The Springbok speedster has been married to Layla for five years, and they have welcomed three children to the family in that time.

Given that her husband is now a senior Springbok, Layla has to be considered one of the seniors WAGs around the Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

Kolbe popped the question to Layla as he was preparing to take his career overseas, and she obviously said yes.

An accountant by trade, she also holds a degree in her chosen field.

Stand by your man

She is one of the more outspoken wives in the group and has made a stand in defending her husban in the past.

The best example of this coming when she had to refute the claim that Kolbe had rejected a R15 million offer to return to the Stormers after the World Cup.

“I am so sick and tired of having to read articles (about) us that are sensationalised and speculation!

“And we have to just sit back and watch how our name gets tarnished! First it was said it’s not safe in South Africa for us, now its this!!! Cheslin did not say it’s not safe enough in SA for us.

“He would’ve loved to go back to the Stormers!

“Secondly: he did not turn down a R15m offer!!!! That was not put on the table.

“Yes the wife spoke out,” she said.

Snaps with the Cup

The Springbok star’s wife reflected on the night her husband and teammates won the cup with some frustration.

“Bothered me that we couldn’t get ‘the perfect family photo with the cup’ that night,” Layla Kolbe said.

She also added: “Couldn’t even get us all on the field!

“But just realised, a whole month later, it wasn’t about the cup for us as a family, but all the sacrifice along the way, behind the scenes and the significance of it alone is so much more!”

Layla Kolbe weds Springbok

The Kolbes tied the knot on 18 December 2017 at the Webersburg Estate in Stellenbosch. Cheslin wore a dashing three-piece suit in navy blue accompanied by a dotted black bow tie and brown shoes. Meanwhile, the bride was resplendent in a classic white gown with an open back, that swept to the floor.

Layla is a mother of three with two daughters and a son.

ALSO READ: Bulls lure Stormers wing to Loftus

This one is different says Springbok star

Mbonambi believes that the Springboks will need to outwork their rivals to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy again.

ALSO READ: New Zealand embarrassed at World Rugby U20 Championship

“Obviously four years ago it was a totally different story. We were a bunch of new players coming together with a new coaching staff and new plans. So it did take us longer than usual to prepare and to be aligned,” Bongi Mbonambi told reporters.

“But now we are finding our rhythm, becoming aligned quicker, because we have known each other for four years. So we know what the coaches expect from us and as players we know what to expect from each other.

“We definitely are working harder because we know we can’t do the same things we did four years ago, because then you will fall off the bus. We are putting things in place and having the whole group together we are making sure we are aligned with the plan.”

The privilege of delivering on expectations

With glory captured in 2019, the expectations of a nation are raised but Mbonambi says that it is all part of the privilege of being a Springbok.

“With South African fans we have expectations put on us in every single game we play, not just in a World Cup year. So we do feel those expectations,” said Mbonambi.

“But like coach Rassie always said, we don’t see playing for the Springboks as pressure, it’s an honour and a privilege. The pressure is just being a normal South African citizen from day to day.

“So when we go out there we do feel nervous but excited as well. We know the expectations that the fans put on us and we love it. I would rather have expectations put on us than not having any expectations, which would make life very boring.”

Kolisi paid emotional tribute to the coach recalling their first ever meeting.

The skipper showed just what the coach means to the Springboks.

ALSO READ: Rugby Union won’t be the same after 2026

Kolisi said: “I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs. I got out [of that contract] and then I was able to go to Western Province.

WATCH: Siya Kolisi stuns press conference

Kolisi is grateful for everything he has learned from Nienaber down the years.

ALSO READ: Springboks unveil 2024 home Test schedule

“That is when I met Jacques [Nienaber], when I got to the [Western Province Rugby] Institute,” he continued

“He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy.

ALSO READ: How much does Cheslin Kolbe get paid at Tokyo Sungoliath?

“That is where our foundation as a group [was laid].

“Eben [Etzebeth] was there, Frans Malherbe was there. A number of other guys who played professionally were there,” he said of the institute.

ALSO READ: The most succesful Springbok coaches in Test rugby

“When Jacques and the other coaches came, it was the full contact – they called of ‘koppe-stamp’ [full-on head-to-head].

“[In those sessions] you had two show who you are.

“Every time they came it was intense.

“I got to know him then already and as I went on he became my senior coach.”

Beyond the pitch

Kolisi added that Nienaber really takes an interest in his players which makes a huge difference.

“One thing I love about him is, he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field,” the skipper said.

“He got to know me, my family, and why I do what I do.

“He speaks to us as a team – him and coach Rassie] with human courtesy.

“They didn’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is.

“He goes on who am I playing for? What is driving us?

“He knows my kids by name and asks me how I am doing as a person.

“That is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township.

“He tries to bring him out of me, every time I play.

“For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player.

“That’s what he brings to this team.

“And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around.

“I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him.

“The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out.

“He is always honest.

“I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“It was tough when he went away [to Munster] for two years.

“When he returned, we just clicked. We didn’t have to get to know each other again.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] changed things, because they love the country.

“Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky to have him.

“The amount of work he puts in, the detail they get in, it makes life so much easier.

“All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there.

“He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband.

“I will always be thankful.

“When I first met him I couldn’t tackle. After that year, of playing ‘koppe-stamp’ every day, I had to learn how to tackle.”

Two coaches managed to maintain perfect records as Springbok head honcho but both had relatively short stints in charge.

The most succesful Springbok coaches

Felix Du Plessis coached the Springboks for one match in 1964 in an age where the very notion of coaching was anathema to some in the rugby union community.

ALSO READ: Springbok coach reveals why he stepped down

Kitch Christie was given his Rugby World Cup brief in 1994 after Ian McIntosh led the Springboks on a disastrous tour of New Zealand that saw them fail to win a Test. Christie executed that brief expertly, building his team for the Rugby World Cup around a core group of Lions players that he knew well led by Francois Pienaar.

Jacques Nienaber finished his tenure as Springbok with a nice 69% win-rate, which puts him between the likes of Nick Mallet (71%) and Jake White (66%) for context on his overall reign. Mallet’s reign is often under-rated because it appeared to taper off terribly but his role in modernising Springbok rugby is undeniable.

Rassie Erasmus will be the first man in the modern era of the game to return for a second stint as head coach in 2024. His first stint saw the Springboks maintain a 65% win-rate in Test matches.

Springbok coach win-rates

What Nienaber meant to the Boks

Siya Kolisi has lauded the impact of Nienaber on his own career and the path of the Springboks.

“I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques,” Kolisi explained. “He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].

“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had to show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do.

ALSO READ: The ten richest rugby players in the world in 2023

Popular coach

“He speaks to us with human courtesy,” said Kolisi of Jacques Nienaber’s manner.

ALSO READ: South Africa’s royal family

“They don’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

ALSO READ: Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber breaks down in tears

“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”

“After the game, you shake the guys’ hands and probably 12 out of the 23 told me, ‘See you guys in the final’,” Etzebeth said on the latest episode of The Rugby Pod with Jim Hamilton. “My immediate thought was because of the way the logs worked, we were going to play France and they were going to play New Zealand.

“That remark that they made – ‘see you guys in the final’. I just thought these guys were making a big mistake to look past probably the most dominant team in the last 20 to 30 years of Test rugby. Surely, they can’t.”

Ireland was ultimately knocked out of the tournament by New Zealand in the quarter-finals, while the Springboks went on to win each of their playoff matches by one point.

Now, in a follow-up podcast, Etzebeth’s recollection has drawn a rather insulting response from former England flyhalf Andy Goode.

“I’m going to call him out,” Goode said. “I call bulls***. You ain’t counting to 12 or 13 straight after a game, son! I reckon if anyone said it they would have said, ‘Hopefully, see you in the final’. Meaning we know we are both going our separate paths now,” Goode added.

“And there is no way Eben can count to 12 shaking people’s hands. You’ve been in that situation where you are absolutely blitzed; no one knows what is going on.

“You have just lost a game. Your emotions are everywhere. You ain’t going, ‘One, two, three, four, five, Caelan Doris, that’s the sixth person to say it’. It’s not happening, is it?

“What I think they probably said is, ‘Hopefully, see you in the final’ or whatever because the Irish are good people. There’s not a f****** chance that they have gone there, and it’s been interpreted the way it has or the way it is in Eben’s head.”

*What do you think of these two differing opinions? Let us know by leaving a comment at the end of the article

Eben Etzebeth has shared strong opinions of late

Last month, England international Courtney Lawes made headlines when he delivered a chirp in the direction of South Africa and the Bulls.

With Bulls coach Jake White having opted to select a weakened side for a Champions Cup knockout game, Lawes questioned the thinking behind it.

“It’s a very South African thing to do, with the whole carnival around it,” Lawes also stated on the Rugby Pod. “Putting things out in the press that there are eight different flights, but I can guarantee you that it wasn’t eight different flights.

“The players got there at pretty much the same time, with the staff coming in at different times, but a lot of things were exaggerated. It was a great way of taking pressure off themselves, disrupting us, and getting us thinking about different things.”

‘Rather keep your mouth shut’

However, Eben Etzebeth responded to Lawes with his own emphatic point of view.

“The Bulls got a lot of criticism their way, and unfairly, I think. Obviously, I saw some players like Courtney Lawes mentioning something, and that’s a ‘South African way’, I don’t know why he mentioned the whole of South Africa,” Etzebeth said.

“He surely doesn’t know what’s going on in South Africa, so he must rather keep his mouth shut. It’s Jake’s call. If you’re head coach, you must be able to select whoever you want to. In the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, if you reach the top four and you don’t have a home semi-final, then the chances of you winning that comp is really low,” Etzebeth added.

“They had to go away in the quarters and then probably go to Leinster and then play again in Europe against maybe Toulouse, so it’s always going to be difficult.”

The rugby body said that it was the first prosecution for online hate at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and “further cases are pending across five jurisdictions”.

Banned from all World Rugby events

The man, identified by Australian media as Aaron Isaia, a youth worker from Brisbane, pleaded guilty an online harassment charge on Monday and was handed an A$1 000 good behaviour bond.

He will also be banned from all World Rugby events.

“World Rugby welcomes this landmark outcome,” chief executive Alan Gilpin said in a statement.

“The vile and toxic abuse is an all-too-common occurrence for many sports men and women and public figures.

“We hope that this sends a very strong message to online trolls that such behaviour is totally unacceptable and that the sport and the authorities are prepared to take action.”

New Zealand-born

The New Zealand-born Isaia, 22, sent a television match official (TMO) and his wife threatening and abusive messages via Facebook during the World Cup.

He was tracked down by a World Rugby online abuse programme supporting match officials and their families.

Separately, Wayne Barnes, who refereed the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand in Paris, reportedly received death threats afterwards, as did TMO Tom Foley.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

HANDRE POLLARD HAS ICE IN HIS VEINS

What do Handrè Pollard and the legendary François Steyn have in common? Well, they’ve both slotted massive penalties to help their sides to Rugby World Cup knockout wins against England. Frans Steyn did it in the biggest game of all back in 2007 in France when he was just 20 years old, seemingly unperturbed by the unbearable pressure heaped on his shoulders. He converted from 48 metres in the 62nd minute in the final to give the Springboks a 15-6 lead. England never recovered. Pollard said the nerveless penalty in last year’s semi-final was the best strike of his career.

