plessis

Sharks prop Jannie du plessis will appear before a SANZAR judicial officer in Bloemfontein on Thursday after being cited for dangerous play following Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Reds in [detalii...]

South Africa have recalled Frans Steyn and Bismarck du plessis to a 29-man training squad for the home leg of this year's [detalii...]

The ailing Springboks have been dealt a further blow prior to Saturday's Tri-Nations rematch with the All Blacks in Wellington, with prop Jannie du plessis ruled out due to [detalii...]

The Du plessis brothers are both back in Sharks colours for this weekends Currie Cup clash with the Lions in Durban on [detalii...]

Sharks prop Jannie du plessis was on Thursday found not guilty of dangerous play during a Super 14 match against the Reds in Durban on Saturday, April 3, [detalii...]

Deon du plessis loved to say in his weekly blog posts as the Daily Sun publisher: "This is how we roll it in Sunland" and this swashbuckling phrase sums the man up, [detalii...]

FC Liverpool, adversara Stelei in Europa League, s-a dispensat de alti trei jucatori, marocanul Nabil El Zhar, francezul Damien plessis si fundasul argentinian Emiliano Insua, dupa ce il vanduse pe Javier Mascherano la [detalii...]

Saracens have completed the signing of Petrus du plessis from Nottingham, widely regarded as the outstanding tighthead prop in the [detalii...]

Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills and Francois du plessis all fined Punishment comes after altercation during quarter finalNew Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and bowler Kyle Mills have been fined for breaching the International Cricket Councils Code of Conduct during Fridays World Cup quarter-final victory over South Africa.South Africas Francois du plessis was also penalised, with the punishments a result of an altercation between himself and the Black Caps players following the dismissal of AB de Villiers.The trio became involved in a heated debate at the end of the 28th over of South Africas innings following De Villiers run-out.Mills, who was not playing in the match but was on the pitch at the time as a drinks carrier, has been fined 120% of his match fee.Vettori and Du plessis will both lose 50% of their match fees, while the New Zealand skipper will be fined a further 40% of his fee for a Level 1 offence which was "contrary to the spirit of the game" or "brings the game into disrepute".Mills will take no further part in the tournament as he has failed to recover from an injury sustained in the group stage victory over Canada. Andy McKay has been called into the squad as Millss replacement.New Zealand cricket teamSouth Africa cricket teamCricketCricket World Cup 2011 guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Deon du plessis will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the publishing industry and journalism, says GCIS CEO and Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy [detalii...]

Springbok and Sharks hooker Bismarck du plessis had a strong Super 14 season before suffering a neck injury that has forced him out of the mid-year [detalii...]

South Africa could be deprived of the services of Butch James, Jannie du plessis and Flip van der Merwe for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with Australia in [detalii...]

The Sharks have their big guns, Tendai Mtawarira and Bismarck du plessis, in the front row when the unbeaten Western Province travel to face them in Durban on [detalii...]

Blue Bulls flank Derick Kuün has been cleared by a SARU judicial committee of striking Sharks hooker Bismarck Du plessis in last weekends Currie Cup [detalii...]

World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Bismarck du plessis is a doubtful starter for South Africas mid-year internationals, starting against Wales on June [detalii...]

Springboks lock Flip van der Merwe will start on the bench in Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with Australia in Bloemfontein, but prop Jannie du plessis has been cleared to [detalii...]

Springbok captain John Smit has retained his place as the starting hooker for the Sharks which means that a fit-again Bismarck du plessis will play off the bench in the massive derby against the Stormers this [detalii...]

The Melbourne Rebels have continued their signing spree with the addition of young South African back Jp du plessis, who signs with them from Australian Rugby League outfit, the Sydney [detalii...]

The prospect of accomplishing what many feel will be a near impossible feat could make the Springboks a real threat at the World Cup, former captain and team manager Morné du plessis said this [detalii...]

Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and more Browse our interactive guide to the venues and fixturesSouth Africa Springboks captain and hooker John Smit will start his sides World Cup defence against Wales in their Pool D clash on Sunday with Bismarck du plessis dropped to the bench. The captains selection has been an issue for the world champions as Smits general play has been overshadowed by his Sharks team-mate Du plessis. The veteran lock Bakkies Botha was not considered after a chronic achilles tendon injury flared up during training, though the coach Peter de Villiers was still able to name the most experienced Springboks side ever with a total of 815 caps. The full-back Frans Steyn returns to the team missing the Springboks 18-5 victory over the All Blacks in their final Tri Nations match in Port Elizabeth last month with a hamstring injury.South Africa F Steyn, JP Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villers, B Habana, M Steyn, F Du Preez; P Spies, S Burger, H Brussow, V Matfield, D Rossouw, J Du plessis, J Smit, T MtawariraReplacements B Du plessis, G Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, J Muller, W Alberts, F Hougaard, B JamesIreland Cian Healy has been ruled out of the World Cup opener against the United States shortly after arriving in New Plymouth. Healy has recovered from the eye injury sustained during the 20-9 defeat by England in the final match of the last months warm-up Tests but has yet to begin contact work. The 23a€‘yeara€‘old Leinster prop will return to full training this weekend and should be available to face Australia in Auckland on Saturday week.Irelands options to cover the loss of Healy are to promote Tom Court from the bench or draft Tony Buckley straight into the starting XV. The squad was otherwise given a clean bill of health with Sean OBrien, Gordon DArcy and Rob Kearney all passed fit. guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Danny Care of Harlequins has been suspended for one week for stamping on Saracens Petrus du plessis during the Premiership match at Vicarage Road on December [detalii...]

Jannie du plessis played in only one of the South Africas European tour matches last year, but the tighthead prop is as determined as the rest of the front row to correct the errors which played a huge part in the teams poor [detalii...]

The Sharks have made just one change to their team for the clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton, as captain John Smit shifts to loosehead prop to accommodate Jannie du [detalii...]

CHARL du plessis has been described by the South African press as a "pianist with x-factor" and "cult pianist with unique abilities as an [detalii...]

South Africa, already without veteran lock Bakkies Botha, suffered a further setback on Monday when prop Jannie du plessis was ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand.   New Zealand call in cover | Henry expected longer ban and other 3N [detalii...]

Sharks coach John Plumtree has named returning Springboks Bismarck du plessis and Tendai Mtawarira on the bench for their Currie Cup encounter with the Leopards on [detalii...]

The Springbok flame still burns fiercely inside Bismarck du plessis, but the burly hooker is not about to rush back into Test rugby. He chatted to Jan de Koning.Bok flank under the knife | Bloem fans in go slow | CC: All you need to [detalii...]

