Moodie, Hendrikse back as Boks change up for New Zealand

Moodie, Hendrikse back as Boks change up for New Zealand

Canan Moodie (wing) and Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) make their first appearances in the Springbok team since the 2023 Rugby World Cup for the clash in Cape Town on Saturday. Double RWC winners Willie le Roux (fullback) and Lukhanyo Am (utility back) also return to the match-23 to face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in Cape Town.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby apologises for Haka interference

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus recalled the quartet to the side, which shows seven changes, two of which are positional, to the starting XV which defeated the All Blacks, 31-27, at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Grant Williams (scrumhalf) earns his first start of the season in partnership with Handre Pollard (flyhalf) who is promoted from the bench along with Eben Etzebeth (lock). Roux and Moodie come straight into the XV.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who took a hard blow to the cheek in last week’s clash, made it through all the training sessions this week. He has been cleared to play, which will see him start in a powerful loose trio with Jasper Wiese (No 8) and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who reverts from lock to flanker.

Canan Moodie (wing) and Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) make their first appearances in the Springbok team since the 2023 Rugby World Cup for the clash in Cape Town on Saturday.
Lukhanyo Am

SPRINGBOK TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND IN CAPE TOWN

15 – Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 96 caps, 75 pts (15t)

14 – Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 10 caps, 25 pts (5t)

13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 74 caps, 80 points (16t)

12 –Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 83 caps, 55 points (11t)

11 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 36 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)

10 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 74 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

9 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 14 caps, 15 points (3t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 28 caps, 5 points (1t)

7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 82 caps, 45 points (9t)

6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 87 caps, 55 points (11t)

5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 3 caps, 0 points

4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 125 caps, 30 points (6t)

3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 74 caps, 5 points (1t)

2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 73 caps, 75 points (15t)

1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 34 caps, 0 points

REPLACEMENTS 

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 70 caps, 95 points (19t)

17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points

18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 55 caps, 0 points

19 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 46 caps, 45 points (9t)

20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 7 caps, 0 points

21 – Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 15 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)

22 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 7 caps, 49 points (14c, 4p)

23 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 37 caps, 35 pts (7t)

SA Rugby apologises for Haka interference

SA Rugby apologises for Haka interference

The South African Rugby Union [SARU] has written to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to formally apologise for a sequence of events that led to the interference of the Haka. The incident took place during Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg.

ALSO READ: Etzebeth cleared for NZ Test as Boks release four players

The closing moments of the Haka were overlaid by music and also fireworks. As well as a flyover by an A380 airliner, as pre-planned scheduling failed to be observed.

“I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

The South African Rugby Union [SARU] has written to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to formally apologise for a sequence of events that led to the interference of the Haka.
Ellis Park Stadium

NEW ZEALAND HAKA INTERFERENCE EXPLAINED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY UNION

“It was never the intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment of any Test match against the All Blacks. That it occurred was a result of timekeeping challenges and simple human error.

“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme. It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”

Oberholzer said that SA Rugby was also distressed by the breach of protocol and the apparent display of lack of respect it may have suggested.

“We hold dear the values and traditions of the game,” said Oberholzer. “The unfortunate events in no way represent any lack of respect that South African rugby holds for the significance and history of the Haka. We will ensure such errors cannot be repeated.”

The second Test between the teams in the Rugby Championship will be played at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

Maliwa appointed as head of scout at Kaizer Chiefs

Maliwa appointed as head of scout at Kaizer Chiefs

PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Thembela ‘Tera’ Maliwa as the Head of Scouting and Recruitment. Maliwa was recently serving as a scout at Mamelodi Sundowns. He cut his teeth formerly known as Ajax Cape Town, where he worked for 11 years.

ALSO READ: Etzebeth cleared for NZ Test as Boks release four players

“Kaizer Chiefs are delighted to announce the appointment of Thembela ‘Tera’ Maliwa to the post of Head of Scouting and Recruitment in the latest step in the implementation of their strategy to add quality to every aspect of the Club’s structures in order to produce success on the field,” the club said.

Maliwa spent two years in the Netherlands before returning to South Africa to link up with Mamelodi Sundowns. He worked at the Brazilians for seven years.

KAIZER CHIEFS STRENGTHEN THEIR TECHNICAL TEAM WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF THEMBELA MALIWA AS HEAD OF SCOUTING

“We all know what a big, great Club this is. I am really happy to be here,” he told the club’s media team.

“I am here to try to take the Club to another level in terms of scouting and recruitment. My plan is to identify and bring in the players that will take Amakhosi back to the glory days.”

In welcoming Maliwa to the Village, Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, said, “The importance of getting recruitment right cannot be overestimated. Identifying and procuring players with the right profile to fit our process is key to success and with Tera onboard.

“I am very confident that his wealth of knowledge and experience in the field will add value to our organisation and ultimately strengthen the team. We welcome him to Kaizer Chiefs and look forward to working with him.”

Broos names Bafana squad to face Uganda and South Sudan

Broos names Bafana squad to face Uganda and South Sudan

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad to Uganda and South Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers. The AFCON will be hosted in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. South Africa finds themselves in Group K alongside South Sudan, Uganda and Congo.