Frans Steyn the maverick

In a generation of physically brutish robots playing according to a script, Frans Steyn was the maverick that every pack of cards needs. Steyn’s legacy includes ludicrously difficult drop-kicks from range or slotted from virtually impossible angles, dressing room jokes and antics, big tackles, clutch moments, natural flair, frightening versatility, supreme in-game intelligence, dazzling improvisation and so much more.

IS RASSIE ERASMUS THE GREATEST COACH IN HISTORY

It’s crazy to observe how much value Rassie Erasmus adds as a head coach or Head of Rugby. We all know about his infamous ability to get into the heads of opponents. It’s so legendary that the Springboks even made a song about it, to the tune of The Cranberries’ song “Zombie” which they serenaded him with after their epic Rugby World Cup triumph in Paris. It wasn’t always going to be this way though. In September 2017, South Africa was mauled 57-0 by New Zealand on one of their darkest days. Just two years later they pulverised England into submission with a scoreline of 32-12 in the World Cup final in Yokohama. This team was moulded in Rassie’s image and they are a formidable group of human beings. The scale of this achievement can’t be put into words. What a team of men.

Who did it better, Frans or Handre? Let us know.

CLICK TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY FOOTBALL FANATIC JAMES FREEMANTLE.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.

RASSIE ERASMUS IS THE GREATEST COACH IN HISTORY

It’s crazy to observe how much value Rassie Erasmus adds as a head coach or Head of Rugby. We all know about his infamous ability to get into the heads of opponents. It’s so legendary that the Springboks even made a song about it, to the tune of The Cranberries’ song “Zombie”, which they serenaded him with after their epic Rugby World Cup triumph in Paris. It wasn’t always going to be this way, though. In September 2017, South Africa was mauled 57-0 by New Zealand on one of their darkest days. Just two years later, they pulverised England into submission with a scoreline of 32-12 in the World Cup final in Yokohama. This team was moulded in Rassie’s image, and they are a formidable group of human beings. The scale of this achievement can’t be put into words. What a team of men.

HIS PSYCHOLOGICAL EDGE IS THE SEPARATOR

Rassie Erasmus is an expert in opposition analysis, psychological mind games and precise man-management. He has no issue getting under the skin of the Springboks’ adversaries, but more crucially, he’s a consummate professional on a human level, taking an interest in the lives of his players and their families. He makes everyone feel included, special and valuable. That is a gift. Always innovating and improving, the 51-year-old had seemingly clocked the game of rugby but he’s got one more massive destiny to fulfil.

A new Springboks chapter beckons for the great man

With Jacques Nienaber embarking on his Leinster journey (there are some conspiracy theories about that, too, but we won’t go into that now), Rassie is back at the helm until 2027. The mastermind of epic 2019 and 2023 successes is desperate to make it a three-peat. If he pulls that off, it will only cement his status in the pantheon of great rugby minds. He might just stand alone in his own category.

CLICK TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY FOOTBALL FANATIC JAMES FREEMANTLE.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.

Following the match, numerous French fans and many members of the Les Bleus team questioned the performance of referee Ben O’Keeffe, who was jeered for the remainder of the tournament.

Straight after the clash, France skipper Antoine Dupont called out the referee for not being able to handle the occasion.

“It’s hard to talk about things because there is a lot of disappointment, a lot of frustration … there were a few clear things where the whistle wasn’t blown where we could have had a penalty at a crucial moment.

“I don’t want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing, but I’m not sure the refreeing was up to the level of what was at stake today,” said Dupont.

France again have suggested the Springboks were benefited by the ref

France coach Fabien Galthie recently revealed discussions with O’Keeffe at a recent World Rugby gathering.

“We lost the quarter-final for rugby reasons but also for refereeing decisions,” Galthie was quoted by Midi Olympique. “We also spoke about it with Ben O’Keeffe during a recent meeting at World Rugby.

“The decision is part of the match and we accept it. You will never see me react directly to an arbitration decision. But we can discuss it coldly.

“In a World Rugby committee, I therefore had the opportunity to speak with Ben O’Keeffe.

“At one point in the meeting there was a discussion about the behaviour of the selectors. I took the floor and said that we had a major role as educators and that we must behave with respect towards the referees. This is fundamental.

“I told him that my players had been strongly impacted by questionable decisions. Everyone agreed on the fact that some decisions weren’t the right ones. He wasn’t at all happy with his performance either.”

“There is a ball stolen with elbows on the ground by Kwagga Smith which gives three points to the Springboks, for example,” he added.

“Today we want to count on the work of regulation and rules undertaken in these World Rugby committees. We must make our voices heard.”

Immediate reaction

During the World Cup, O’Keeffe shook off the criticism and will likely review his own performance.

“Players and coaches are going to say things, whether you win or lose. I know that we’re never perfect as referees, you definitely make errors in the game,” O’Keeffe told Newshub.

“But comments that players can make, they can do that after the game. In the heat of battle, things are said. I’m sure everything’s fine. We’ve done my review and we’ll reach out and get things back on track as well.

“But I understand the sentiment after a big match like that.”

Pollard would add to his impressive Rugby World Cup tally, tying up with Michael Lynagh on 195 points in third on the all-time points list.

During the final, Pollard also passed Dan Carter and only two men, Jonny Wilkinson and Gavin Hastings, have more Rugby World Cup points.

ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi makes Rugby World Cup history leading record-breaking Springboks

Handre Pollard out to take the record

All-time points leader Percy Montgomery, who bagged 893 points across his career remains atop the list for now.

ALSO READ: Roger Federer looks on as SA win RWC

Morne Steyn added to his impressive tally as recently as last season’s Lions Tour to South Africa but he ended his career with 742 points and in second place on the all time scorers list.

ALSO READ: How much is the prize money for the Rugby World Cup?

Pollard finds himself third on the Springboks top scorers of all time list with his total of 698 points in Test rugby.

ALSO READ: World Rugby Rankings – Champion Springboks are No 1!

When will Handre Pollard become the Springboks top-scorer

Given that he scores about ten points per match, Pollard will need about 20 more Tests to soar past Montgomery, meaning he is only likely to snatch the record in 2025 or 2026 depending on his availability.

Pollard moved into third some time ago when he moved beyond a man who rather incredibly didn’t slot a single goal kick in his career.

That’s because Bryan Habana has the fourth most Springbok points purely from scoring his 67 tries and is one of two players without any kicked points in the top ten.

The Jantjies issue

Elton Jantjies is the only other current player on the list but unlike Pollard he cannot feature at the Rugby World Cup as he is currently suspended over a doping positive.

Jantjies moved ahead of Naas Botha and into fifth on the list last season even as controversy raged over his conduct.

Seventh placed Joel Stransky played just 22 Tests for South Africa for his 240 but sports one of the highest points per game averages of anyone on the list.

Sandwiched between Braam van Straaten and Jannie De Beer is Joost van der Westhuizen, the other player without any kiced points who cracks the top ten.

What did you think of Handre Pollard at the Rugby World Cup?

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Dupont said that he had to watch the match again to see if he was right to feel a sense of injustice.

ALSO READ: What does a Springbok rugby player earn?

 ‘Injustice’ of loss to the Springboks

He appears to still believe that France were done in by the match officials calls in the one-point quarter-final loss to the Springboks.

ALSO READ: Springboks need to answer these questions in 2024

“In 2019, we were also eliminated by one point while we were leading by 12 or 13 points with a quarter of an hour to go, but I never watched the match again,” Dupont told Bros.

“With this one, I needed to. I couldn’t sleep, so I watched the match the next day. You always have an impression on the pitch but sometimes, rewatching the match, it’s different. It was to see if this feeling of injustice was real or not.”

ALSO READ: Springboks to suffer under rugby’s new world order

There is no getting over it

Dupont isn’t sure he will ever get over the experience of coming up just short with the whole of France behind them.

ALSO READ: Deon Fourie thought his Springbok dreams were dead

“I will have the opportunity to win it (the World Cup) perhaps, but we have regrets over the match,” he said.

“You replay it in your head and the worse it goes, the worse it ends up going. So all you want to do is sleep and then wake up hoping that it’s just a nightmare. Unfortunately, you have to come to accept it and move on.

“When you come home in the evening, you have a taste in your mouth. That doesn’t go away. You don’t want to have that feeling again one day.

“The more you think about it, the more you delve into it, the more it hurts. Because you realize the event, from where you were.”

It was a sporting miracle in some ways that the Springboks managed to secure one-point wins in each of their playoff games, with the thrilling victory over hosts France in the quarter-final viewed by many as one of the greatest games of all time.

Although the dust has settled on the World Cup, and on that blockbuster quarter-final match, there is one game-changing moment that largely went unseen.

With the Springboks trailing 25-19 in the 65th minute and staring at an agonising defeat, South Africa received a scrum penalty on their own 22m line. It’s here that Faf de Klerk produced a stunning trick play that not many noticed at the time.

From the back of the scrum, De Klerk puts himself into a position where it appears that he is certain to line up a box kick.

Yet, playing under advantage, the scrumhalf instead flicks the ball between his legs – catching France off guard as Damian de Allende receives the ball and pops a pass to Jesse Kriel.

Kriel spots a big gap, and breaks away. He passes to Handre Pollard near the halfway line, with the flyhalf eventually shifting the ball back to De Allende. The centre then takes a brilliant decision to kick the ball ahead.

With France scrambling to retrieve the ball near their tryline, Kwagga Smith wins a turnover penalty after an incredible 80m play that started with the De Klerk trick play.

After being awarded the turnover penalty, the Springboks opt to tap and go, and from the resulting movement Eben Etzebeth scores the match-winning try to put South Africa on the path to World Cup glory.

You can re-watch this largely unheralded moment of magic from the Springboks below:

With as many as 43 players selected for this first camp, it’s clear that Rassie Erasmus is casting his net wide as he opts to take a closer look at host of domestic players who have obviously caught his eye.

Keeping that in mind, it is surprising that Stormers loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani will not form part of this first camp despite displaying highly impressive form over the first half of the URC season.

Similarly, Aphelele Fassi has shown some encouraging form for the Sharks, having clearly sought to work on certain areas of his game that could bring him back into the Springbok mix.

Another standout takeaway from the squad announcement was the fact that Deon Fourie was missing from an otherwise extensive list of locally-based players.

However, it should be noted that this will mark the first of three alignment camps before the Springboks put the building blocks in place on the field for the international season, and Erasmus has sought to drive this message home.

“Guys and ladies just some info.” he wrote on X. “Remember an alignment camp does not mean those are the only players who will play for the Springboks this year! Just like in the past there is a purpose for every camp!”

Full list of players invited by Rassie Erasmus to the first Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Celimpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

ALSO READ: When will the World Champion Springboks play again?

Big season ahead

The Springboks’ July fixtures include two Tests against Ireland and the first international against Portugal in the Incoming Series.

The Rugby Championship, meanwhile, will see the world champions play back-to-back Tests against Australia away before successive Tests against New Zealand at home, and two Tests – one home and one away – against Argentina.

CONFIRMED: 43 players invited to Springboks’ alignment camp

Jacques Nienaber has announced that he will leave the Springboks at the end of the Rugby World Cup to join Leinster. However, it is clear that Erasmus will not immediately follow Nienaber to Dublin or go anywhere else.

Rassie Erasmus contracted until 2025

ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi makes Rugby World Cup history leading record-breaking Springboks

Neinaber’s decision to move on has helped drive the rumour mill regarding Erasmus.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Erasmus was shortlisted to replace David Nucifora as Ireland’s performance director.