Sharks coach John Plumtree has named Springbok captain John Smit at hooker for the first time this season as Bismarck du plessis is rested for their match against the Hurricanes in Durban on [detalii...]

Springbok prop Jannie du plessis, a qualified medical doctor, was called into action on Saturday and saved a mans life at the post-match function after South Africa beat France 42-17 at [detalii...]

Blue Bulls flank Derick Kuun has been cited for punching Sharks hooker Bismarck du plessis during the Currie Cup semifinal in [detalii...]

World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Bismarck du plessis is set for a early return to the playing field ... and it might even be this week. rugby365.com brings you the latest news.Bekker on his back again | United Boks deny rift claims | Currie Cup at a [detalii...]

Blue Bulls flank Derick Kuüns disciplinary hearing for striking Sharks hooker Bismarck du plessis during Saturdays epic Currie Cup semifinal clash in Durban has been delayed until [detalii...]

The fact that South Africa selected a full frontrow in their list of replacements, could be seen as a sign of respect towards Wales forwards, Springbok tighthead prop Janie du plessis said on [detalii...]

Sharks head coach John Plumtree has again dismissed rumours of a rift in the team allegedly centered around John Smit and the Du plessis [detalii...]

Vandiar, Du plessis, Elgar and Mbhalati all named Also recalls for Rudolph and Van der WathThe uncapped quartet Jonathan Vandiar, Francois du plessis, Dean Elgar and Ethy Mbhalati have been named in a preliminary 30-man squad by South Africa for next years World Cup.There are also recalls for the opener Jacques Rudolph and the all-rounder Johannes van der Wath, who have been ineligible in recent years after signing Kolpak deals with English county sides, while the wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk is back in the frame.Another veteran gloveman, Mark Boucher, is also named despite his recent omission from the one-day set-up. Thami Tsolekile, who has three Test caps behind the stumps for the Proteas, as well as the youngster Heino Kuhn, join Boucher on the list meaning there are a total of five wicketkeepers in the squad - with AB de Villiers the incumbent.From the uncapped players, the all-rounder Du plessis ended top of the batting charts in the domestic 40-over competition where his side the Titans were beaten in the final. The former Lancashire player scored 567 runs, including three centuries, while he also took 10 wickets.The batsman Vandiar, 20, averaged more than 50 in his four outings for the Lions, while the all-rounder Elgar, 23, was part of the Knights side that won the limited-overs final. The Titans seamer Mbhalati, 29, is a veteran of the domestic circuit and has been amongst the wickets in both the four-day and 40-over competitions."We indicated at the start of the season that we would reward players who performed well in domestic cricket," the convener of selectors, Andrew Hudson, said. "There have been some highly impressive performances in the MTN40 and this has opened the door of opportunity for the likes of Francois du plessis, Jonathan Vandiar, Ethy Mbhalati and Morne van Wyk among others."All preliminary squads need to be named by the end of this week with the final 15-man lists due by 19 January. South Africa are in Group B for the World Cup on the sub-continent, alongside Bangladesh, England, India, West Indies, Ireland and the Netherlands.Full preliminary squad Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras), Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Johan Botha (Warriors), Loots Bosman (Dolphins), Mark Boucher (Warriors), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Dean Elgar (Knights), Heino Kuhn (Titans), Colin Ingram (Warriors), Jacques Kallis (Warriors), Charl Langeveldt (Cape Cobras), Ethy Mbhalati (Titans), Ryan McLaren (Knights), David Miller (Dolphins), Albie Morkel (Titans), Morne Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Alviro Petersen (Lions), Robin Peterson (Cape Cobras), Francois du plessis (Titans), Jacques Rudolph (Titans), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Rusty Theron (Warriors), Thami Tsolekile (Lions), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Warriors), Jonathan Vandiar (Lions), AB de Villiers (Titans), Roelof van der Merwe (Titans), Johannes van der Wath (Knights), Morne van Wyk (Knights).South Africa cricket teamCricket world cupCricket guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and more Browse pool tables, lineups, player and team statsThe world champions, South Africa, received a considerable fillip when their veteran lock Bakkies Botha was named in the starting linea€‘up to face Fiji in Wellington on Saturday.Botha missed the defeat of Wales with a hamstring injury and there were concerns that he might not make the tournament.The prop Gurthro Steenkamp starts, John Smit is retained at hooker and Danie Rossouw moves to the back row in the pack while Frans Steyn shifts from full-back to centre, meaning Pat Lambie wears No15.The vice-captain Victor Matfield (hamstring), the utility back Butch James (hip flexor), the winger Bryan Habana (patella tendon) and the centre Jean De Villiers (rib cartilage) were not in contention.South Africa: Lambie; JP Pietersen, Fourie, F Steyn, Ndungane; M Steyn, Du Preez; Spies, Burger, Brussow, Rossouw, Botha, J Du plessis, Smit (capt), Steenkamp.Replacements B Du plessis, Mtawarira, Muller, Alberts, Hougaard, Pienaar, De Jongh.Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamFiji rugby union teamRugby unionMike Averis guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Mordt has played for London Irish and Northampton Prop Parr follows Petrus du plessis from NottinghamThe beaten Premiership finalists, Saracens, have completed their recruitment ahead of the 2010-11 season by signing Nils Mordt and Matt Parr.The centre Mordt arrives at Vicarage Road after spells with London Irish, Northampton and Harlequins, winning international honours with England Saxons and England Sevens along the way. The Zimbabwe-born back is looking forward to the challenge of trying to help Sarries go one better than their final defeat against Leicester at Twickenham on Saturday."I believe it might have been said before," he said, "but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it."The director of rugby, Brendan Venter, said: "I have known Nils for some time, and he has great hands and fantastic natural ability. Hes also an outstanding character and Im sure he will thrive in our environment."The loosehead prop Parr returns to the top flight from Nottingham, having previously played for Sale and Leicester.The 27-year-old said: "Petrus du plessis moved from Nottingham to Saracens a couple of months ago, and has done really well, so Im looking forward to following the same path. Anybody who has watched Saracens over the past few months can see there is something happening at the club ... and, you know what, its special."Venter added: "Matt has been highly recommended to us, not least by his front row team-mate Petrus, and we are confident we have found another gem in the Championship. We are not a club that trawls the whos who of world rugby - we look for players with talent and character, and thats exactly what we have signed in Matt."SaracensRugby union guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

