Latest news with #Springboks'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
X-factor fullbacks each bring something different to Springboks
Aphelele Fassi says the Springboks' three choice fullbacks work together but contribute differently to the side. Aphelele Fassi (right) says he has learned much from veteran Springbok Willie le Roux. Picture: Shaun Roy/While some notable players are missing from the revised 45-man Springbok squad for the early season, all three choice fullbacks are on the list and raring to go. Only Quan Horn has been released due to injury. Aphelele Fassi told the media that he, Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse are working hard in training ahead of their Barbarians Test on 28 June, before three July Tests against Italy and Georgia. While there is healthy competition for the number 15 spot, he said there hasn't been any animosity between the trio. Springboks back each other 'I don't think it's a rivalry. From what the coaches have been telling us, it's being able to build the squad in the right direction, being able to help each other week in and week out,' Fassi said. 'Damian and I have been helping each other with different areas of our game, being able to improve. And with the experience that Willie brings between me and Damian, it's vital for us.' The Springbok fullback said the aim was not to 'bash each other up' but rather lift each other's game. To that end, the players each have various strengths and can contribute differently. 'I think everyone has a different way of playing and we all have X-factor that we want to bring into the game. All we do is help each other and be able to understand what the game plan is and how we want to play as the Springboks, and how your individual X-factor can filter into the team.' Fassi said Le Roux, who now sits on 98 Test caps at 35 years of age, has much wisdom to pass on. 'In situations I don't see or don't know what to do, I feed off him. He's been a massive with me.' Fassi said he sat with Le Roux after training this week and asked him for help. 'The answers that he gave me are something that I really needed and something that builds me going into the season.' Fullbacks encouraged to play with freedom Fassi said the Springbok coaches, and especially assistant coach Tony Brown, have encouraged the backline to play with freedom within the team's game plan. 'You are not boxed up, and that is what we like. We've got players that have got X-factor: Damian [de Allende], Jesse [Kriel], Gaza [Damian Willemse]. To be able to box up those puts them away. 'We are just happy to be able to play the rugby that one knows that they can play, but also that is within the structures.'
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
BaaBaas, with ‘great players in world rugby', a good test for Boks: Rassie
The Barbarians have some hugely experienced, quality campaigners and will provide a fitting opening test for the Springboks' 2025 season, coach Rassie Erasmus said. The Boks face the BaaBaas on June 28 before lining up against Italy in back-to-back Tests in Pretoria (July 5) and Gqeberha (July 12), after which they wrap up the Incoming Series against Georgia in Mbombela (July 19). The Boks are close to being a full contingent of players after the arrival of the Bulls players, Leinster lock RG Snyman and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Handré Pollard, following their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and Gallagher Premiership finals last weekend.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Stormers, Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon bury the hatchet after contract arbitration
Springbok flank will stay at the Stormers following a dispute over a clause in his contract. Dixon has been out of action for a few months because of a wrist injury and was not considered for the Springboks' match against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. However, the Stormers announced on Friday that Dixon will remain with the Cape side for at least the next two years following the outcome of an independent arbitration. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable. T he Stormers were involved in a bit of a standoff with Dixon , who was reportedly looking to get out of his current contract. The two parties were in disagreement over the interpretation of the wording of a release clause in his current deal, which runs until 2027. While the weather in Cape Town has been rather unpleasant, it seems like the animosity between the Stormers and Springboks loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon is a thing of the past. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team, as he has done throughout his career. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the Stormers.' Meanwhile, centre Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the Stormers after first arriving in the Cape on-loan from the Bulls. The fleet-footed centre has been a regular in the Stormers' backline in the United Rugby Championship this season, and Dobson expects to see Simelane continue to grow as a midfield force. 'Wandi has got incredible natural talent which has marked him as a dangerous player from a young age. What we have been particularly impressed with is his willingness to learn and develop his game. 'He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward,' he said. Simelane said that the decision to extend his contract was an easy one given the unique environment in Cape Town. 'At the Stormers, players are encouraged to express themselves and make the most of their abilities. 'I feel that I have grown as a player since moving here and I'm looking forward to seeing where this team can go,' he said. @JohnGoliath82
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks latest: Rassie Erasmus names front row replacements!
Springboks have an array of star injuries, but that doesn't mean they will struggle to fill the positions with arguably just as talented replacements. South African rugby has become synonymous with depth, able to field A and B sides that, many believe, would both be World Cup contenders. However, injuries (especially to regulars) still hurt, and that's something Erasmus is currently navigating. The front row has taken a few blows in the build-up to Springboks' 2025 season. Double World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff was forced into retirement after sustaining a free injury to the neck, while Trevor Nyakane and Frans Malherbe are unlikely to feature this year. Finding additional front rowers shouldn't be an issue for Erasmus, who has already mentioned the likes of Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit and the uncapped Neethling Fouche. 'Frans is unlikely to play this season again, Trevor definitely not,' the Springboks coach noted. 'Neethling is not a boy anymore, around 30 [32], which is a lekker age for a tighthead prop. Thomas du Toit is doing well with Bath. He is one of the top players there. Wilco is doing well.' 'We are not going to change our game. We want to retain that forward power. There will be new faces in the front row this year.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springboks flying blind ahead of Barbarians clash in Cape Town
FILE - Rassie Erasmus and his staff find themselves outside of their comfort zone ahead of the Springboks' match against the Barbarians. Image: Backpagepix The Springboks are flying blind ahead of their season opener against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium next Saturday. The Baabaas are yet to announce their full squad of players for the match, with only a handful of players confirmed. All Blacks Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell will renew their rivalry with the Boks, while Irish legends Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray will also grace the field at the iconic former 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. Normally, Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff would also have some sort of idea how the opposition will play, having watched footage of the team. But how Robbie Deans' team will play is anyone's guess at this point. Normally the Barbarians are a team who likes to give the ball some air and play exciting running rugby with the odd trick play of set pieces. Analysing the opposition is something Erasmus prides himself on. He likes the finer details and always wants to be well-prepared. But now he can just focus on getting his team ready for the match and for the players to try and limit their mistakes next Saturday. 'We are a team that likes to analyse the opposition. We always do that and Felix plays a massive role in that, especially in finding out what the opposition's strengths and weaknesses are,' Erasmus said this week. 'We can't do this with a Barbarians team, but there are also individuals we know, although they will be very late with announcing some of the individuals that will play for them,' Erasmus said. 'The thing is, when they get together, you tell them to play what they see and be entertaining. If you give them bad kicks they will rip you apart. We will try and play really structured in our way and try to get through the game without any mental scars, because that is something that happens if you are in the Barbarian mindset.'