ALSO READ: Roger Federer looks on as SA win RWC

Despite refuting these claims, Erasmus hasn’t been able to make them go away with no thanks to former Springbok Victor Matfield on that front.

Matfield shared his opinion regarding the future of Erasmus, backing him to turn up in Ireland or Leinster sooner or later.

ALSO READ: How much is the prize money for the Rugby World Cup?

“Knowing Rassie and knowing Jacques (Nienaber), those two do everything together, so I think the chance of him going to Ireland must be 90-95%,” Matfield said on the Rugby Pod.

When does Rassie Erasmus’ contract expire

WATCH: Trevor Nyakane is all of us dancing after the World Cup win

Unless he negotiates an early release from his contract, Erasmus will not leave the employ of SA Rugby immediately after the Rugby World Cup.

He made it clear ahead of the Springboks clash with the Irish at the RWC that no contact had been made between the parties.

“No, I won’t be,” he said when asked about the prospect of being involved with Ireland or following Nienaber in some way.

“There have been no talks, and there is no truth in that. I am not sure where it started, but definitely not.

“I haven’t chatted to them, and I am definitely not following Jacques [Nienaber].”

What will he do until 2025

Will Erasmus will take a more hands-on role with the team before the end of his contract?

It has been suggested that he might even resume the head coach role for a time.

Whatever happens, Erasmus will be around to aid the transition to a new brain trust in Springbok rugby.

When the 37-year-old returned to the Stormers in 2021, he openly admitted that earning Springboks selection was the furthest thing from his mind, but he ultimately earned a call-up in July 2022, making his debut against Wales. At the age of 35 at that time, he become the oldest Springbok debutant.

From there, Fourie remained firmly part of the Springboks’ planning, featuring as a substitute on five occasions, while starting once prior to the World Cup.

After cracking the nod for the global showpiece, his role at the World Cup then went from ‘back-up’ utility forward to the second choice hooker after an injury to Malcolm Marx.

In the final, the veteran unexpectedly had to play as many as 76 minutes of the title decider, replacing injured Bongi Mbonambi early in the contest and even captaining the side in the closing stages.

ALSO READ | Where is former Springbok legend Frans Steyn now?

However, on Monday, when Rassie Erasmus unveiled the names of 43 players for a two-day alignment camp in March, it was notable that Deon Fourie was missing from an otherwise extensive list of locally-based players.

It should be noted that this will mark the first of three alignment camps before the Springboks put the building blocks in place on the field for the international season, and so there is a chance that Fourie could still be called up later on.

Considering that Stormers veteran will be 41-years-old at the next World Cup, it’s understandable that the Bok coaches may want to look at other younger players, but Fourie is still performing well at domestic level.

The Springboks should still want him to share his vast IP (Intellectual Property) with the ‘next gen’ players, and so it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if he returns to the Bok mix later on in the year, particularly if there are injuries to other experienced hookers such as Malcom Marx or Bongi Mbonambi.

ALSO READ | One big surprise omission from first Springboks camp

Deon Fourie has missed out on the first Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Celimpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

ALSO READ: When will the World Champion Springboks play again?

Big season ahead

The Springboks’ July fixtures include two Tests against Ireland and the first international against Portugal in the Incoming Series.

The Rugby Championship, meanwhile, will see the world champions play back-to-back Tests against Australia away before successive Tests against New Zealand at home, and two Tests – one home and one away – against Argentina.

CONFIRMED: 43 players invited to Springboks’ alignment camp

Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he will resume control of the team as head coach for the time being.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has also laid out his intent to lead the team to a third Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

The Springboks are only set to return to action in the July Test window in 2024 when they are pencilled in to host Ireland.

ALSO READ: Irish legend lauds Springboks’ defensive mindset

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi won’t retire

The 32-year-old said that retirement is the furtherest thing from his mind at the moment on his return to South Africa.

ALSO READ: What a tournament! More than 30 records broken in Rugby World Cup 2023

“Personally, nothing will change. I will still be available for selection. I really want to play,” Kolisi said when asked if he intended to retire.

Kolisi is hopeful of retaining the captaincy but ever the team man said that he would defer to the coaches on that matter.

ALSO READ: How the Springboks use tech to gain a performance edge

“About being captain … I don’t know. I’m not the coach. What matters to me the most is putting on the Springbok jersey. Being captain is not the most important thing.

“If I said to you I dreamt of being the Springbok captain I would be lying to you.”

ALSO READ: When does the 2024 Six Nations start?

Kolisi has identified that this World Cup campaign changes the game for everyone involved, however he is looking forward to fresh challenges.

“I am looking forward to the new journey, but for now we’re going to enjoy being home and being double world champions, back-to-back,” he said.

Time to inspire

Kolisi said that he and the team have always been motivated to deliver for the fans and for the next generation of Springbok heroes.

“We made a decision that we had already one the World Cup in 2019 – it’s not about us as players anymore.

“We wanted to make sure that this one is for the people of South Africa. This one is for every single person in South Africa. Rich, poor… it doesn’t matter where you come from.

“This trophy is also for people who come from tough circumstances in disadvantaged areas – areas that are not well resourced.

“For the kid who sits in Zwide, who sits in Goodwood, who sits in Malmesbury… this is for you because we come from those environments, we come from those backgrounds.”

When the 37-year-old returned to the Stormers in 2021, he openly admitted that earning Springboks selection was the furthest thing from his mind. However, he has aged like fine wine, with the regular flanker proving to be one of the most influential players for the Stormers over two unforgettable URC seasons.

With Siya Kolisi missing most of the Springboks’ games prior to the World Cup due to injury, Fourie suddenly became an even more important member of the Bok team, and ultimately earned a ticket to France not long after becoming the oldest-ever Springbok debutant.

Fourie’s role at the World Cup then went from ‘back-up’ utility forward to the second choice hooker after an injury to Malcolm Marx.

In the final, the veteran unexpectedly had to play as many as 76 minutes of the title decider, replacing injured Bongi Mbonambi early in the contest and even captaining the side in the closing stages.

ALSO READ | Where is former Springbok legend Frans Steyn now?

However, on Monday, when Rassie Erasmus unveiled the names of 43 players for a two-day alignment camp in March, it was notable that Deon Fourie was missing from an otherwise extensive list of locally-based players.

It should be noted that this will mark the first of three alignment camps before the Springboks put the building blocks in place on the field for the international season, and so there is a chance that Fourie could still be called up later on.

Yet there is also a very real possibility that the Springboks may be rather keen to look at their ‘next gen’ options considering that Fourie will be 41-years-old at the next World Cup, with young uncapped hookers such as Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar and Andre-Hugo Venter cracking the nod.

ALSO READ | One big surprise omission from first Springboks camp

Deon Fourie has missed out on the first Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Celimpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

ALSO READ: When will the World Champion Springboks play again?

Big season ahead

The Springboks’ July fixtures include two Tests against Ireland and the first international against Portugal in the Incoming Series.

The Rugby Championship, meanwhile, will see the world champions play back-to-back Tests against Australia away before successive Tests against New Zealand at home, and two Tests – one home and one away – against Argentina.

CONFIRMED: 43 players invited to Springboks’ alignment camp

It was the second try of the season for Reinach, who was a key member of the Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.

ALSO READ | One big surprise omission from first Springboks camp

LIST: ‘Newcomers’ invited to first Springboks camp

You can see the magic moment from the Springbok star Cobus Reinach below

LOG STANDINGS: How the URC table looks after 10 matches

Eye-catching in more ways than one

Notably, Reinach seems to have kept the cut that became a social media craze after the World Cup, with lock RG Snyman giving several teammates the same hairstyle that the Springbok ‘viking’ has become well known for.

Snyman’s first target in the celebrations was fellow lock Eben Etzebeth, with the Munster star reminding his second row partner about a conversation they had on the team bus during the World Cup.

“So it was about five weeks ago, me and RG Snyman spoke on the bus, and I said if we win the World Cup, I’ll cut my hair the same as yours,” Etzebeth explained when the team returned to South Africa last year.

“Obviously, after the win in the final, it was about half past four in the morning, and the last time I drank water was in the game, and we weren’t drinking water then.

“He just reminded me of my bet, and obviously, I wanted to be a man of my word, and I mean winning this Cup with these guys, I’ll do anything. So I just decided to cut my hair and he sat me down and Damian Willemse cut my hair. I have got a few compliments from all my friends, and my wife says it isn’t too bad; as long as she’s happy, I’m happy.”

However, the haircuts didn’t stop there, with Snyman – whose name translates to ‘cutter’ from Afrikaans – managing to convince Reinach to get a new trim as well, and the halfback has notably opted to keep the look.

ALSO READ: Like Libbok, can Simelane revive career at Stormers?

ALSO READ | Open Letter to South Africa: ‘The Springboks are not being sold – not now, not ever’

At the outset of the term, Kleyn was a Munster contracted former Ireland international with seemingly little chance of heading to the Rugby World Cup.

WATCH: Springbok Jean Kleyn opens up in interview

However, a sterling campaign with Munster as they lifted the URC trophy caught the eye of the Springboks.

ALSO READ: How the Springboks turned their biggest problem into a strength

Aware of the new rules allowing players to revert their international allegience to the country of their birth, the Springboks moved to call up the veteran second row.

Kleyn still can’t quite believe that he is at another World Cup and this time is in the Green and Gold he dreamed of donning as a child.

ALSO READ: Why Springboks love playing in Japan

“I think I’ve caught myself thinking about it probably too often,” Kleyn said of his curious Test career.

“It’s a strange one because if you’d asked me six months ago if I at all thought I had any chance of being here at the World Cup final playing for the Springboks, I would have told you you are absolutely insane.

ALSO READ: Owen Farrell considers turning his back on England to join Siya Kolisi at Racing 92

“I’ll probably wake up when it’s all said and done and think, ‘was that a dream or did it actually happen?’. It was outside the realm of thinking.

“It’s been a fantastic journey for me. It’s been an absolute pleasure being part of it.”

ALSO READ: Springbok star is already a gamechanger for his new URC team

Kleyn says that Munster supporters have reached out to him to say that they are backing the Springboks after Ireland’s quarter-final exit.

No ribbing

He has also been surprised that the Irish rugby media haven’t given him a hard time.

“I’ve been absolutely inundated with messages from Munster supporters – obviously only after Ireland fell out,” said Kleyn.

“Then they really came after us and said, ‘listen, you’re our second team now, guys’.

“The support was really heartfelt from a lot of Munster fans and it made it a lot easier for me because I thought it would be quite a negative reaction when I declared for the Springboks.

“From my history with Irish media, I figured there would be a few negative articles but it was resoundingly positive, so I was really happy about that.”

10 Moments that won the Springboks the World Cup

In a historic final in Paris on 28 October Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) became the first player to ever score tries in two separate Rugby World Cup finals after scoring in 2023.

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi became only the second player ever (and the first ever South African) to win the RWC twice as a captain. Meanwhile, All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock broke the records for the most overall winning appearances (23) and the most overall appearances (26). 

ALSO READ: Here is who will coach the Springboks next!