33-year-old Matfield takes armband from John Smit Has captained Springboks on 10 previous occasionsVictor Matfield is to captain a much-changed South Africa side when they face Italy in Vitbank on Saturday.The 33-year-old, who has captained the Springboks on 10 previous occasions, takes the armband from John Smit, who suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up ahead of the 42-17 win over France last weekend.Bakkies Botha, who has recovered from minor knee surgery and also served a four-week suspension, will reunite with Matfield at lock, while Dewald Potgieter replaces Francois Louw.In the front row, Jannie du plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle take over from BJ Botha and Smit. Other changes see Butch James and Jean de Villiers come in at centre, pushing Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie out of the team.South Africa team to face ItalyZane Kirchner; Gio Aplon, Jean de Villiers, Butch James, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Ricky Januarie; Gurthro Steenkamp, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du plessis, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield (captain), Schalk Burger, Dewald Potgieter, Pierre Spies.Replacements: Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Juan de Jongh, Bjorn Basson.South Africa rugby teamItaly rugby union teamRugby union guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

South African thinks Wallabies are strong enough Francois Steyn bolsters Springbok squadThe South Africa prop, Jannie du plessis, has warned England not to expect to dominate Australia in the scrum despite the way the Wallabies capitulated up front against Wales last weekend, when they conceded seven penalties at the set-piece and only escaped a yellow card because of the state of the pitch.Du plessis played in two of South Africas three Tri-Nations matches against Australia this year and said the Wallabies held their own up front. With the hooker Stephen Moore set to be fit again after pulling out of the Wales encounter with a bad back, the South African tighthead is expecting a fiercely contested battle up front at Twickenham."Australia scrummaged really well in the Tri-Nations and we could not manage what Wales achieved against them," said Du plessis. "The Welsh have an all-Lions front row that can be compared to any in the world game and they put the Wallabies under severe pressure, scrumming them to pieces."I think Australia will be much better in that area against England because they will focus on it this week. That said, England did very well in the scrum against a strong New Zealand eight. It should be interesting, but England should not forget there have been times in the past against Australia at Twickenham when they have dominated up front but the Wallabies still did well."I am just glad that the scrum is still a big part of the sport. Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes: there is place for a long guy, a quick one and a more set guy like me. Putting an emphasis on scrums again is returning to the roots of what rugby stands for. Eight people have to work together as one and you do not really see that in other sports."Injury-ravaged South Africa take on Wales in Cardiff on Saturday having won in Dublin last weekend and fortified by the arrival of the utility back Francois Steyn from Racing Metro. They are seeking redemption after finishing bottom of the Tri-Nations, a campaign that prompted a review of the head coach Peter de Villiers position."We are looking for results at the end of what has been a challenging year for us," said South Africas attack coach, Dick Muir. "We were not proud at what happened in the Tri-Nations and we have a final opportunity to redeem ourselves. We have grown accustomed to criticism and we are looking to keep the ball in hand more and score tries."The game is evolving all the time and when you lose three times to New Zealand you feel you are not as up-to-date in certain areas of the game as they are, but in others I think we are ahead of them. It is time for us to stand up and be counted."Autumn internationalsEngland rugby union teamSouth Africa rugby teamAustralia rugby union teamRugby unionPaul Rees guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Francois Hougaard on the bench Ryan Kankowski out of squad Peter de Villiers makes only two changes made to starting XVSouth Africa have named the half-back Ruan Pienaar and the No8 Pierre Spies in team to face England on Saturday.The duo replace Francois Hougaard and Ryan Kankowski in a team that is otherwise unchanged from the loss at to Scotland Murrayfield. Hougaard takes his place on the bench in a straight swap with Pienaar while Kankowski is out of the squad completely.The Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is already without the injured wing Bryan Habana, who has a fractured bone in his hand, and the prop Tendai Mtawarira, who has a knee problem. Last week Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were sent home after failing drugs tests.South Africa team to play England at Twickenham on Saturday, 27 November (kick-off 2.30pm)Z Kirchner (Blue Bulls); G Aplon (Western Province), F Steyn (Racing Metro), J de Villiers (Western Province), L Mvovo (Sharks); M Steyn (Blue Bulls), R Pienaar (Ulster); T Mtawarira (Sharks), B du plessis (Sharks), J du plessis (Sharks), B Botha (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls, capt), D Stegmann (Blue Bulls), J Smith (Cheetahs), P Spies (Blue Bulls).Replacements A Strauss (Cheetahs), CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs), F van der Merwe (Blue Bulls), W Alberts (Sharks), F Hougaard (Blue Bulls), P Lambie (Sharks), A Jacobs (Sharks).South Africa rugby teamAutumn internationalsEngland rugby union teamRugby union guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Irish just look in really great shape, Springbok adds Hook, Shane Williams and Lydiate fit again for Wales Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and moreJannie du plessis may have his attention set on helping South Africa retain the World Cup, but the prop said he was intrigued by the European leg of the knock-out stage and particularly impressed by Wales and Ireland, who meet here on Saturday.Wales and Ireland were rated at the start of the tournament as also-rans. Neither has much of a track record in the World Cup, with just one semi-final appearance between them, but they are both commanding attention now."Ireland have been playing incredibly well," said Du plessis, the brother of the South Africa hooker, Bismarck. "They have really stepped up and brilliant is the only word to describe them. Wales have also made a mark. They nearly beat us in the opening group game and any side that puts 66 points on Fiji commands respect. It is going to be some game between them on Saturday."The other semi-final is intriguing. France and England both know how to win big games. France have knocked out New Zealand in two of the last three World Cups, while England showed again against Scotland that when they look down-and-out they can dig deep to come through. That match will be another close call."Du plessis also said that he thought the European finalist would be the winner of the quarter-final between Wales and Ireland. "France and England have history behind them but Ireland have shown that they can win big games in recent years. They prevented England from winning the grand slam last March and they beat Australia last month."Wales beat Ireland in March, admittedly with a controversial try, and while some people may be surprised how they have gone this World Cup, I am not. The last four or five games I have played against them have all been mighty close."They have always had bags of talent but now they seem to have a belief in each other and they have developed a structure that works for them. I like the way they are playing an exciting brand of rugby, but if I had to make a choice for the final it would be Ireland. They just look in really great shape."Wales have been boosted by the return to fitness of the full-back James Hook, the wing Shane Williams and the flanker Dan Lydiate, who will all take a full part in training on Wednesday having missed the last two matches.Lydiate and Hook were injured during the second pool match against Italy. Lydiate suffered ankle-ligament damage and the initial prognosis was that he would have to be sent home only for him to defy medical opinion through a strict rehabilitation programme that saw him getting out of bed every two hours at night.Hook has recovered from a shoulder injury while Williams is fit after suffering a thigh strain in the match against South Africa and aggravating it against Samoa. "All three have been passed fit to train tomorrow," the Wales national-performance medical manager, Prav Mathema, said on Tuesday ."We expect them all to be available for selection against Ireland pending any adverse reaction. Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton are also fit after suffering cramp towards the end of the victory over Fiji."It will be the second time Wales have met Ireland in a World Cup match in Wellington, after beating them 13-6 in a pool match in 1987. The only other time the sides have met in the tournament came in Johannesburg during 1995, when Ireland triumphed 24-23 to qualify for the last eight and send Wales to the airport.Rugby World Cup 2011Wales rugby union teamIreland rugby union teamFrance rugby union teamSouth Africa rugby teamRugby unionPaul Rees guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Wing Bryan Habana fit for South Africas Pool D match Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and moreThe wing Bryan Habana has recovered from a knee injury to be recalled by South Africa among five changes for the Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Namibia in Auckland on Thursday.Habana was injured in the opening 17-16 win over Wales and missed the 49-3 defeat of Fiji. The injured locks Victor Matfield (hamstring) and Johann Muller (hamstring), the fly-half Butch James (hip) and the centre Jean de Villiers (rib) failed fitness tests and were not available.The wing Gio Aplon, scrum-half Francois Hougaard, utility forward Willem Alberts and tighthead prop CJ van der Linde received their first starts of the tournament in the team named on Tuesday.The scrum-half Fourie du Preez and flanker Heinrich Brussow were dropped to the bench and the wingers JP Pietersen and Odwa Ndungane and tighthead prop Jannie du plessis rested. In the reserves, Chiliboy Ralepelle was included in a match 22 for the first time for Bismarck du plessis, who was also rested.South Africa Lambie, Aplon, Fourie, F Steyn, Habana, M Steyn, Hougaard; Spies, Burger, Alberts, Rossouw, Botha, Van der Linde, Smit (capt), Steenkamp. Replacements Ralepelle, Mtawarira, Louw, Brussow, Du Preez, Pienaar, De Jongh.Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamNamibia rugby union teamRugby union guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Steyn replaces Zane Kirch to partner Jean de Villiers Stand-in captain Victor Matfield to reach record Test capsFrancois Steyn will also make a return at centre for South Africa against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, while stand-in captain Victor Matfield will become South Africas record Test cap holder when he leads the side out for his 103rd appearance.The 33-year-old Bulls lock will surpass the previous best held by Percy Montgomery and injured skipper John Smit as part of a side that includes just one change from the line-up that defeated Ireland in Dublin last weekend.Steyn comes straight into the starting XV at centre at the expense of Zane Kirchner after joining up with the squad from Racing Metro yesterday. He partners Jean de Villiers in midfield, with the former Munster player having trained today despite concerns over a groin strain he is carrying.The loose forward position on the bench has yet to be decided with one of the candidates, Willem Alberts, struggling with a calf strain. Of the change in the centre, coach Peter de Villiers said: "At this stage with the World Cup around the corner, there are many things you consider. What we saw of Zane was what we expected of him, they were not tested a lot [by Ireland] but we were happy with his performance."But Frans understands the defensive roles more as he has played there more and when a guy like that comes back they normally instil confidence in the players around them."South Africa XV to face Wales Aplon; Basson, F Steyn, de Villiers, Habana; M Steyn, Pienaar; Mtawarira, B du plessis, J du plessis, Botha, Matfield (capt), Stegmann, Smith, SpiesReplacements: Ralepelle, van der Linde, van der Merwe, Hougaard, Kirchner, Lambie, one other TBCSouth Africa rugby teamWales rugby union teamAutumn internationalsRugby union guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Achilles tendon injury rules 32-year-old out of tournament John Smit keeps place for quarter-final with Australia Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and moreSouth Africa will field the most experienced team in their history when they take on Australia in Sundays quarter-final here. John Smit will lead a team that boasts 836 caps with more than half the starting line-up having played in over 50 Tests.The list does not include the 76-cap second row Bakkies Botha, who aggravated an achilles tendon injury in training this week and has probably played his last game for the Springboks. The 32-year-old is joining Toulon on a three-year contract at the end of the World Cup."It was a sad day for me and for Bakkies," said the South Africa coach, Peter de Villiers. "It looks like his tournament is over and to look at his face last night was not the best thing you could do. That is reality, that is life. You have to move on."There had been speculation that De Villiers would drop his captain, John Smit, and start Bismarck du plessis at hooker, but the front row casualty turned out to be Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira, who did not even make the bench."There is nothing wrong with the Beast," said de Villiers. "You can only run with 22 players in the match-day squad and we have chosen what we feel is the best combination for this match."We could have delayed naming our team until Australia had announced theirs, but my view is that while you study the opposition and look to see what they will offer, you have to focus on what you want to do. If you are influenced by what others do, it means you cannot make your own decisions and that says something about your character. We know what we want to achieve. It would be wrong to play games with my players. I am honest and open."De Villiers named five forwards on the bench against Wales and Samoa last month but has reverted to four for the quarter-final because the wing, JP Pietersen, has still to fully recover from a knee injury he sustained last week, and South Africa have opted for specialist cover in Gio Aplon.Australia have won five of their last six Tests against South Africa, the World Cup holders, which De Villiers said made them favourites. "They are a team without any weaknesses. They have a strong pack of forwards and exciting backs."South Africa have, though, taken note of the way Ireland mangled the Wallabies last month. "Australia were not at their best that day and the Irish were," said Smit. "We will not read too much into it, but it has been part of our preparation. We are an experienced side and we have to put them under pressure."The flanker Schalk Burger noted that experienced could be defined one of two ways depending on the result. "If we win on Sunday, people will say it is because of our experience," he said. "If we lose, they will say it is down to our age."South Africa Lambie; Pietersen, Fourie, de Villiers; Habana; M Steyn, du Preez; Steenkamp, J Smit (capt), J du plessis, Rossouw, Matfield (capt), Burger, Brussow, Spies. Replacements: B du plessis, van der Linde, Alberts, Louw, Hougaard, James, Aplon.Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamRugby unionPaul Rees guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and more Browse our interactive guide to the venues and fixturesBakkies Botha has lost his battle to be fit for South Africas opening World Cup game, against Wales on Sunday. The powerful lock has been troubled by an achilles problem and is replaced by Danie Rossouw.Rossouws second-row partner will be the 107-times-capped Victor Matfield, who features in the starting line-up despite suffering from a hamstring niggle this week.The coach Peter de Villiers has named the most experienced Springboks team in history, boasting 815 caps. It surpasses the previous highest of 810 against Australia in Durban last month.There are five changes from South Africas last game, an 18-5 Tri Nations victory over New Zealand three weeks ago, with Rossouw, the full-back Frans Steyn, the prop Tendai Mtawarira, the captain John Smit and the flanker Schalk Burger all recalled.De Villiers has gone for five forwards on the bench, including the flanker Willem Alberts, who played a starring role as a substitute when South Africa fought back to beat Wales in Cardiff last year.There are 11 players in the starting XV who were part of South Africas victorious 2007 World Cup squad, including the wing Bryan Habana, who needs one try to break Joost van der Westhuizens Springboks Test record of 38 touchdowns.South Africa have won 23 of their previous 25 games against Wales, although Sundays Pool D encounter is their first World Cup meeting.Team: F Steyn; J P Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; M Steyn, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, J Smit (capt), J du plessis, D Rossouw, V Matfield, H Brussow, S Burger, P Spies.Replacements: B du plessis, G Steenkamp, C J van der Linde, J Muller, W Alberts, F Hougaard, B James.South Africa rugby teamRugby World Cup 2011Rugby union guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

