The Lions will understand the Connacht mindset better than most – having languished behind the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers in past seasons.
If Van Rooyen’s charges maintain their momentum, this Lions story may have a new and ultimately happier ending.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Tactical masterclass by the Blitzboks in the Hong Kong Sevens final. Great way to bring up their first HK7s title.
Will Grey College sustain their 3rd loss of the season?
Who would’ve thought we’d be asking this question, and as early as two months into the schedule? Haven't lost 3+ in a season since 2015.
Paarl Gim v Grey a massive game in the context of the season.
rugby365.com/schools/news...
Chatted to coach Dewey Swartbooi about Tuks' journey from relegation to Varsity Cup glory.
Apparently the after party in Pretoria is still going strong some two days after the final.
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Recent events have highlighted the challenge facing local franchises across a marathon northern hemisphere season where quality in depth is paramount – although the Stormers are relatively well placed. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Tuks have become the first team to win the Varsity Cup title six times.
Overcame some early NWU Eagles resistance, and then dominated the latter stages in tough conditions.
Hard to believe they were in the Shield two seasons ago – fantastic comeback by Dewey Swartbooi's side.
A closer look at how the No 9s and 10s at the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will shape the race for the URC playoffs... and how their performances could challenge the Springbok pecking order.
rugby365.com/opinion/sa-h...
Varsity Cup final tonight, and the most balanced teams have qualified for the decider.
Did some digging into the try stats – and especially the unique Point of Origin try.
Some interesting findings that might challenge a few perceptions, especially around Tuks
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Epic QF in Bordeaux!
Bordeaux tested physically and mentally over the course of the contest, but Toulouse discipline/composure cost them at key moments.
Was that the final?
Leinster haven't been at their best, Bath still building, Toulon inconsistent... can they upset UBB?
Bath do it again!
Come back from 21 points down, against a rampant Saints side.
Johann van Graan never showed any panic in the coaches box.
No panic on the field.
Clearly trusted the process and the Bomb Squad.
Saints so good in the first 30, but Bath deserve this win🔥
Only 6 weeks into the school season. Gimmies, Boishaai, Grey College, Affies, Oakdale have already lost (at least) 1 game.
Stellenberg have a real shot vs Paul Roos this Sat. How will the Maroon Machine respond, and will they retain their unbeaten record?
rugby365.com/schools/news...
Another heartbreaker for SA's Champions Cup challenge.
Late try gave Bulls a sniff, but it's another narrow loss, shortly after the Stormers' defeat in Toulon.
Have to commend the effort this weekend, but it's another season where SA teams will be surplus to QF requirements
Gritty first half at Scotstoun. Bulls fighting like hell in the Glasgow storm.
Said it earlier this week, Glasgow always more vulnerable in the low-scoring contests.
Might come down to a goal-kick, and the Bulls have the right man in Pollard for that particular job.
Mad finish in Toulon, as you'd expect.... Stormers never stopped playing, but just needed a bit more patience at the death, with Toulon on the ropes. Will be gutted with that.
Brutal, tense first half at the Stade Mayol.
Stormers' kicking game troubling Toulon receivers and fracturing the defence.
Toulon dangerous once they get hold of the ball, especially on the edge.
Stormers very much in the contest, with Sacha et al to come off the bench.
Sharks have made a great start in Galway.
Winning toss, playing with wind was important, but they have taken the fight to Connacht.
Etzebeth stealing first lineout set the tone, and then Edwill retained a kick. Scrum on top, bossing territory.
Smith also looking good at 10.
A glut of Easter festival fixtures this weekend.
Keen to see how the likes of Grey College go against the touring teams from overseas.
Big ask overall, given some of these teams just played 2 games at the Noord Suid this past weekend.
rugby365.com/schools/news...
School season a month old, but how are these unexpected results:
Stellenberg beat Paarl Gim
Hilton beat Westville
Trio beat Diamantveld
Jeppe beat Garsfontein
Drostdy beat Wynberg
Nico Malan beat Queens
Garsies beat Boishaai
Menlopark beat Boland Landbou
Stellenberg beat Grey
Stellenberg have beaten Grey College on the final day of the Noord Suid!
The Jade Brigade beat Paarl Gim earlier this month and came within one play of beating Garsfontein on Friday.
Win against Grey is huge.
Paul Roos now the only one of the 'top dogs' who haven't lost in '26
The Stormers have already won in France this season, and next opponents Toulon are 11th in the Top 14.
Bulls won in Glasgow last year.
SA's Euro playoff records are dire, but the fact that both teams intend to have a full crack this week is encouraging.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Insane Varsity Cup game in Potch....
Amazing comeback by the Eagles, deserve the win and the home semi.
UCT blew it big time... failed to close out the game, and will miss out on the playoffs.
Garsfontein have beaten Paarl Boys 31-28 at the North-South tournament!
Big upset, considering Boishaai were the No 1 school team in SA last season.
Garsies controlled the first half, before Boishaai clawed their way back. Massive result in the end for the Pretoria side
Was great seeing a double clean sweep by the SA teams in the URC over the past two weeks...
But what does it mean in the context of the Champions Cup?
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Not sure if there has ever been back-to-back clean sweeps by the SA teams on consecutive weekends in the URC era....
Not perfect, but SA teams hitting form at the business end of the season, and the dream of all 4 teams in the playoffs is alive
Watching Paul de Villiers terrorise the Edinburgh breakdown on one screen, while his younger brother Jacobus terrorizes the Affies defence on another (for Oakdale).
Imagine these two in the same back row in a year or two...
Sharks scouts...🤣
Has he joined the Sharks yet?😅
Seriously good when carrying in the trams – so explosive – and showed he can go through directly through traffic today.
Very interesting mix of loosies at the Lions right now, lot of variety (Renzo, Batho, Horn,Qoma, Horn, Venter etc)
Strong finish by the Lions. Had to fight to build a platform against a spirited Dragons side initially, but took control after HT.
Big win puts them in the frame for the playoffs... and they will have two weeks off while others compete in Europe. Blessing in disguise.
Dragons are a joy to watch when they get on a run – that cross kick and catch by Dyer was 🔥
Wainwright playing a blinder