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS BROKEN AT Rugby World Cup 2023

• Siya Kolisi (South Africa) became only the second player ever (and the first ever South African) to win the RWC twice as a captain – Kolisi was the captain in 2019 when South Africa won and he was the captain again in 2023 – the only player to ever win twice as a captain is Richie McCaw (New Zealand) who was the winning captain in 2011 and 2015.
• Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) became the first player to ever score tries in two separate Rugby World Cup finals after scoring one in 2023 (and previously scoring one try in 2015)
• Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) broke his third place tie with Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) for the most winning appearances (18) and he moved past Kevin Meleamu (19 winning appearances, New Zealand) and Richie McCaw (20 winning appearances, New Zealand) – since New Zealand made it to the finals, Whitelock is now the player with the most winning appearances with 23, 3 winning appearances ahead of the past record holder, Richie McCaw
• Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) also broke the record for the most match appearances, previously held by Jason Leonard (England) and Richie McCaw (New Zealand) with 22 appearances each – Whitelock had 19 appearances before the 2023 RWC, now he has 26; Agustin Creevy (Argentina, 22 appearances) and James Slipper (21 appearances) also joined the top 5 rankings of the most appearances after the 2023 tournament with a second and third place tie, respectively

Breaking new ground

• Handré Pollard (South Africa) entered the top 5 of the most overall points across all players and tournaments, tying for 3rd place with Michael Lynagh at 195 points
• Henry Arundell (England) joined Chris Latham (Australia) and Josh Lewsey (England) as the player with the second most tries in one match (5), second only to to New Zealand’s Marc Ellis with 6 tries – Arundell’s 5 tries were achieved during England’s match with Chile; Darcy Graham (Scotland) also joined a list of 12 other players who achieved 4 tries in one match (Graham did so in the match against Romania)
• Will Jordan (New Zealand) tied Jonah Lomu (NZ), Julian Savea (NZ) & Bryan Habana (South Africa) for the most tries in one tournament – 8 
• George Ford (England) tied 3 other players for second place as the player with the most drop goals in a match (3) which was achieved during England’s match against Argentina
• PJ Van Lill (Namibia) and Aranos Coetzee (Namibia) climbed up in the rankings for the most losing appearances in the RWC – Van Lill is now tied for 2nd place with 2 other players (12 losing appearances) and Coetzee is right behind him with 11 losing appearances alongside 7 other players.

History made

• Wayne Barnes became the first referee to officiate in five editions of the Rugby World Cup 
• Richie Mo’Unga (New Zealand) climbed up higher in the rankings of the players with the most overall conversions across World Cups – he is currently in 3rd place with 38 overall conversions
• Sam Cane (New Zealand) became the first player to ever receive a red card in the RWC Final
• Mark Telea (New Zealand) broke the record for beating the most defenders during RWC finals (9), breaking Jonah Lomu’s record (8) from 1995
• Ardie Savea (New Zealand) broke the record for the most carries in RWC finals – 22, breaking Billy Vunipola’s record (19) from 2019 
• Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), broke the record for the most tackles in a RWC final (28) breaking Richie McCaw’s record (18 tackles) from 2011.

ALSO READ: Antoine Dupont calls for Tom Curry to apologise to Bongi Mbonambi

NATIONS RECORDS

SOUTH AFRICA Records at Rugby World Cup 2023

ALSO READ: Why South Africa has not bid for Rugby World Cup hosting rights

• South Africa broke its tie with New Zealand (3 titles) and became the sole holder of the record for the most titles won since RWC’s inception in 1987 by winning their 4th title in 2023 – they previously won in 1995, 2007 and 2019.
• South Africa (2019 winners) joined New Zealand as just the second country to ever win successive World Cup titles by winning in 2023 (NZ won successive titles in 2011 and 2015).
• South Africa remains as the only nation to have won the World Cup after previously losing a match in the Pool stages – South Africa also became the only country to do so twice since they lost a Pool match against Ireland in 2023 and ended up winning
• South Africa maintains their 100% win rate in their finals appearances
• South Africa extended its 28 year-long streak of advancing to at least the quarter-finals in every Rugby World Cup since their first participation in 1995.
• South Africa’s record as the only country to not have conceded at least one try during appearances in the final came to an end in 2023 due to New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett

NEW ZEALAND 

• New Zealand broke their tie with Australia, England and South Africa and became the nation with the most finals appearances (5) since the tournament’s inception (they are also the nation with the most semi-finals appearances (9) and tied with France for the most quarter-finals appearances (10))
• New Zealand extended their 35 year-long streak of advancing to at least the quarter-finals in every Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987 (shared with Australia and France).
• New Zealand became the first nation to cross the 50 matches won at the World Cup- they had won 49 matches before the tournament started – now they have won 54 matches
• New Zealand extended their record for the longest streak of scoring at least one try during a match at the RWC – they have scored at least one each of their last 39 RWC matches.
• New Zealand’s streak of having won all of their pool matches at the RWC since the tournament’s inception in 1987 (31 consecutive pool matches) ended in 2023 due to their loss against France in the first Pool A match.

ENGLAND

• England joined Australia & New Zealand as the only nation to have won all three medals (gold, silver, bronze) after ending up third in 2023 – England won in 2003 and they were second in 1991, 2007 & 2019.

ALSO READ: When does the 2024 Six Nations start?

AUSTRALIA

• Australia broke their 35 year-long streak of advancing to at least quarter-finals in every Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987 (shared with New Zealand and France) after being eliminated in the Pool stages in 2023

FRANCE

• France extended their 35 year-long streak of advancing to at least the quarter-finals in every Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987 (shared with Australia and New Zealand).

JAPAN

• Until 2019, Canada and Japan shared the record for the most appearances in the World Cup for Tier 2 nations, having appeared in all of the World Cups between its inception in 1987 and 2019, but in 2023, Japan became the sole holder of the record since Canada failed to qualify.

ITALY

• Since Italy failed to get into the quarter-finals, it maintains its record of being the only Tier 1 country to have never made it into the quarter-finals.

NAMIBIA 

• Namibia extended their record as the country with the most matches played at the RWC without winning a single one (26 after 2023 RWC).

GEORGIA & PORTUGAL

• The match between Georgia and Portugal in Pool C became only the 4th match ever to end up in a draw at the RWC with a score of 18-18 (7th if 3 matches that were cancelled in 2019 due to a typhoon and recorded as draws would be counted as well).

Both Ireland and France had gone into the World Cup as strong contenders, but fell out of contention at the quarter-final stage.

WORLD RANKINGS: Ireland cut into Springboks’ lead at the top

This past weekend, the opening round of the Six Nations started with a blockbuster battle between France and Ireland, with South Africa-born Ireland and Ulster hooker Rob Herring suggesting this was “the World Cup final that everybody wanted, but never got”.

In classic fashion, though, Etzebeth waded into the comments and simply dropped a laughing face emotion in reaction to that assertion. His response will undoubtedly resonate with many South Africans and other rugby lovers who would hardly suggest the Springboks-All Blacks final was not a classic between two old rivals.

Etzebeth had a laugh at the controversial World Cup comment

ALSO READ | Seven Springboks who won’t make it to next World Cup

SIX NATIONS 2024 FIXTURES

Round 1

Fri 2 Feb, France 17 Ireland 38
Sat 3 Feb, Italy 24 England 27
Sat 3 Feb, Wales 26 Scotland 27

Round 2

Sat 10 Feb, Scotland v France (15:15)
Sat 10 Feb, England v Wales (17:45)
Sun 11 Feb, Ireland v Italy (16:00)

Round 3

Sat 24 Feb, Ireland v Wales (15:15)
Sat 24 Feb, Scotland v England (17:45)
Sun 25 Feb, France v Italy (16:00)

Round 4

Sat 9 March, Italy v Scotland (15:15)
Sat 11 March, England v Ireland (17:45)
Sun 12 March, Wales v France (16:00)

Round 5

Sat 16 March, Wales v Italy (15:15)
Sat 16 March, Ireland v Scotland (17:45)
Sat 16 March, France v England (21:00)

ALSO READ | Springbok awards: Only one winner for Player of the Year!

ALSO READ | Rassie Erasmus opens up on health scare, telling players

ALSO READ: Three major decisions for Rassie Erasmus as new Springbok coach

Several players are still recovering from injuries suffered during the global tournament, with two-time World Cup winners Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk the latest players to go in for surgery, and now face lengthy spells out of action due to injuries picked up in Japan.

ALSO READ: Five best rugby players in the world: We pick two Boks!

However, the good news is that there are two players who have made good progress with their injuries. For one, Munster have confirmed that lock RG Snyman has made a full return to training and is expected to be available for selection this month.

Snyman, recovering from a chest injury sustained during the Rugby World Cup final in October, underwent surgery in November and was initially only expected to return in March, but he has recovered faster than expected.

Meanwhile, fellow forward Frans Mahlerbe has been given a 70% chance of being fit enough to face the Sharks in Durban on 17 February when the URC resumes next week.

The big prop has been on the sidelines with a long-term back injury since returning from the World Cup in France, but has recovered well in recent weeks.

Four Springbok World Cup stars still on the sidelines

Bongi Mbonambi

The Sharks hooker suffered a serious knee injury in the early stages of the Rugby World Cup title decider, having been on the receiving end of a dangerous cleanout at a ruck.

The long-term absence of Mbonambi has certainly come as a blow for the Sharks, and it’s believed he could end up missing the entire URC season as he recovers from the ACL injury.

ALSO READ | Big moment for Springbok star after scary illness

Jesse Kriel

Kriel has returned to South Africa to undergo surgery on his right thumb, which has been successful, according to his recent Instagram post. He aims to return for the end of the season, likely making him available for the Boks’ July fixtures against Ireland in the Republic.

“I’ve been struggling with my thumb that I need to go to get repaired, and I have to have surgery, so I will be away for a while,” he wrote. “Hopefully I won’t miss too many games, and I will be back for the end of the season for a few games. So, I will do my best to recover as fast as possible.”

Jean Kleyn

Notably, it was recently confirmed that lock Jean Kleyn will also be undergoing knee surgery.

The towering second rower in fact suffered an eye injury in Munster’s URC derby defeat to Leinster in November, but with it taking longer than expected to heal, he has now opted to undergo surgery on his knee. He is expected to be out for several months.

ALSO READ | Three young stars who can make a play for Bok selection in URC

Faf de Klerk

In another blow, it’s been confirmed that the veteran scrumhalf has had to undergo knee surgery, and the expectation is that he will be out of action for quite some time.

“I’m really disappointed that I must receive surgery on my knee, but I can’t wait to get back on the field with the Eagles family as soon as possible,” he posted on social media. “I will work really hard, but ask that everyone please support the team. Arigato.”

WATCH | The Springboks reveal who they play for in emotional video series

Vincent Koch

Koch, who played as a substitute in two playoff games at the Rugby World Cup, has been ruled out for three months due to the knee injury that prevented him from playing in the Rugby World Cup final.

His absence is another blow to the Sharks, who were banking on having two World Cup-winning Springboks firing in the front row.

MUST WATCH: The Springboks are loving life in 2024

Springboks star Handre Pollard believes that adversity in South Africa drives the Springboks to perform on the biggest stage.

Why the Springboks excel at Rugby World Cups

ALSO READ: Nienabar names Springboks to play in semi-finals against England

Pollard said that playing for South Africa means everything to the Springboks.

“Many players in this squad did not have an easy upbringing, so for us (representing South Africa) in a game like this is a privilege rather than pressure,” said Pollard.

MUST WATCH: Analysts break down Ben O’Keeffe’s awful RWC performance

“Most of the players grew up under pressure and they enjoy it, so we perhaps have a model to play World Cups. 

“We are playing for our country, and it’s important that we leave everything out there.”