18 survivors from title-winning team head to New Zealand John Smit to appear in third World Cup for SpringboksPeter de Villiers will rely on the core of the South Africa squad that became world champions four years ago after naming his 30-man World Cup squad. There are 18 survivors from that world-title clinching team, including 12 of those who started in the 15-6 final victory over England in Paris.The captain John Smit, who will appear in his third World Cup, will lead the team despite coming in for criticism during the Springboks Tri Nations campaign, which ended with their first win of the campaign over an understrength New Zealand at the weekend.De Villiers selected a largely predictable squad although Odwa Ndungane got the nod ahead of his fellow Sharks winger Lwazi Mvovo while the new Bath signing Francois Louw was favoured ahead of Ashley Johnson."The squad has a backbone of proven title-winning ability and experience as well as a strong component of new stars," De Villiers said. "Injury has denied us one or two players who could have been very important to us, but I am very happy with the squad we have picked. We have good coverage for every position and front-line players who have shown over the past half-dozen seasons that they know how to win big games."South Africa are due to fly out to New Zealand on 1 September ahead of their first match against Wales 10 days later in Wellington.South Africa squad: Willem Alberts, Gio Aplon, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brussow, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du plessis, Jannie du plessis, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Pat Lambie, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield (vice-captain), Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, Frans Steyn, Morne Steyn, CJ van der Linde.South Africa rugby teamRugby World Cup 2011Rugby union guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Super 15 match at Twickenham is first in the professional era and will benefit Christchurch earthquake victimsThis weekend could finally resolve one of rugbys oldest arguments. For the first time in the professional era a Super 15 fixture is being played in the northern hemisphere, permitting a direct comparison with European domestic fare. Quality or candyfloss? Super or so-so? It should be an instructive 80 minutes.In one sense everyone is already a winner, with transplanted Crusaders v Sharks fixture set to raise significant funds for victims of the Christchurch earthquake. But given Twickenham is staging a competitive game involving a host of All Blacks and Springboks, it is not simply about the money. Is the Super 15 a more satisfying product than the Heineken Cup? Are southern skill levels superior?Among those keen to expand a few blinkered minds is the All Black captain, Richie McCaw, sidelined by injury but still an interested onlooker. "It is an opportunity for people to see at first hand what its all about," he said, acknowledging the existence of "differing opinions" on the substance of Super 15 rugby. "When you compare it to the Premiership and what-not, Super 15 gets played in our autumn which is the best time to play. The ball is usually dry and you get good conditions. I firmly believe that has an impact on the style of rugby you can play."A couple of years ago there was a lot of kicking and the game was dominated by defence. The [Super 15] teams seemed to go away and put a lot of effort into the attacking side. The style of play changed quite rapidly; it doesnt seem to change as much in the northern hemisphere."With the glorious weather this week having hardened up the Twickenham ground, conditions should suit both sides as they attempt to show their hosts how it should be done. There is a school of thought that more attritional European methods produce doughtier teams when the knocka€‘out stages of the World Cup come around. That debate will rumble on regardless of this game, although the Crusaders backline is not noticeably fragile. Alongside the peerless Dan Carter and the thunderous Sonny Bill Williams will be Robbie Fruean, among this seasons hottest Super 15 properties, while Kieran Read, Brad Thorn and Owen Franks are scarcely weak links.The Sharks will also be slightly travel-weary, having played in Perth, Melbourne and Hamilton over the past three weeks. They have beaten the Crusaders once in their past five attempts and will be looking to their Springbok forwards Bismarck du plessis and Ryan Kankowski to generate some momentum.Neutrals among a likely crowd of around 35,000 will settle for a glimpse of Carter in full flight, one of rugbys great joys regardless of the backdrop. If the game is as eventful as the Melbourne Rebels 42-25 win over the Hurricanes - the Rebels trailed 17-0 at one stage before surging back with Danny Cipriani kicking 14 points - there will be even fewer complaints.Crusaders I Dagg; S Maitland, R Fruean, S Williams, Z Guildford; D Carter, A Ellis; W Crockett, C Flynn, O Franks, B Thorn, S Whitelock, G Whitelock, M Todd, K Read (capt). Replacements Q MacDonald, B Franks, C Jack, J Poff, K Fotualii, M Berquist, A Whitelock.Sharks L Ludik; O Ndungane, S Terblanche, M Bosman, L Mvovo, J-L Potgieter, C McLeod; J Smit (capt), B du plessis, J du plessis, S Sykes, A Hargreaves, K Daniel, W Alberts, R Kankowski.Replacements E van Staden, T Mtawarira, G Mostert, J Botes, C Hoffmann, A Jacobs, JP Pietersen.Referee S Walsh (New Zealand).Rugby unionRobert Kitson guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Hit F5 to refresh or turn on the automatic widget below Email your thoughts to evan.fanning.casualguardian.co.uk Follow Evan on Twitter, if thats your thing Visit our dedicated World Cup siteNothing to see here, move along. We have a nice gentle Sunday morning ahead of us. Some hope. Gentle isnt normally a word you use when South Africa meet Australia. So what do we know about these teams so far? Well South Africa narrowly beat a Welsh side that were convincing winners of an Ireland team which beat Australia in the pool stage. Does that tell us anything? It would seem not. The bookies have made Australia favourites for todays game. The Irish forwards have dominated Australia already in this tournament. Can the Springbokss pack do the same? But Australia had the upper hand in the front eight when they clinched the Tri-Nations title in August with victory in Durban. And have the Aussies played a sneaky card in avoiding the rampant Welsh and instead facing a foe they know inside-out?We shall see. Here are the teams for todays game ...South Africa: 15-Pat Lambie, 14-JP Pietersen, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Bryan Habana, 10-Morne Steyn, 9-Fourie du Preez, 8-Pierre Spies, 7-Schalk Burger, 6-Heinrich Brussow, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Danie Rossouw, 3-Jannie du plessis, 2-John Smit (captain), 1-Gurthro Steenkamp.Replacements: 16 Bismarck du plessis, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Willem Alberts, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio AplonAustralia: 15-Kurtley Beale, 14-James OConnor, 13-Adam Ashley Cooper, 12-Pat McCabe, 11-Digby Ioane, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Will Genia, 8-Radike Samo, 7-David Pocock, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-James Horwill (capt), 4-Dan Vickerman, 3-Ben Alexander, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-Sekope Kepu.Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Anthony FaingaaReferee: Bryce Lawrence (NZL) Touch Judges: Dave Pearson (ENG) and Romain Poite (FRA) Playing God in the stand: Giulio De Santis (ITA)Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamAustralia rugby union teamRugby unionEvan Fanning guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Kirchner, Hougaard and Kankowski in the line-up Boks looking to compete home nations grand slamZane Kirchner, Francois Hougaard and Ryan Kankowski have all been promoted to South Africas starting XV for Saturdays game against Scotland at Murrayfield.In a further positional switch from the team who beat Wales 29-25 on Saturday, Pieter de Villiers has moved Gio Aplon from full-back to wing in place of Bjorn Basson, who has gone home following injury and a provisional doping suspension.With Chiliboy Ralepelle also out following his positive test for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, the hooker Adriaan Strauss comes on to the bench, along with the uncapped wing Lwazi Mvovo.Kirchner will start at full-back, Hougaard takes the No9 shirt after a good display off the bench against Wales, while Kankowski packs down at No8."Weve got a talented squad and a long tour like this gives us an opportunity to try out a few options," De Villiers said. "Francois Hougaard played well for us in the Tri-Nations and did well when on Saturday, and brings a different style."Ryan is one of two talented eighthmen in the squad and we wanted to give him an opportunity to show us what he can do."De Villiers, who is concerned that the whole squad may have been exposed to methylhexaneamine via their energy drinks or products, said that the players had got over the shock of the positive tests. "There is a process in place in these cases and that is now being followed," he said. "As a squad we have moved on and are focusing only on Scotland."Having already beaten Ireland and Wales, South Africa are hoping to complete a grand slam tour by defeating Scotland and then England on 27 November.De Villiers was also hit by the news the wing Bryan Habana will play no further part in the tour after breaking a bone in a hand during training. He suffered the injury during a defensive drill when he fell awkwardly after tackling Morne Steyn.The injury reduces the squad to 27.South AfricaZane Kirchner; Gio Aplon, Frans Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Lwazi Mvovo; Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du plessis, Jannie du plessis, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Deon Stegmann, Juan Smith, Ryan Kankowski.Replacements Adriaan Strauss, CJ van der Linde, Flip van der Merwe, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, Adrian Jacobs.Autumn internationalsSouth Africa rugby teamScotland rugby union teamRugby unionTri-Nations guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

