying T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka, Proteas Women's captain Laura Wolvaardt has laid out her team's ambitions for the upcoming three-match contest, scheduled to thrill fans in Benoni, Potchefstroom, and East London from March 27 to April 3.
The action kicks off on Wednesday, March 27 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, with the match airing live on SuperSport Grandstand (Channel 201) at 18h00 SAST. Fans can grab tickets either at the stadium or online via TicketPro starting from R40.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the series opener, Wolvaardt emphasized the importance of these T20Is in the lead-up to the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. She remarked, “We don't have much cricket left as a group before the World Cup, so these three T20Is are very important to try different combinations and to finalize the starting XI that we'd like to have for the World Cup.”
Despite South Africa's impressive track record against Sri Lanka in T20Is, with 10 wins out of 14 matches, the Proteas faced a narrow three-run defeat the last time these two teams met in the T20 World Cup in February 2023. Acknowledging Sri Lanka's recent form, Wolvaardt commented, “It’s not a series that we're taking lightly at all. Sri Lanka has been very good in the past couple of months, beating England as well in the T20I series, so we're going to be looking to start strong on the front foot.”
After a challenging series in Australia, Wolvaardt is optimistic about her form, having rediscovered her rhythm during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India earlier this month. She shared, “I didn't have my best series in Australia, especially in the ODIs and the Test match, but I was able to have one or two good knocks in the WPL, so I was very grateful to get a few games over there and just to have fun and enjoy the experience.”
Looking ahead to the series, Wolvaardt expressed excitement about former captain Suné Luus potentially breaking the T20I caps record for Proteas Women. She noted, “She's been a part of the side for probably as long as anyone can remember and has been performing well with the bat lately. Having captained the side in the past, having that experience and having that many T20Is, helps a lot.”
The upcoming T20I series promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams prepare to showcase their skills and stake their claim in the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Proteas Women Squad (T20I Only) - Inbound Tour against Sri Lanka
Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso* (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Fixtures - South Africa Inbound Tour vs Sri Lanka 2023/24
T20 International Series:
Wednesday, 27 March @ 18h00: 1st T20I - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Willowmoore Park, Benoni)
Saturday, 30 March @ 14h00: 2nd T20I - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom)
Wednesday, 03 April @ 18h00: 3rd T20I - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Buffalo Park, East London)
50-over Warm-Up Match:
Saturday, 06 April @ 10h00: South Africa XI vs Sri Lanka XI (Buffalo Park, East London)
One-Day International Series - ICC Women’s Championship:
Tuesday, 09 April @ 14h00: 1st ODI - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Buffalo Park, East London)
Saturday, 13 April @ 14h00: 2nd ODI - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Diamond Oval, Kimberley)
Wednesday, 17 April @ 14h00: 3rd ODI - South Africa vs Sri Lanka (JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom)
Photo: Gallo
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
25 March 2024 - Lions Cricket is buzzing with excitement as 17-year-old matriculant Kwena Maphaka joins the Mumbai Indians for this year's Indian Premier League. This marks the third Pride member from Lions Cricket to join the IPL this season, showcasing the talent nurtured within the Lions Cricket ranks.
President of Lions Cricket, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, is proud to see Maphaka join the ranks of the Mumbai Indians, with the esteemed Dr. Moosajee himself serving as the official team doctor for the Rajasthan Royals.
Adding to the pride is #ThePrideOfJoburg's KG Rabada, who, after a stellar performance in the CSA T20 Challenge, has been signed by the Punjab Kings. Rabada's consistency and skill have made him a standout player, representing Lions Cricket on the international stage.
Russell Domingo, the Head Coach of DP World Lions, expressed his excitement for Maphaka's opportunity, highlighting the youngster's talent and work ethic. Domingo praised Maphaka's contribution to the team, especially his ability to take crucial wickets early in the game and perform under pressure.
Allan Donald, the Bowling Coach of DP World Lions, echoed Domingo's sentiments, stating that Maphaka is a rare talent with a bright future ahead. Donald compared Maphaka to Rabada, noting their shared determination and confidence in their abilities.
Maphaka's journey from the local schooling system to the IPL is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the support of the coaching staff at Lions Cricket. His inclusion in the Mumbai Indians squad is not only a milestone in his career but also a source of pride for Lions Cricket and South African cricket as a whole.