ALSO READ: Eben Etzebeth closing in on all-time Springbok Test appearance record

Pollard has lauded the impact of starting flyhalf Manie Libbok in this current Rugby World Cup run.

“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he’s playing and handling the pressure,” said Pollard.

ALSO READ: Springboks break five-year-old record with Rugby World Cup semi-final squad

“He’s a humble guy and works extremely hard, and he works for the team. He’s got a lovely dynamic way of playing towards us as a team, that’s a lovely thing and something that we’ve all embraced and enjoyed as well. Whatever are roles are for myself or him wherever we play it’s all towards the team and what we can do best for them.”

Handre Pollard talks up Manie Libbok

Pollard believes that England will be out to give the Springboks both barrels in what is sure to be a bruising Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday.

“I could see the disappointment on their faces four years ago, and I’ve lost a semi-final before, and when that happens you look at yourself,” said Pollard. “I think they’ll be ruthless and take the physicality to the next level. So of course, there’ll be beef, but we have to go out there and do the job.”

Two coaches managed to maintain perfect records as Springbok head honcho but both had relatively short stints in charge.

The most succesful Springbok coaches

Felix Du Plessis coached the Springboks for one match in 1964 in an age where the very notion of coaching was anathema to some in the rugby union community.

ALSO READ: Springbok coach reveals why he stepped down

Kitch Christie was given his Rugby World Cup brief in 1994 after Ian McIntosh led the Springboks on a disastrous tour of New Zealand that saw them fail to win a Test. Christie executed that brief expertly, building his team for the Rugby World Cup around a core group of Lions players that he knew well led by Francois Pienaar.

Jacques Nienaber finished his tenure as Springbok with a nice 69% win-rate, which puts him between the likes of Nick Mallet (71%) and Jake White (66%) for context on his overall reign. Mallet’s reign is often under-rated because it appeared to taper off terribly but his role in modernising Springbok rugby is undeniable.

Rassie Erasmus will be the first man in the modern era of the game to return for a second stint as head coach in 2024. His first stint saw the Springboks maintain a 65% win-rate in Test matches.

Springbok coach win-rates

What Nienaber meant to the Boks

Siya Kolisi has lauded the impact of Nienaber on his own career and the path of the Springboks.

“I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques,” Kolisi explained. “He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].

“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had to show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do.

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Popular coach

“He speaks to us with human courtesy,” said Kolisi of Jacques Nienaber’s manner.

ALSO READ: South Africa’s royal family

“They don’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

ALSO READ: Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber breaks down in tears

“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”

MUST READ | A rugby wish list for 2024

The Springboks, who were crowned champions in Paris after the final, featured in the top two most-watched matches of the tournament.

World Rugby on Tuesday confirmed that France 2023 achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours (VH) across all programming on linear & non-linear broadcast, making it 30% more viewed than England 2015 (1.01 billion VH) and 19% more viewed than Japan 2019 (1.11 billion VH).

ALSO READ | Done deal: Former All Blacks star set to coach Springboks!

Hosts France recorded the highest viewership worldwide with 481 million VH despite the national team’s early exit in the quarter-finals (at the hands of the Springboks).  

ALSO READ | Springbok fans cautioned against FAKE Test ticket scams

The final between the Springboks and New Zealand achieved the highest viewing hours of any match globally, with 94 million VH, followed by the fourth quarter-final between France and South Africa, with 69 million VH.​

ALSO READ | Seven Springboks who won’t make it to next World Cup

ALSO READ: Who is the former All Blacks star linked to Springbok coaching role?

France 2023 achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours (VH) across all programming on linear & non-linear broadcast, making it 30 percent more viewed than England 2015 as the last RWC in the northern hemisphere (1.01bn VH) and 19 percent more viewed than Japan 2019 (1.11bn VH).

Notably, the final between South Africa and New Zealand achieved the highest viewing hours of any match globally, with 94m VH, followed by the France vs South Africa quarter-final with 69m VH.​

ALSO READ: Who is the surprise Irish coach linked with Springboks?

Stats & facts from Rugby World Cup 2023

• RWC France 2023 achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours (VH) across all programming on linear & non-linear broadcast making it the most viewed rugby event of all time
• France 2023 achieved 30 per cent more viewership than England 2015 and 19 per cent more than Japan 2019 despite general decline in linear TV viewing globally
• Growing viewership observed across most markets including rugby’s emerging territories such as Germany and USA
• RWC France 2023 global viewership came at 85 per cent from free-to-air TV underscoring World Rugby’s mission to make the tournament accessible for all
• Streaming services are growing and now accounting for 5 per cent of global viewership, with RugbyPass TV’s coverage in markets without a local broadcaster at the core of World Rugby’s strategy to make the sport more accessible

ALSO READ: Could this Lions star earn surprise Springbok call-up this year?

Growth in various sectors

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said: “Rugby World Cup 2023 was a fantastic tournament on and off the field and we are delighted to see that the thrilling spectacle millions enjoyed in France captured the hearts of millions more worldwide.

“As our sport continues to grow and break new markets, we will continue to work with our broadcast partners to enhance the viewing experience, especially for new audiences, helping us achieve our vision of making rugby a global sport for all.”

ALSO READ: Three major decisions for Rassie Erasmus as new Springbok coach

The Springbok speedster has been married to Layla for five years, and they have welcomed three children to the family in that time.

ALSO READ: Who is Marise Pollard?

Given that her husband is now a senior Springbok, Layla has to be considered one of the seniors WAGs around the Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

Kolbe popped the question to Layla as he was preparing to take his career overseas, and she obviously said yes.

ALSO READ: Who is Saskia Snyman – The wife of the tallest Springbok

An accountant by trade, she also holds a degree in her chosen field.

Stand by your man

ALSO READ: Will Siya Kolisi captain the Springboks in 2024?

She is one of the more outspoken wives in the group and has made a stand in defending her husban in the past.

The best example of this coming when she had to refute the claim that Kolbe had rejected a R15 million offer to return to the Stormers after the World Cup.

ALSO READ: Irish legend lauds Springboks’ defensive mindset

“I am so sick and tired of having to read articles (about) us that are sensationalised and speculation!

“And we have to just sit back and watch how our name gets tarnished! First it was said it’s not safe in South Africa for us, now its this!!! Cheslin did not say it’s not safe enough in SA for us.

“He would’ve loved to go back to the Stormers!

“Secondly: he did not turn down a R15m offer!!!! That was not put on the table.

“Yes the wife spoke out,” she said.

Layla Kolbe weds Springbok

The Kolbes tied the knot on 18 December 2017 at the Webersburg Estate in Stellenbosch. Cheslin wore a dashing three-piece suit in navy blue accompanied by a dotted black bow tie and brown shoes. Meanwhile, the bride was resplendent in a classic white gown with an open back, that swept to the floor.

Layla is a mother of three with two daughters and a son.

Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he will resume control of the team as head coach for the time being.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has also laid out his intent to lead the team to a third Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

The Springboks are only set to return to action in the July Test window in 2024 when they are pencilled in to host Ireland.

ALSO READ: When did Siya and Rachel Kolisi get married?

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi won’t retire

The 32-year-old said that retirement is the furthest thing from his mind at the moment on his return to South Africa.

ALSO READ: What a tournament! More than 30 records broken in Rugby World Cup 2023

“Personally, nothing will change. I will still be available for selection. I really want to play,” Kolisi said when asked if he intended to retire.

Kolisi is hopeful of retaining the captaincy, but the team man said he would defer to the coaches on that matter.

ALSO READ: How the Springboks use tech to gain a performance edge

“About being captain … I don’t know. I’m not the coach. What matters to me the most is putting on the Springbok jersey. Being captain is not the most important thing.

“If I said to you I dreamt of being the Springbok captain, I would be lying to you.”

ALSO READ: Who is the wife of Springbok star Faf De Klerk?

Kolisi has identified that this World Cup campaign changes the game for everyone involved. However, he is looking forward to fresh challenges.

“I am looking forward to the new journey, but for now, we’re going to enjoy being home and being double world champions, back-to-back,” he said.

Other candidates

Generally speaking, the Springboks favour forwards as captain, with Bongi Mbonambi and Deon Fourie stepping in during the absence of Kolisi.

Mbonambi is another man who could be the Springboks skipper, while fellow hooker Malcolm Marx is also a strong candidate.

Despite being vastly experienced, Eben Etzebeth’s role in the team makes him not really suited to the captaincy.

If backs are chosen for the role, the flyhalf and centres will have the inside line, with the likes of Lukhanyo Am, Damian De Allende, and Handre Pollard already being leaders in the team.

Time to inspire

Kolisi said that he and the team have always been motivated to deliver for the fans and for the next generation of Springbok heroes.

“We made a decision that we had already one the World Cup in 2019 – it’s not about us as players anymore.

“We wanted to make sure that this one is for the people of South Africa. This one is for every single person in South Africa. Rich, poor… it doesn’t matter where you come from.

“This trophy is also for people who come from tough circumstances in disadvantaged areas – areas that are not well-resourced.

“For the kid who sits in Zwide, who sits in Goodwood, who sits in Malmesbury… this is for you because we come from those environments, we come from those backgrounds.”

Ratuniyarawa was sentenced to two years and 10 months for a series of sexual offences in Cardiff, after admitting to two counts of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault at a hearing in December in relation to three young women.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a three-year restraining order against one of his victims.

The disgraced 37-year-old was led away from Cardiff Crown Court in handcuffs following his sentencing.

Ratuniyarawa, who lives in Northamptonshire, committed the crimes at the Revolution nightclub between 31 October and 1 November in 2023, days before the Barbarians were due to take on Wales in a game.

WATCH: Police Minister Bheki Cele justifies R479k state-funded Rugby World Cup trip

Three nights at the bar

The lock was originally named on the replacements bench for the clash at the Principality Stadium before being withdrawn from the match after he was arrested.

The court heard Ratuniyarawa went to the bar on three consecutive nights with his teammates and on each occasion while drunk assaulted a victim. The court was shown CCTV footage of all three incidents from the bar’s VIP area.

Just a couple of weeks prior to his criminal acts, Ratuniyarawa was a part of Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad and even featured in a few matches at the tournament.

ALSO READ | Springboks reveal new jersey to mark the 2023 Rugby World Cup success

DISGRACED RUGBY WORLD CUP STAR API RATUNIYARAWA

ICYMI: Every RWC winner since 1987

THE GOLDEN OLDIE SPRINGBOKS

TREVOR NYAKANE (34)

An immense bomb squad front-row option, Trevor also proved that he has immaculate dance moves. His story came full circle when he appeared off the bench in this year’s final after heartbreakingly missing out on the majority of the 2019 showpiece in Yokohama after sustaining an injury in the opening pool game against New Zealand.

ICYMI: Faf de Klerk names his two rugby heroes

WILLIE LE ROUX (34)

This is a criminally underrated creative player. Always there to provide the telling assist or the pre-assist, Willie has often been the target of criticism when he’s opted to go the aerial route with his tactical kicking. Now he has two World Cup winner’s medals. As one of just four players in the 2023 RWC squad born in the 80s, does he have another big one in him?

GOATED: What did we do to deserve Springboks icon Siyamthanda Kolisi?

DEON FOURIE (37)

The epitome of a late bloomer, Capetonian Fourie was only handed his first cap in June last year, becoming the oldest debutant in Springbok history. The Stormers man made up for lost time, becoming an invaluable Bomb Squad option with his proactive, aggressive, forward-thinking playing style. He played a pivotal role in the final when Bongi Mbonambi went off injured early in the contest. A timely reminder that it’s never too late to shine.