South Africa 87 Namibia 0 Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and moreThis was always going to be a statistical challenge, especially for Namibia, the lowest-ranked of the 20 countries at the World Cup, playing against their neighbours, the reigning world champions, South Africa.Still, the statistics showed that for one-fortieth of the mismatch, the opening two minutes, the Springboks couldnt lay a hand on the ball, bar the palm of Pierre Spies who charged down a kick.It said something for the future course of the game that this period of Namibian domination ended with Morne Steyn kicking a penalty.The first scrum suggested that the set piece was probably best avoided by the minnows - they were shoved backwards - but the warning soon began to apply all over the field.South Africa began to lay their giant paws upon the ball. No sooner had they turned it over at a tackle in the sixth minute than Gio Aplon was streaking away, the start of a busy night for the least physical of the South African specimens.At this point those large hands had a malfunction, dropping a series of passes. Perhaps they relaxed too early. It was a spell of inefficiency that probably kept the score below one hundred.Once it was over, the tries started to come at regular intervals, another 11 of them, including one for Bryan Habana, his 39th, that took him clear of Joost van der Westhuizen as South Africas leading try scorer. All 12 tries were converted, six by Morne Steyn, who also scored a try, and six by Ruan Pienaar.There were glimpses of resistance, a couple of charges by Tinus Du plessis who left a few green shirts in his wake. But in general the traffic was heading the other way. It was a bruising night for the Namibians. They have a three-day turnaround before they face Wales in New Plymouth. Feel for them.As for South Africa, this was useful as an exhibition. They march on, the scare of their opening night against Wales far behind them. Not a serious game but they are serious contenders.South Africa Lambie, Aplon, Fourie, F Steyn (Pienaar, 61), Habana (De Jongh, 64); M Steyn (Du Preez, 64), Hougaard; Steenkamp (Mtawarira, 60), Smit (capt), Van der Linde (Ralepelle, 49), B Botha (Louw, 49), Rossouw, Alberts, S Burger, Spies (Brussow, 78).Tries Aplon 2, Habana, Pen try, Fourie, F Steyn, M Steyn, De Jongh 2, Hougaard 2, Rossouw Cons M Steyn 6, Pienaar 6 Pen M SteynNamibia C Botha, Dames (De La Harpe, 66), Van Wyk, Van Zyl, Bock (Marais, 45); Kotze, Jantjies; Redelinghuys, OCallaghan (Horn, 43), Visser (Du Toit 39), Koll (Van Lill, 54), Esterhuyse, Du plessis, J Burger (capt), Nieuwenhuis (Kitshoff, 55).Referee G Clancy (Ireland)South Africa rugby teamNamibia rugby union teamRugby World Cup 2011Rugby unionEddie Butler guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