ALSO READ: Etzebeth cleared for NZ Test as Boks release four players

The announcement took place at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park on Thursday. Bafana will host Uganda on Friday, 6 September at Orlando Stadium. They will travel to Juba to take on South Sudan on Tuesday, 10 September.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his 23-man squad to Uganda and South Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers.
South African Squad for qualifiers

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD TO FACE SOUTH SUDAN UGANDA IN AFCON QUALIFIERS NAMED BY HUGO BROOS

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates]

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie [SuperSport], Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Rushwin Dortley [Kaizer Chiefs], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Pirates), Fawaaz Basadien [Stellenbosch FC], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB, Romania].

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena [Sundowns], Jayden Adams [Stellenbosch], Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela SC, Portugal], Thalente Mbatha [Pirates].

Forwards: Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners [both Sundowns], Oswin Appollis [Polokwane City], Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng [both Pirates], Elias Mokwana [ES Tunis, Tunisia], Lyle Foster [Burnley FC, England]. 

Etzebeth cleared for NZ Test as Boks release four players

Etzebeth cleared for NZ Test as Boks release four players

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to face New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg on Saturday. This is after completing all the training sessions this week and has been drafted onto the replacements bench for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship encounter. 

Rassie Erasmus has released four players to their Carling Currie Cup teams to get some valuable game time this weekend.

ALSO READ: DStv Diski Challenge returns for its 10th season

Etzebeth was initially excluded from the Boks’ match-23 for the first of two Tests against their southern hemisphere arch-rivals due to an injury concern earlier in the week. He replaces Marco van Staden on the bench, which offers the team specialist lock cover for the starting combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje. Should he get game time, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125th in the green and gold jersey.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to face New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg on Saturday.
Springboks at training

It will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

“Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco,” said Erasmus.

Meanwhile, Erasmus released four players – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Carling Currie Cup this weekend.

REVISED SPRINGBOK TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND EBEN ETZEBETH IS CLEARED TO PLAY 

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)

14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)

13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)

12 –Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)

11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)

10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)

9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 points (13t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 points (1t)

7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)

6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)

5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points

4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)

3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)

2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)

1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 points

Replacements:

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)

17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points

18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points

19 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 124 caps, 30 points (6t)

20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points

21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 points (8t)

22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)

23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

DStv Diski Challenge returns for its 10th season

DStv Diski Challenge returns for its 10th season

The highly anticipated DStv Diski Challenge is back for its 10th season, promising to deliver thrilling football action as it returns and continue its legacy of nurturing young talent.

The tournament, which has been a cornerstone of South African football development for a decade, will once again showcase the best young players looking to make it into the Premier Soccer League clubs.

ALSO READ: Rassie Erasmus names Springboks squad to face New Zealand

As the Diski Challenge enters its second decade, it remains committed to providing a platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience as a gateway to professional football. This commitment to Enriching Lives has been at the heart of MultiChoice’s efforts to support the development of young talent across South Africa.

The tournament has successfully transitioned numerous talented academy graduates such as Grant Kekana, Percy Tau, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Devin Titus, Jaedin Rhodes and Mfundo Vilakazi, among over 340 others, who have gone on to represent clubs in the Premiership, the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and various national teams, solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.

THE WAIT IS OVER AS THE DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE FINALLY RETURNS

As part of the joint commitment to football development, PSL Chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, expressed his views on the impact of the DStv Diski Challenge:

“Celebrating 10 years of the Diski Challenge is more than just a milestone; it’s a significant achievement that highlights the deep and fruitful partnership we’ve built with MultiChoice over the years.

The Diski Challenge has grown beyond a mere tournament—it has become a conveyor belt for nurturing and developing young talent, serving as the lifeblood of South African football. The many success stories of Diski Challenge alumni, who have gone on to make significant contributions, are a powerful testament to the competition’s lasting impact and importance within our football ecosystem.”

“The DStv Diski Challenge is more than just a football tournament; it’s a testament to MultiChoice’s dedication to sport development and its belief in the power of sport to enrich lives.

“We’ve seen the tangible difference the DStv Diski Challenge has made in the many graduates who have created sustainable careers after the head start the league gave them; some even going on to represent South Africa internationally,” says Rendani Ramovha, CEO of SuperSport.

Since its inception in 2014, MultiChoice has invested over R450 million in the DStv Diski Challenge, with more than 340 young players promoted from the competition to PSL first teams. The Diski Challenge has become the development bedrock of South African football and a springboard for talented broadcasters to launch their careers at SuperSport.

Football lovers can look forward to exciting matches, intense rivalries, and the emergence of new stars. The 2024/25 Diski Challenge season kicks off this weekend at the the King Zwelithini Stadium where the tournament’s first-ever fixture was played, featuring AmaZulu against Orlando Pirates.

Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final fixture postponed

Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final fixture postponed

The MTN8 Semi-Final first leg fixture between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates, originally scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Wednesday, 28 August 2024, at 18h00. This is due to severe weather conditions in the Western Cape.