SPRINGBOKS: PSDT is a ‘f***ing machine’

DUANE VERMEULEN (37)

Man of the Match in 2019, the imposing frame of 37-year-old Vermeulen was integral again for the Springboks as they claimed back-to-back William Webb Ellis crowns. His experience and understated presence will be sorely missed when he eventually calls time on a glittering career. The best South African number 8 in history?

SPRINGBOKS: Three contenders to sit on Pollard’s throne

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

SEE | How the URC table looks: Sharks hit bottom!

Only two teams in the top 20 – New Zealand and England – ended the year where they started it in terms of their ranking position, although both still improved their rating after their respective second and third-place finishes.

Quadruple world champions South Africa started 2023 in fourth place but replaced Ireland at the top having successfully defended the Webb Ellis Cup with a one-point final victory over the All Blacks at the Stade de France on 28 October.

The Springboks gained 5.57 points over the 12-month period to increase their rating to 94.54 points, a fraction more than the total they had at the end of the last men’s Rugby World Cup cycle in 2019.

DIARISE | Reminder: All the Springboks’ confirmed 2024 home Tests

Having led the field for 15 months, Ireland’s reign at the top came to an end as they failed to convert their men’s Six Nations 2023 Grand Slam into Rugby World Cup success.

Ireland’s inability to make it beyond the quarter-finals continued in France and as a result, they have dropped down a place to finish the year in second, albeit with an almost identical rating to the one they had when they kicked off their season in February.

FIJI AND PORTUGAL LIGHT UP RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023

The biggest winners at RWC 2023 from a rankings perspective were Fiji and Portugal, who were paired together in a rollercoaster Pool C.

Fiji pulled off a stunning victory against Australia but were then on the receiving end of a shock result later on in the tournament as Portugal won their first match at a Rugby World Cup at the eighth attempt.

Portugal had also drawn with Georgia in their second match and those results helped to lift Os Lobos up to an historic high of 13th having started the year down in 18th.

IN THE MONEY | Springboks Rugby World Cup hero earning R1.8 million per month

The win over Australia coupled with a win against Georgia and some positive results earlier in the year, notably a maiden win against England at Twickenham, was enough for Fiji to end the year in credit despite the Portugal setback.

Simon Raiwalui’s side, who qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007, gained just over one-and-a–half points and four places over the course of the year, finishing it in 10th place as opposed to 14th.

While Portugal climbed to a new high, Australia lost ground after failing to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in tournament history.

HAPPY HAPPY | And with that, the 2023 season comes to an end: Springboks edition

The Wallabies went from sixth to ninth, having temporarily fallen to a record low of 10th after their defeat to Wales, with 4.32 points knocked off their rating in 2023.

Samoa fell one place further, moving from 11th to 15th after also falling short of the knockout stages in France.

EASTERN EUROPEAN RUGBY RIDING HIGH

Outside of RWC 2023, Spain lost more matches than they won in 2023 and fell four places to 20th.

Sweden, the highest ranked team in Scandinavia, moved up five places to 36th and have their best-ever position of 32nd in their sights. 

It was also a good year for a number of eastern European countries, especially Sweden’s Rugby Europe Trophy rivals Croatia.

Wins over Ukraine and Lithuania in the 2023-24 edition enabled Anthony Posa’s team to climb seven places to 40th.

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“I’m just pleased that with such a small pool of players and such small pool of resources compared to our competitors we are still progressing,” said Posa.

“Looking at 2024, the challenge for us now is to get even better.”

Like Croatia, Latvia, Slovenia and Serbia enjoyed big gains with Serbia’s eight-place rise only matched by Uganda.

The Rugby Cranes won the Victoria Cup and then rounded off the year with two wins over Tunisia in the space of five days to move up to 37th.

Tunisia and Ukraine were the only teams to suffer a double-digit fall in 2023.

MUST READ | Springboks star is a professional Pokemon card collector

ALSO READ: SA set to become first African country with shared parental leave

Below, a look at some of the Good, Bad and Terrible events that unfolded over the last 12 months.

THE GOOD

South Africa’s most award-winning airport, Cape Town International Airport, was announced the world’s third best airport in the AirHelp survey.

The South African soprano, Pretty Yende, was invited to sing at the coronation of King Charles III. According to The Guardian, it was almost certainly the biggest audience in Yende’s career so far and for her, “a dream come true.”

After the Springboks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand, President Cyril Ramaphosa told the team: “The Springboks are a potent symbol of just how far we have come as a people. That is why you have been so warmly embraced by South Africans of all races as their own”.

ALSO READ: Department of Basic Education extending teaching in African languages

THE BAD – AND SAD

Thousands of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) protesters marched through SA’s cities calling on Ramaphosa to resign over the lack of jobs and electricity.

Severe weather resulted in flooding and serious damage on infrastructures across the Western Cape province.

Many well-known South Africans passed away this year including:

• Rapper AKA who was shot dead in a drive-by-shooting, 
• Derek Watts, a South African investigative reporter, who died of lung cancer, 
• Politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi, 
• Jeremy Gordin, a renowned journalist and writer,
• Zahara, a singer and songwriter
• Mark Pilgrim, a veteran broadcaster, who died of lung cancer.

ALSO READ: Drone rescue a FIRST for SA

THE TERRIBLE

South Africa experienced a cholera outbreak that led to a significant number of deaths. The response by the Health Department, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners, swiftly controlled the outbreak.

At least 73 people died and 52 were injured in a massive fire in a multi-storey building in Johannesburg.

ALSO READ: 12 DIE in Uganda from unknown disease

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MARZANNE JANSE VAN RENSBURG

The couple say that it has taken some getting used to being in a strange environ at this time.

Still they put up their Christmas tree and the kids are loving Japan.

Layla Kolbe has been thrust into the public eye due to her relationship with Springboks hero Cheslin Kolbe.

The Springbok speedster has been married to Layla for five years, and they have welcomed three children to the family in that time.

ALSO READ: Who is Marise Pollard

Given that her husband is now a senior Springbok, Layla has to be considered one of the seniors WAGs around the Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

Kolbe popped the question to Layla as he was preparing to take his career overseas, and she obviously said yes.

ALSO READ: Who is Saskia Snyman – The wife of the tallest Springbok

An accountant by trade, she also holds a degree in her chosen field.

Stand by your man

ALSO READ: Will Siya Kolisi captain the Springboks in 2024?

She is one of the more outspoken wives in the group and has made a stand in defending her husban in the past.

The best example of this coming when she had to refute the claim that Kolbe had rejected a R15 million offer to return to the Stormers after the World Cup.

ALSO READ: Irish legend lauds Springboks’ defensive mindset

“I am so sick and tired of having to read articles (about) us that are sensationalised and speculation!

“And we have to just sit back and watch how our name gets tarnished! First it was said it’s not safe in South Africa for us, now its this!!! Cheslin did not say it’s not safe enough in SA for us.

“He would’ve loved to go back to the Stormers!

“Secondly: he did not turn down a R15m offer!!!! That was not put on the table.

“Yes the wife spoke out,” she said.

Layla Kolbe weds Springbok

The Kolbes tied the knot on 18 December 2017 at the Webersburg Estate in Stellenbosch. Cheslin wore a dashing three-piece suit in navy blue accompanied by a dotted black bow tie and brown shoes. Meanwhile, the bride was resplendent in a classic white gown with an open back, that swept to the floor.

Layla is a mother of three with two daughters and a son.

ALSO READ: ‘Nostalgia’: Layla Kolbe reacts to Rachel Kolisi’s family vacation

LYNN FORBES TO KAIRO: ‘THERE IS NO SITTING ON SANTA’S LAP’

Aunty Babes and Lynn “Glammy” Forbes sat down to chat about kids and Christmas on an episode of their podcast Outspoken Owls. Lynn is the mom of slain rapper AKA, who was shot dead outside of Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, Durban on 10 February. AKA and DJ Zinhle share eight-year-old daughter Kairo Forbes and Lynn explained that she does not have to sit on Santa’s lap.

So, Lynn said that she thinks adults need to stop stealing the joy of Christmas from the kids and Aunty Babes said her issue was kids sitting on Santa’s lap.

“I think as adults we must stop stealing the joy of Christmas for children. You know, I really like it that kids still believe in Santa, and putting out the cookies outside the door,” said Lynn.

“I have a different view on that, I have issues about young kids sitting on the lap of these old men,” said Aunty Babes.

Lynn then revealed that she had a conversation with Kairo and a friend and told them they do not need to sit on Santa’s lap, neither do they need to hug or kiss Santa.

“No, no, no not on the lap. We do not do that. You see Kairo, in fact, I just had a conversation with her and her little friend yesterday about these kind of things. So, no there is no sitting on Santa’s lap You don’t have to hug Santa and you don’t have to kiss Santa,” she said.

ALSO READ: ‘Thank God for you’: Zinhle reacts to Murdah’s post about AKA

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ALSO READ: Island life: Inside DJ Zinhle’s Mauritius vacation with family

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALICIA NAIDOO

ALSO READ | Five Springboks vie for Player of the Year title: Who gets YOUR vote?

Below, a look at 10 standout numbers:

The great displacement

The number of people around the world displaced by conflict or humanitarian crises was already at a record high before the Israel-Gaza war began on October 7, adding to the misery.

By the end of September, 114 million people had been driven from their homes by wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo and a humanitarian crisis in Taliban-run Afghanistan, among other factors, according to UN refugee agency the UNHCR.

They have since been joined by at least 1.7 million Gazans.

Hot as hell

One heat record after another tumbled in 2023, which is on course to be the hottest year on record, according to the European Union’s climate monitor Copernicus.

The northern hemisphere had its hottest summer ever and temperature records were also smashed in the southern winter, with the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires experiencing its warmest August 1 on record at 30 degrees Celsius.

Springboks rugby glory

Defending champions South Africa won a nail-biting final 12-11 against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup, to claim a record fourth title and seal the growing role of rugby – once the sport of the white minority under apartheid – as a unifying force in multiracial South Africa.

“People who are not from South Africa don’t understand what it means for our country. It is not just about the game. Our country goes through such a lot,” captain Siya Kolisi said.

Indians outnumber Chinese

India overtook China to become the world’s most populous country in mid-2023, accounting for nearly 1.43 billion of Earth’s eight billion humans, according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

After peaking in 2022 at 1.426 billion, China’s population has started to fall for the first time in six decades. By 2100 its population might be only half that of India, experts say.

Fossil fuel frenzy

Bad news for the climate: world oil demand is at record highs, with appetite for the fossil fuel expected to reach 102 million barrels a day this year, rising to 102.9 bpd in 2024.

China, the world’s biggest oil importer, accounted for the bulk of the increased demand as the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions fuelled a recovery in travel and manufacturing.

Billion-dollar Barbie

Cinemas got a much-needed post-pandemic boost when Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster “Barbie” hit theatres worldwide with Margot Robbie as Mattel’s iconic doll.

The film hit the billion-dollar box office mark faster than any film in Warner Bros.’ 100-year history and made Gerwig the highest-grossing female director ever.

Tennis titan

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic continued his age-defying heroics by adding three more Grand Slams to his collection – the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open – giving him a record 24 men’s singles titles, ahead of Spain’s Rafael Nadal on 22.

He is now joint record-holder for men and women with Australia’s Margaret Court who won 24 singles Grand Slams in the 1960s and 1970s.