South Africa 17-16 WalesAfter 12 years of trying, Wales came within a whisker of beating South Africa. On the biggest stage of the lot, they led until 14 minutes from time and looked the better side for much of their first pool match at the World Cup and will argue for years that they were robbed by a poor decision on a James Hook penalty.Now they face two more physical challenges - against Samoa next week and Fiji the week after - to stay in the competition when it had looked as though they were paving a way to a comparatively easy route through to the knockout stages.Wales were in trouble from the off. Hook made a mess of a high ball swirling in the wind and rain coming off the bay, but it was Sam Warburton who made the biggest gaffe of an otherwise sparkling evening, almost waving Fourie du Preez through. The scrum-half, key to most things the Springboks did well in 2007, was held up short of the line. However, from then until Francois Steyn brushed Hook aside to dab down in the corner, Wales were always playing catch-up.Needless to say Morne Steyn had no difficulty with the conversion and Hook was equally precise with Waless first penalty of the night, although the full-back was judged to have missed with one slightly easier five minutes later when replays - controversially - suggested otherwise.Sadly for Wales, there was absolutely no doubt about Morne Steyns next couple and although Hook converted another penalty it began to look as though Wales were going to get little for 40 minutes of sweat, toil and time spent in the champions territory.However the Springboks ambitions did suffer early in the second half when their vice-captain and lineout totem, Victor Matfield, limped off with a damaged hamstring and Butch James was caught offside attempting to break up yet another Welsh attack. Hook landed the kick to reduce the lead to one point, but the Matfield injury could have longer ramifications for a side attempting to retain their crown.However for the moment a third penalty was enough to summon up more Welsh fire and a couple of magical moments from Rhys Priestland. First the fly-half, starting at 10 for only his second time, put Wales in the right hand corner before pulling Toby Faletau on to a perfectly judged pass.The No8 just about stumbled over, although it took the video ref to say so, and South Africa had to call up the cavalry. Bismarck du plessis replaced his captain, John Smit, and Gurthro Steenkamp elbowed Tendai Mtawarira aside to refresh the front row, while Willem Alberts, curse of England and Ireland - as well as Wales - last autumn, added yet more grunt to the back row.Cue the Springbok resurgence Wales had strained so hard to resist. And for a while they did, only to see another replacement Francois Hougaard, on for Bryan Habana, sneak through a gap under the posts. Morne Steyn added the conversion for the Boks to inch ahead again with 14 minutes to go, but Wales came back again.Priestland held his head in his hands after missing a very kickable drop goal, and then Hook pushed a penalty wide.When the final whistle came, Wales knew they had squandered yet another second-half lead against the world champions, as they have done in their last three meetings.South Africa F Steyn; Pietersen, Fourie, De Villiers (James, 24), Habana (Hougaard, 60); M Steyn, Du Preez; Mtawarira (Steenkamp 55), Smit (capt, B du plessis, 55), J du plessis, Rossouw, Matfield (Muller, 44), Brussow, Burger, Spies (Alberts 56).Tries Steyn, Hougaard Cons Steyn 2 Pens SteynWales Hook; North, Davies, Roberts, S Williams; Priestland, Phillips: James, Bennett, A Jones, Charteris, AW Jones (B Davies, 66), Lydiate, Warburton (capt), Faletau.Try Faletau Con Hook Pens Hook 3Referee W Barnes (England)Rugby World Cup 2011Wales rugby union teamSouth Africa rugby teamRugby unionMike Averis guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