As Maphaka embarks on this exciting chapter, Lions Cricket wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him shine on the international stage.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Marais Erasmus, a seasoned umpire, has had an illustrious career spanning 18 years at the highest echelons of the game, earning admiration from Cricket South Africa (CSA). Erasmus recently concluded his incredible journey with his final appearance in the second Test between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch.
Having made his international debut in 2006, the seasoned official has overseen a remarkable 82 Tests, 124 Men's One-Day Internationals, and 43 Men's and 18 Women’s T20 Internationals. He has experience covering major events such as the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s and the 2021 and 2022 ICC T20 Men’s World Cup finals in Dubai and Melbourne.
Erasmus has been recognized as the ICC Umpire of the Year three times, showcasing his outstanding skill and dedication to fair play.
CSA is currently in talks with Erasmus to potentially leverage his extensive experience for the betterment of the cricketing community moving forward, in light of his remarkable accomplishments.
Looking back on his retirement, Erasmus said, "It's been an incredible journey, and I never imagined it would span 18 years." When focused on your work, thoughts about contributions to officiating only arise upon reflection after completion. Hoping for success to inspire many South Africans to pursue umpiring. Being in this role is incredibly rewarding!
Erasmus also thanked his family for their constant support throughout his career, recognizing their understanding and encouragement during long periods away from home.
"My family has been incredibly supportive, with my wife Adéle being a source of strength, and my sons Chris and Geo developing into outstanding young men." Despite facing several challenges over the years because of being away from home, they stayed strong and optimistic.
The CSA Chief Executive Officer expressed gratitude to Erasmus for his valuable contribution to cricket, highlighting Marais' exceptional umpiring skills and unique perspective gained from his experience as a player. He is highly respected and has an unmatched connection with today's players.
"He has not only been a guardian of fair umpiring but has also played a crucial role in enhancing the spirit of cricket, and on behalf of CSA, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the game."
CSA is dedicated to promoting excellence in officiating and is excited about the ongoing development of cricket with the leadership of experienced individuals such as Marais Erasmus.
PHOTO: GALLO
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge kicked off with a bang as the Western Province, Titans, Lions, and Warriors delivered stellar performances, captivating fans with their thrilling victories.
In a nail-biting match at Boland Park, Momentum Multiply Titans, led by the seasoned Aaron Phangiso, secured their second win in a row by defeating Gbets Rocks by four wickets. Phangiso's all-round brilliance, with a crucial 25 off just 9 balls and a miserly 1/16 with the ball, proved decisive in the Titans' triumph.
Meanwhile, at World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground, Western Province cruised to a seven-wicket victory over AET Tuskers. Jonathan Bird's explosive unbeaten 61 off 33 balls stole the show, guiding his team to a comfortable win with 45 balls to spare.
In another thrilling encounter, Dafabet Warriors dominated Hollywoodbets Dolphins, clinching victory by seven wickets at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Jiveshan Pillay and Matthew Breetzke's solid performances with the bat ensured a smooth victory for the Warriors.
Lastly, at Potchefstroom, DP World Lions emerged victorious against Auto Investments North West Dragons, securing a nine-wicket win with a stellar performance from Reeza Hendricks. Hendricks' destructive 57* off 30 balls, coupled with a strong bowling display from Junaid Dawood and others, sealed the Lions' victory.
The CSA T20 Challenge has set the stage for an exciting season of cricket, with these four teams showcasing their talent and determination. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and standout performances from these top teams.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The much-anticipated test match between the Springboks v Ireland at Loftus taking place on 6 July 2024 has been SOLD OUT.
General ticket sales to the public opened on 4 March at 9h00 and were SOLD OUT on the same day, another ground-breaking feat by Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Hospitality tickets remain available but are limited. Fans are urged to make these purchases as soon as possible should they wish to be part of what promises to be the biggest rugby encounter for 2024. Please visit bulls.ticketpro.co.za, email @ or call 082 805 3150 to book your hospitality tickets.
Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone, “It’s the third SOLD OUT test match at Loftus Versfeld in the past three years, which is an amazing sign for rugby in South Africa, and especially Pretoria where rugby fever is at an all-time high. With the rivalry between these two amazing test sides growing in stature, fans are in for an absolute treat. I do not doubt that this test selling out in such a short time will have a positive impact on the sales for the remaining test matches to be played in South Africa later this year.”
South Africans will be spoilt for choice with a host of Test matches in 2024. The Springboks’ home Test schedule:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
PHOTO: VODACOM BULLS
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]