Mercury mania

A record 2,000 bidders from 61 countries registered to take part when the piano that Queen frontman Freddie Mercury used to compose almost all of his greatest songs, and the original manuscript for “Bohemian Rhapsody”, went under the hammer in London in September.

The baby grand was snapped up for over £3 million as part of the mega-auction of Mercury memorabilia that included items as diverse as a moustache comb and the door to Mercury’s garden.

Facebook mega-fine

The European Union this year ratcheted up its battle with Big Tech over privacy and other breaches.

Facebook was hit with a record penalty of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in Ireland for illegally transferring personal data between Europe and the United States, in breach of EU rules requiring Europeans to consent to the ways in which their data is used.

A dog’s (very long) life

Beloved Portuguese sheepdog Bobi had barely time to wag his tail over being ordained the world’s oldest dog by the Guinness World Records in February, when he was called to the canine everafter.

The purebred Rafeiro – a dog with a typical life expectancy of 12-14 years – lived to the ripe old age of 31 years and 165 days, with his owners crediting his longevity in part to his “human” diet.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby have worked in partnership, alongside global rugby stakeholders, to forge a new international rugby competition that will that will be played in the existing July and November test windows from 2026.

According to a joint press release, “The creation of the new competition has been a collective process from the sport, including World Rugby, Unions, key leagues, competitions, and crucially, the International Rugby Players.”

But there are a few figures who believe this is a blatant cash grab without the best interests of the game at heart.

New International Rugby structure coming in 2026

ALSO READ: World Rugby greenlights controversial Test rugby shake-up

The new elite competition will feature each of the four SANZAAR Rugby Championship teams (Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) and the Six Nations Rugby sides (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales), according to the information we have right now.

“Two spaces have been reserved for invitational Unions to join the SANZAAR teams,” the statement adds.

“A transparent selection process will be managed by SANZAAR, supported by World Rugby and the International Rugby Players, to determine these two invitational Unions.

SANZAAR and Six Nations preserving existing rugby traditions

Owned and operated by SANZAAR and Six Nations the elite competition will take place in alternating years, outside of the British & Irish Lions Tours and Rugby World Cup.

ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs also have a rugby team?

Involved at every stage of developing the new competition has been the International Players. This connection has been key in supporting the wider conversations around the club and international calendar taking place in parallel, and to ensure player welfare has remained a fundamental priority in all decision making.

Two divisions

ALSO READ: How you can watch the Rugby World Cup final for free?

To strengthen the development pathway for emerging nations, WR will create a second-tier competition that will feature teams from Europe and the rest of the world, with SANZAAR and the Six Nations actively involved in cementing the link between the two divisions.

Establishing the two competitions will pave the way for promotion and relegation matches, contributing towards a valuable pathway for teams, and will support ambitions to sustain and grow the global game.

ALSO READ: First Ireland international to reach RWC final reflects on experience

The introduction of the new elite international competition is testament to the strong ambition across all parties, motivated by delivering context and a stronger narrative around the July and November windows, that can excite players and bring new fans to the game.

The impact this will have on the game will be to drive its growth and long-term sustainability. This is alongside the work being done to enhance the clarity and balance of the club and international calendars, which SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby remain committed to assisting with.

ALSO READ: Bongi Mbonambi ‘perfect’ in training amid English witch hunt

The critics

The tournament has its critics already.

Popular rugby analyst Robbie Owen, better known as Squidge Rugby, points out why.

“This decision will mean Georgia, who just beat Italy & Wales, won’t play a T1 team for at least four years. It would make sure a team coming out of nowhere like Chile never happens again,” Owen said.

“This is rugby cashing in the growing nations to make a few quid for the old dogs.

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“The way World Rugby’s governance works right now, if 8 of the 6N/TRC countries backed a motion to carpetbomb every rugby pitch in every T2 nation, there’s nothing the other 97 member unions could do to stop it.

“The entire system is set up to protect interests, not grow the game.”

ALSO READ: Coach highlights the Springboks greatest strength

It is clear that the sport has questions to answer. However, it seems likely that a drive for more TV money will win the day. Can the game afford to ignore its fans concerns though?

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Player took to Facebook on Monday to post: “I’ve been fortunate enough to hold many trophies during my career but holding the Rugby World Cup was perhaps my favourite of 2023. The Springboks continue to make South Africa proud, and I know they have started preparing for another title defence in 2027. GP”

Player held the trophy at the recently concluded Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.

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Gary Player won nine Majors on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour during his career.

He remains one of only five golfers to have won golf’s ‘Grand Slam’ – the Masters, US Open, PGA Championship and Open Championship – and is the only non-American to have done so.

Player won over 150 professional tournaments on six continents over seven decades during his career and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

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Jasper Wiese headed to Japan?

The rough-and-tumble back-rower’s destination for the upcoming season has been speculated about at length, with teams in France and South Africa showing interest in him. 

ALSO READ: Stormers handed massive boost in pursuit of Springbok

However, Planet Rugby report that he will be playing in Japan soon.

Following the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup victory, there were initial rumours indicating that Stade Francais, a Top 14 team, was in the process of signing him.

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Since then, those negotiations have broken down, and Wiese is weighing his options, which may include going back to South Africa to potentially sign with the Bulls or Sharks.

According to a story in the Daily Mail, a Japanese team made an offer that was more than 50% greater than Leicester’s to keep Wiese, blowing away the Tigers’ attempt to retain him. The article also mentioned Wiese’s potential designations with Kobe Steelers and Suntory Sungoliath.

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“However, Planet Rugby sources confirm that he will, in fact, be linking up with ex-Springboks forward and former Lions head coach Johan Ackermann,” wrote Jared Wright.

“Ackermann is currently in charge of the Urayasu D-Rocks, who are in the second division of the Japanese Rugby.”

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Springboks still chasing the sun

Wiese would join Rugby World Cup-winning teammates Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kobe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, and Franco Mostert in Japan if he agrees the deal.

Japan is becoming a popular destination for roving rugby stars with attractive salaries and a relatively low workload in terms of fixtures per season.

In May, former Australia coach Eddie Jones indicated Cooper, Australia’s most experienced playmaker, would likely go to the Rugby World Cup in France as his first-choice No.10.

Cooper was ultimately axed before the global showpiece, along with other senior players. Australia went on to have their worst-ever showing at a World Cup, failing to advance past the pool stages.

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‘Bad role model’ for Wallabies

Cooper was reportedly seen as not being the right role model for the team, while assistant coaches were selected that Cooper believes were out of their depth. Jones was criticised for his mad scientist approach to building a coaching team.

“Key individuals around Eddie lacked significant expertise, said Cooper. “As players, we tried to buy into what he was preaching, as not doing so would paint us as a detriment. However, common sense was hard to ignore, and it was remarkable that Rugby Australia couldn’t see it.”

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Cooper went on to say that Jones wasn’t ready to listen to the players.

“We have a lot of really talented players with great rugby IP, and I certainly enjoyed some of the conversations we had. But at the end of the day, he [Jones] wasn’t receptive to new ideas, which is why I found it hard to believe he questioned myself, Hoops’ [Michael Hooper], and Foles’ [Bernard Foley] desire to win.”

The worst-kept secret

After much speculation, this week the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) announced Jones’ appointment as Japan head coach, a mere six weeks after the Australian resigned from his job as Wallabies head coach.

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Jones had repeatedly denied rumours that he had been speaking to the JRFU, after it was reported in September that he held a Zoom interview with the governing body on August 25.

Cooper called out Jones for his lack of loyalty and walking out less than a year into his five-year deal to coach in Japan.

“It’s an interesting thing. Coaches ask a lot of players. I sat in on meetings and the coaches asked players to show loyalty for the country. It’s quite a tough pill to swallow when you see some of the things that have transpired over the past few months. I can’t change allegiances tomorrow if I wanted to. That’s an interesting aspect of a coach,” Cooper added.

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As for the next Wallabies coach, Cooper suggested Dan McKellar could be the best man for the job. McKeller continues to be linked to the role, despite him stating that he is staying at Leicester Tigers.

“There’s a lot of great coaches out there. Dan McKellar’s name was thrown out there. From my time with him and Dave Rennie, he was a phenomenal talent in terms of attention to detail. As a player, that was a huge difference. With Dave and Dan, you went into games with all the answers.”

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Scotland entered the tournament with perhaps their best-ever squad, however, they fell short of expectations, failing to get past the pool stages.

Rugby World Cup let down haunts Scotland star

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It didn’t help that they were placed in Pool B with eventual champions South Africa and world number one Ireland. While Scotland easily defeated Romania and Tonga, they fell short against the Springboks in their opening match and against Ireland they fell short and were eliminated from the competition early.

Russell revealed this week that he went straight from the World Cup camp into Bath training, so he didn’t have to face the disappointment.

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“I came straight back in here the week afterwards, mainly so I didn’t have to deal with it,” Russell said, according to Planet Rugby.

“It was a case of getting on to the next thing and getting rid of the disappointment and frustration I had. It’s still there. Maybe in three months’ time, when I come back from the Six Nations, it might kick in because I’ve not given myself time to potentially get over it.”

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Not facing it

Russell added that he isn’t sure how he will feel when he rejoins the Scotland camp.

ALSO READ: When does the 2024 Six Nations start?

“I think I’m over it, but I never know what’s going to come around the corner when I get back into the Scotland stuff,” he added.

Scotland went to the World Cup in great shape.

Russell said: “I think what made it even more frustrating was the team we’ve got just now and the way we’re playing; it’s one of the best teams I’ve played in for Scotland. Obviously, the draw was tough, but that’s sport, and that’s the way it goes. We still could have done better than we did, and maybe in time, I’ll look back and be more frustrated or maybe not, I’m not sure.”

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Erasmus and national coach Jacques Nienaber oversaw the Springboks’ fourth Rugby World Cup title in France in late October this year.

The Springboks edged bitter rivals New Zealand 12-11 in the final at the Stade de France in Paris.

ALSO READ | Countries that have declared public holidays for World Cup wins

Post-tournament, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Friday, 15 December a public holiday.

Ramaphosa said that he had made the decision “in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement”.

He added that government wanted the day to be “a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sportsmen and women have shown us what is possible”.

“The patriotism we display in sports stadiums should be reflected in our approach to overcoming our challenges,” Ramaphosa added.

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On Friday, Rassie Erasmus took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to post: “Have a lekka day. You deserve it !! I will say it again!! “we could feel you every single day for 20 weeks!, so we say thank you! Danko”

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All the Rugby on TV this weeekend

Both Rugby World Cup matches will be on TV this weekend, although the third-place playoff between England and Argentina will only go out on SuperSport. The match kicks off at 21:00 on Friday 27 October 2023.

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On Saturday the Rugby World Cup final will take centre stage after several URC matches. The match kicks off at 21:00 on 28 October 2023 and will be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC 2 with streaming on DStv Stream and SABC Plus.

URC rugby this weekend

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On Saturday the Stormers are the only South African team playing at home when Llanelli Scarlets visit Cape Town.

The Sharks and Lions are in action on tour in Europe as they face Leinster and Edinburgh respectively in matches that overlap.

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On Sunday the Bulls are in Belfast to face Ulster in one of three URC matches on the day.

