The Springboks have endured a tumultuous 2017, from the highs of whitewashing France in June and coming within a dreadful refereeing decision of a win over New Zealand in Cape Town, to the lows of a humiliating 57-0 defeat to the same opposition in Albany and two frustrating draws with the Wallabies. You get … Continue reading Ireland v South Africa: Match Preview
The Return Of The Coming Man
Some of the highlights of this year’s three-Test series between South Africa and France were the stellar performances from Jan Serfontein in midfield. The Springbok centre endured an injury-plagued 2016, and Damien de Allende’s failure to take the chances afforded to him in the 12 jersey opened the door for Serfontein to make it … Continue reading The Return Of The Coming Man
Fall From Grace
This year’s Lions series asked more questions than it answered about the two Test sides involved, but it’s hard to argue that the tourists came out of it the better. Warren Gatland defied expectations by getting his side to play attacking, ball-in-hand rugby rather than territory, and he put aside his preference for certain players, … Continue reading Fall From Grace
Apocalypse Now
Warren Gatland’s appointment as head coach of the 2017 British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand was met with little surprise and jaded responses last September, which probably had a lot do to with the fact that it was a one-horse race. Joe Schmidt ruled himself out of contention at the first mention of … Continue reading Apocalypse Now
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