ALSO READ: Pirates sign Stellenbosch defender van Rooyen

The decision to postpone the match was made following the advice from the City of Cape Town authorities and stadium management. They reported gale-force winds averaging speeds of 67 km/h.

ORLANDO PIRATES MTN8 SEMI-FINAL FIXTURE POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY

The adverse weather has led to collapsed buildings, blocked roads due to fallen trees, and impacted stadium facilities. Tickets purchased for today’s match will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture.

Rassie Erasmus names Springboks squad to face New Zealand

Rassie Erasmus names Springboks squad to face New Zealand

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has made nine changes for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

However, there are only three changes to the match-day squad that opened the series with a 33-7 victory in Brisbane against Australia. Two of those were forced by injuries to locks.

Eben Etzebeth (back) and Salmaan Moerat (concussion) miss out on the Brisbane combination. Aphelele Fassi gets the fullback’s jersey in succession to Willie le Roux in the only other change.

ALSO READ: Pirates sign Stellenbosch defender van Rooyen

The other locks unavailable for selection are RG Snyman (foot), Franco Mostert (broken leg), Lood de Jager (shoulder) and Jean Kleyn (eye and knee).

“It’s not ideal that we have so many injuries at lock, but we are pleased with the way Ruan stood his man in our last match and we are confident that he’ll combine well with Pieter-Steph at lock,” said Erasmus.

“This will serve as a fantastic opportunity for him to prove what he can do against one of the best teams in the world.

Rassie Erasmus names Springboks squad to face New Zealand
Springboks Squad

SPRINGBOKS TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND IN JOHANNESBURG ON SATURDAY

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 –Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 pts (13t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points
19 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 22 caps, 10 pts (2t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 pts (8t)
22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)
23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

Pirates sign Stellenbosch defender van Rooyen

Pirates sign Stellenbosch defender van Rooyen

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the signing of defender Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old has signed a contract with the Buccaneers, which includes an additional two-year option.

ALSO READ: Erasmus, Kolisi pleased with win in Australia

Van Rooyen who joined Stellenbosch FC as a teenager, made his senior debut in 2016 featuring as a substitute at 19 years old. He featured during the Club’s first-ever match against Mthatha Bucks.

He went on to make a club-record 161 appearances across all PSL competitions. Van Rooyen also helped Stellies win the National First Division in 2019 and Carling Knockout in 2023. Lifting the trophy as co-captain in the latter tournament.

STELLENBOSCH FC CONFIRM THE DEPARTURE OF CO-CAPTAIN DEANO VAN ROOYEN TO ORLANDO PIRATES

“It has been a privilege to watch Deano grow over the last eight years from a young and hopeful talent into a household name in Stellenbosch,” Rob Benadie, Stellenbosch FC CEO, said in a statement.

“To see a local player break through the ranks and become a respected leader on the pitch and in our community has been a source of great pride for all associated with the Club.

“While we are sad to see him leave, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and proud of all he has achieved and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours.”

Erasmus, Kolisi pleased with win in Australia

Erasmus, Kolisi pleased with win in Australia

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi were pleased with their “special” 33-7 win against the Wallabies in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday. But cautioned against getting too excited.

The pair were quick to point out it was not a perfect performance. They expected a strong backlash from the hosts in Perth.

ALSO READ: Polokwane City embrace the underdog tag against Sundowns 

“Next week is a new Test and we want to give other players a chance. But that said we know Joe Schmidt (Australian head coach) and how he can turn things around,” said Erasmus.

“He’s only had four games with Australia, and next week is a new game and a new venue, and we are expecting a big challenge.”

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi were pleased with their “special” 33-7 win against the Wallabies in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash
Springboks beat Australia over the weekend

SIYA KOLISI AND RASSIE ERASMUS ARE OLEASDED WITH WIN OVER AUSTRALIA OVER THE WEEKEND

Kolisi added: “Next week is going to be a completely different challenge and we know it will be tougher, so we need to remain focused and keep working hard.”

The Springboks however proved their championship class in Brisbane, scoring five tries to one after being forced to make a late injury change.

Pieter-Steph du Toit started at lock and Ben-Jason Dixon was promoted to flanker (with Salmaan Moerat providing lock cover on the bench) after RG Snyman failed to recover from a foot injury.

With a little more precise finishing, the Springboks could have registered a bigger winning margin after creating several try-scoring chances throughout the game. They will, however, take comfort from the fact that the only try they conceded was when they were reduced to 13 men after receiving three yellow cards in quick succession toward the end of the match.

“This was an important away win for us, and a special one too,” said Kolisi. “In the last few years, we didn’t start well away from home, so to get this win was special and we are really happy about earning the bonus point.

“We haven’t done well in Australia especially, so we were very focused to turn that around going into this game, even though this ground is a fortress for them, because as I said earlier in the week, we knew we couldn’t win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship here, but we could lose it here.”

The Springboks will travel to Perth on Sunday and begin their on-field preparations for the next Test on Monday.