Rugby World Cup Fixtures

WATCH: Siya Kolisi stuns press conference with incredible speech

Friday 27 October 

England v Argentina | 21:00 

Saturday 28 October

South Africa v New Zealand | 21:00

URC Fixtures

Saturday 28 October

Ospreys v Zebre Parma | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Glasgow Warriors | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Scarlets | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Leinster v Cell C Sharks | 16.55 IRE & UK / 17.55 ITA & SA | RTÉ, SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Sunday 29 October

Benetton v Munster | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | ITA, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby | 14.30 IRE & UK / 15.30 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Vodacom Bulls | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa first announced the public holiday during a nationwide address on 30 October, saying he had made the decision “in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement”.

Ramaphosa added that government wanted the day to be “a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sportsmen and women have shown us what is possible”.

“The patriotism we display in sports stadiums should be reflected in our approach to overcoming our challenges,” he added.

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Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa took to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday to remind South Africans to show their love for the Springboks on Friday.

“On Friday 15 December, declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a holiday to celebrate the Springboks’ record-breaking Rugby World Cup win, I call on all South Africans to wear our national team colours and jerseys to celebrate the power of sport and the arts to unite,” he posted.

“Let us gather in villages and towns to celebrate what has been a momentous year for South African sport and creative arts.”

As a reminder … the Springboks claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup in France after defeating New Zealand 12-11 in the final in Paris.

Like you forgot!

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Eben Etzebeth was in good spirits as he and RG Snyman moved through the streets of Paris among jubilant Springbok fans.

ALSO READ: All the rugby on TV this weekend and how to watch it

Watch: Springboks join in on fan party in Paris

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The Springboks really love their supporters and will do anything to bring the RWC home once more.

ALSO READ: Springboks diplomacy angers South African fans out for blood

They have been inspired by the videos and messages sent from home and by the fans who have made their way to Paris.

“The coaches shared a few clips and videos with us about the support and excitement back home, and it’s incredible,” said Cheslin Kolbe.

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“Some of the videos brought tears to our eyes. There are people at home making plans and pulling things together to be able to watch the match, and we are humbled by that. Hopefully we can go out there and make the country proud.

“Not many teams get to play in a World Cup final and this is massive, especially if one takes where we come from and what South Africa has been through. It shows what the country and this jersey means to us. Our job now is to ensure that we are focused and ready both physically and mentally on matchday.”

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The Springboks must overcome their greatest rivals, the All Blacks, to clinch a fourth Rugby World Cup with the New Zealanders chasing the same milestone.

“There’s been a lot of history and rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks for years and it will be like that for many more years to come. We know what we are in for and we are really looking forward to it. It will be especially important to use the chances we create.”

ZIZI KODWA URGES SOUTH AFRICANS TO CELEBRATE THE SPRINGBOK HOLIDAY

The National Sports Day celebration in honour of the Springboks’ victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup games will take place on Friday, 15 December. The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the holiday during his speech in October where he addressed the masses and said, “In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement, and all our other sportsmen and women, I’m declaring Friday the 15th of December as a public holiday.”

In a statement recently shared on X (formally known as Twitter), the Sports, Ars, and Culture Department said “It is fitting that this celebratory holiday occurs during Reconciliation Month, which is dedicated to fostering reconciliation and unity in the country”.

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Minister Zizi Kodwa has since called on all South Africans to celebrate “the country’s sporting excellence and to showcase creative artistic brilliance”.

“I call on South Africans to wear our national team colours and jerseys on Friday. Let us gather in villages and towns to celebrate what has been a momentous year for South African sport and creative arts,” Kodwa’s said.

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‘A DAY OF HOPE’: MORE ABOUT THE HOLIDAY

The Springboks flew the South African flag high in Paris after beating the New Zealand’s All Blacks team 12-11 in the final. To honour the victory, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December as “a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity.”

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He feels like the tournament is the culmination of his life’s work to this point.

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Struggles pay off for Springbok star Ox Nche

Nche hasn’t had the easiest path to the top but he is undoubtedly one of the big presences in the Springbok camp.

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“It kind of makes all the sacrifices that I made worth it, it’s a good feeling,” said Nche.

“I mean, whether you’re a student or working, you put in something and hope that in return you will get success or something back. I think for me (going to the World Cup) it’s the highest form of success I can get. It’s amazing, it makes all the sacrifices and all the hours spent investing (in rugby) worth it.”

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Always learning

Nche says that he has learned so much about the game from his national team comrades.

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“I always say you try to take in the good that you can – if it’s going to help you become good at what you do, you take it,” he said.

“Sometimes you get people who won’t listen to you or be willing to help you, but fortunately for me I’m with a group of guys that are willing to learn and also teach me, that’s how I have got to where I am. Guys are always willing to help me and answer the questions that I have.”

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Nche is another Springbok front row forward who excels in the loose and at the breakdown and his play goes far beyond his excellent scrum work.

His season with the Sharks was hampered with injury but he has been a huge part of the Springboks campaign to date.

The team discuss the Boks’ route to winning their fourth Webb Ellis Cup and ask if they were lucky to win each knockout game by just one point.

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Check out the video reflecting on the Springboks’ World Cup success below:

When are the Boks back in action?

The Springboks’ home Test schedule for 2024 is:

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 (venue TBC)

Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

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The Springboks re-emerge from what will have been a 252-day pause between matches when they take on Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. A week later the teams reconvene at Hollywoodbets Kings Park as the reigning Six Nations champions make their first visit to South Africa in eight years.

The Springboks won that 2016 series, 2-1, but since then Ireland have won all three meetings between the teams (and five of the last seven) – most recently in a 13-8 victory in Marseille in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup.

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A week later, on 20 July, the Springboks will play their maiden Test against Portugal, who contributed to memorable matches at the Rugby World Cup with a thrilling draw against Georgia before beating Fiji 24-23 in their final pool match.

Fellow RWC finalists, New Zealand, return for a two-Test series in August and September as part of the Rugby Championship. The Springboks will be aiming for a third successive victory over the All Blacks for the first time since 2009 when the teams meet at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 31 August.

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A week later the show moves on to Cape Town where the All Blacks will play at the DHL Stadium for the first time. The teams’ last meeting in the Mother City was a 25-24 defeat for the Boks at Newlands in 2017.

The home Test season concludes at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit for the visit of Argentina’s Pumas and the Boks’ fifth to the Lowveld venue. They beat the Pumas 30-23 at the ground in 2016 and have a 100% record on the outskirts of Nelspruit with wins over Scotland, Wales, and New Zealand on their other appearances.

The Springboks’ away Test schedule includes two matches against the Wallabies in Australia in August, and an away match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, as well as engagements in Europe in November 2024.

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Lock RG Snyman exemplifies this spirit as he fought back from a horror run of injuries to take his place in the World Cup group.

In South Africa we never give up

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“It’s obviously been a difficult road but it’s honestly such an honour for me to be back in the squad and to be able to play,” Snyman told Rugby Pass.

“We worked really hard to put ourselves in the best position and to give ourselves the opportunity to play in the final, so for me personally it feels unreal just to be playing my part in the team. It will probably only settle in after the World Cup.”

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Snyman said that the Springboks feel like they can never give up on a result.

“Exactly and that is something we speak about a lot in the week leading up to games, a lot of people in South Africa never give up and that’s where we get that from, that spirit from South Africa that drives us.”

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Snyman was delighted to get the crucial score for the Springboks but lauded the set up of the move and efforts of his teammates.

“I could feel them trying to get underneath me and luckily I could spin out of it and get the ball down and then looking up just seeing three or four guys fuckin’, sorry, screaming and shouting at me. Yeah, it was brilliant.

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“Honestly, anyone could have scored that try. Deon Fourie ran such a beautiful line off the back of that lineout. There was so much space on the openside, actually anyone who would have gotten the ball would have scored the try.”

Why the Springboks are special

Snyman adds that the Springbok team environment is a special one that breeds success.

“It’s just a lot of hard work and I must say the leadership group we have is something special.

“It keeps us mentally in the game and even with Siya (Kolisi) having gone off the field already, the rest of the guys really made the step up and kept us sharp and kept us in the game at the end.

“Us as a group, we really understand our roles and we know what we need to do and if the situation needs the bomb squad to step up and finish the game off like we did today and last week, then that is what we do. We all understand what we need to do and we all understand our roles really well.

“It’s also the input we give to each other sitting on the bench. We constantly make plans and you know having guys like Handre and Willie (le Roux) on the bench also helps a lot because they can see the game from a different perspective and they have that experience. It’s very important for us to just stick together and make sure when we go on we do that job.”

His story is one of rags to riches and shows that dreams can come true no matter who you are.

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Ten things to know about Siya Kolisi

1 Kolisi was born on 16 June 1991 in Qheberha’s Zwide township, in the Eastern Cape. He told magazine Rugby World that grew up poor and that a brick was his favourite toy as a child.

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2 Siya Kolisi was raised by his grandmother after losing both his parents at a young age.

3 Kolisi started playing rugby at the age of seven. Like many South African boys he fell in love with the game at a young age.

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4 His prowess as a junior player for club team African Bombers earned Kolisi a full scholarship to Grey College, the famous Springbok factory.

5 The best man at Kolisi’s wedding was Nicholas Holton a former Grey College classmate who helped teach the future Springbok skipper to speak English when he first arrived at the school.

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His rugby career

6 Western Province jumped at the opportunity to sign Kolisi straight out of high school and he would make his professional debut for the union when he turned out against the Lions in the 2011 Vodacom Cup.

7 Kolisi made his Test debut against Scotland in Nelspruit in 2013 in the process becoming Springbok No 851.

8 The day after his 26th birthday, on 17 June 2017 Kolisi scored his first try for his country while playing against France in Durban. He beautifully intercepted a ball that he picked off his ankles, and sprinted in for the score that contributed to a 37-15 victory for the Springboks.

9 He was the third Springbok captain to lift the Rugby World Cup after Francois Pienaar and John Smit and he is the first to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice for South Africa.

Family man Siya Kolisi

10 He is married to Rachel Kolisi and the couple have two children Nicholas and Keziah and they also care for his younger half-siblings Liyema and Liphelo whom Kolisi has officially adopted.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES WRITTEN BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Two coaches managed to maintain perfect records as Springbok head honcho but both had relatively short stints in charge.

The most succesful Springbok coaches

Felix Du Plessis coached the Springboks for one match in 1964 in an age where the very notion of coaching was anathema to some in the rugby union community.

ALSO READ: Springbok coach reveals why he stepped down

Kitch Christie was given his Rugby World Cup brief in 1994 after Ian McIntosh led the Springboks on a disastrous tour of New Zealand that saw them fail to win a Test. Christie executed that brief expertly, building his team for the Rugby World Cup around a core group of Lions players that he knew well led by Francois Pienaar.

Jacques Nienaber finished his tenure as Springbok with a nice 69% win-rate, which puts him between the likes of Nick Mallet (71%) and jake White (66%) for context on his overall reign. Mallet’s reign is often under-rated because it appeared to taper off terribly but his role in modernising Springbok rugby is undeniable.

Rassie Erasmus will be the first man in the modern era of the game to return for a second stint as head coach in 2024. His first stint saw the Springboks maintain a 65% win-rate in Test matches.

Springbok coach win-rates

What Nienaber meant to the Boks

Siya Kolisi has lauded the impact of Nienaber on his own career and the path of the Springboks.

“I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques,” Kolisi explained. “He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].

“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had to show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do.

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Popular coach

“He speaks to us with human courtesy,” said Kolisi of Jacques Nienaber’s manner.

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“They don’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

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“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”