South Africa building momentum after four successive wins Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and moreIf momentum is the target of every team going into the Six Nations then it is not a lot different for the pool stages of the World Cup - and suddenly the defending champions have some. Following South Africas 49-3 thrashing of Fiji, moreover, there is the prospect of more to come when they will almost inevitably steamroll Namibia in North Harbour on Thursday, by which point they will have four wins in succession in all competitions.The murmurings have begun. Might South Africa, far from being the weakest Tri-Nations side, now be the southern hemispheres best chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup again? All of which is some way removed from the cloud that covered them after three defeats from the first three starts in the Tri-Nations this summer.At the time the coach, Peter de Villiers, was getting it in the neck. He was criticised for sending a second string to Sydney for the Tri-Nations opener, and paying the price, and then for sticking with the captain, John Smit, at hooker ahead of the clearly more effective Bismarck du plessis.Next, in the rematch with the Wallabies in Durban, he asked Smit to shift from hooker to tight-head to allow Du plessis on the field, which effectively introduced tired legs - Smits - into the most demanding scrummaging position in the pack, and again the Boks were charged full price. For the final game of the series, which they won in Port Elizabeth against New Zealand, Du plessis made no effort to hide his upset at being hauled off in the second half for Smit to come on.Quite apart from the potential that created for discontent in the camp, South Africa ended up bottom of the Tri-Nations table and De Villiers was heavily criticised as the team came into the World Cup. But Bryan Habana, who will return from injury against Namibia, makes light of the pressure that had built-up around the South Africans as they arrived in New Zealand."The biggest pressure we have is the pressure we put on ourselves to perform," he says. "I think we might have been a bit disappointed with how we played in Durban against Australia but the New Zealand game was a great momentum-builder going into the World Cup."So much so that the one-point squeak past Wales in the opening round was followed by a transformation against Fiji last weekend when an unexpected expansive game was allied to the traditional core strength at the breakdown, a happy result of the players reacting to circumstances on the pitch.Indeed, the Springbok camp now exudes happiness and light. It helps that the sun has come out in Taupo and that they are staying in a pleasant resort out of town. And that their injury toll will be a lot lighter when it comes to the critical pool game, against Samoa, a week on Friday.By then the hamstring problems effecting Victor Matfield and Johann Muller are due to be sorted, while Butch James (hip) and the centre Jean de Villiers, who has sore ribs, should return. All are expected to be in full training by Sunday, by which point the Boks will almost certainly be four from four.They claim nothing dramatic has changed to put them in a happier place, rather that they have gone from being underdone to nicely cooked. As for the Smita€‘Du plessis issue, the line is that both men were sat down pre-tournament and Smit was told he was getting the start against Wales, after which it was an open affair.So is the coach happy that the criticism of the Boks has been replaced by something more upbeat? "Well youre talking to a coach now and to get a happy coach youre going to have to look far to find someone like that," De Villiers says, in that unique style of his. "We want everyone to become perfect and we wont get it because people arent perfect. So, Im happy with the structures we put in place six months ago and where we want to be in this tournament by now and I feel that we are still progressing and Im happy with that. Were working towards a peak and we hope to strike at the right time."Habana, who could become South Africas record try-scorer should he cross the line for No39 against Namibia, agrees. "We were sort of disappointed with that firsta€‘up effort against Wales, but the pressure we put on ourselves as a Springbok team to perform is greater than any other pressure we perceive or we feel. We as a team have set ourselves high standards and weve set ourselves high goals for this tournament. I dont think there is any player in this team who doesnt want to achieve those standards."I think Wales had been building up for that game against us for three years now. The last six encounters against them have been pretty close. We all knew they were going to be a tough game and the feeling in the changing room was definitely one of nerves before that Welsh game."Against Fiji, we knew what they were going to bring and we knew what we had to achieve to get through that game. The standards we have for ourselves as a team are pretty important and we would like to go out there in the next two or three weeks and make sure we get those standards right."brendanfanningrugby.wordpress.com/South Africa Lambie; Aplon, Fourie, F Steyn, Habana; M Steyn, Hougaard; Van der Linde, Smit (capt), Steenkamp, Rossouw, B Botha, Burger, Alberts. Spies. Replacements Ralepelle, Mtawarira, Louw, Brussow, Du Preez, Pienaar, De Jongh.Namibia C Botha; Dames, Van Wyk, Van Zyl, Bock; Kotze, Jantjies; Visser, OCallaghan, Redelinghuys, Esterhuyse, Koll, Nieuwenhuis, J Burger (capt), T Du plessis. Replacements Horn, J du Toit, Van Lill, Kitshoff, R de la Harpe, D de la Harpe, Marais.Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamNamibia rugby union teamRugby unionBrendan Fanning guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Tatafu Polota-Nau arrives to reinforce Wallabies front row England warned they will not have it all their own way As Australia bolstered their front-row resources todaywith the arrival of the bulky Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polata-Nau, the Wallabies said there would be no repeat of the infamous Test at Twickenham five years ago when the buckling of their scrum saw them lose two props to an injury and a yellow card.Australia will be working hard this week on a scrum that was constantly penalised by the English referee Wayne Barnes in their victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. The fear is that the return of Englands loosehead Andrew Sheridan, who caused his All Black opposite number Owen Franks so many problems at the weekend, will see the Wallaby tighthead Ben Alexanders nose sniffing the Twickenham mud this Saturday.As the Wallabies arrived in London to link up with Polata-Nau who has flown in from Australia, the wing Drew Mitchell said his forwards would front up at Twickenham. He said: "We take great pride in our scrummaging and well do everything to rectify anything that is wrong. Im no expert but Id say that scrummaging has been one of our strengths this year and our backs have been able to attack off our set piece time and time again. Were not at all stressed about the scrum."Australia conceded seven penalties at the scrum on Saturday but the South Africa prop, Jannie du plessis, also warned England not to expect to dominate Australia in the scrum. Du plessis played in two of South Africas three Tri-Nations matches against Australia this year and said the Wallabies held their own up front. "Australia scrummaged really well in the Tri-Nations and we could not manage what Wales achieved against them," said Du plessis. "The Welsh have an all-Lions front row that can be compared with any in the world game and they put the Wallabies under severe pressure, scrumming them to pieces."I think Australia will be much better in that area against England because they will focus on it this week. That said, England did very well in the scrum against a strong New Zealand eight. It should be interesting but England should not forget there have been times in the past against Australia at Twickenham when they have dominated up front but the Wallabies still did well."I am just glad that the scrum is still a big part of the sport. Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes. There is place for a long guy, a quick one and a more set guy like me. Putting an emphasis on scrums again is returning to the roots of what rugby stands for. Eight people have to work together as one and you do not really see that in other sports."Australia are hopeful Stephen Moore, the leading hooker in the world with South Africas John Smit, will be fit for the weekend. Moore had a cortisone injection on Sunday in one of the back joints he strained at training last Thursday and which caused him to miss the 25-16 victory over Wales when the Queensland reds hooker Saia Faingaa found the Welsh captain Matthew Rees such a handful.Moore played an important part in restoring Wallaby scrummaging pride in the 2008 victory over England at Twickenham, 12 months after the Australian scrum suffered again at the hands of England in the World Cup quarter-final defeat in Marseille. Polata-Nau may be on the bench at Twickenham while Huia Edmonds will be hooker for the Wallabies second-string at Leicester tomorrow. Moore is convinced the Wallabies scrum will hold firm. "Its a massive challenge for us but I am confident we can do the job," he said.Berrick Barnes will captain the tourists from fly-half against the English champions, who last autumn beat South Africa at Welford Road. There will also be a first Wallaby appearance in the second row for the 34-year-old Reds lock Van Humphries, whose rugby career has included spells in New Zealand, Japan and Italy.The Tigers squad contains 10 internationals and a bench includes the 30-year-old Argentinian prop Gaston de Robertis, signed as short-term cover for Boris Stankovich who suffered a fractured eye socket against Bath last month.Australia rugby union teamEngland rugby union teamAutumn internationalsRugby unionIan MalinPaul Rees guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

England 11-21 South AfricaEngland finished their autumn international campaign with a 50% record after maintaining their losing streak against a South Africa side that produced its best performance of an anti-climactic year.The euphoria generated by Englands victory over Australia was gently deflated last week by Samoa, but today was not a return to the days of kick and hope. Lewis Moodys men lacked nothing in ambition: they merely lacked the ball, overpowered up front and outmuscled at the breakdown.Both sides defended strongly, South Africa led by their hooker, Bismarck du plessis, who stopped a number of counter-attacks from generating momentum.The Springboks should have won by more, but after a season that saw them finish bottom of the Tri-Nations, lose in Scotland and lose two players who tested positive for a banned stimulant, to win so comfortably against a side high on confidence showed they will be one of the sides to beat at the World Cup.England expected their most physical encounter this month and they were not disappointed. Chris Ashton took a four-minute count after mistiming a tackle on Victor Matfield and hitting the second row head first, Tom Croft was helped off with a shoulder injury and Toby Flood was treated twice after tackling Bismarck du plessis before Charlie Hodgson replaced him on 33 minutes.Dan Cole and Moody also received prolonged treatment as South Africa, enjoying a glut of possession, kept bludgeoning away. But for all their territorial dominance and clear try-scoring opportunities, the Springboks twice had to come from behind to go into the interval level at 6-6.England, under pressure in the scrum and less effective in the line-out once Croft departed, survived on turnover possession. With Ben Youngs and Nick Easter quick to turn mistakes into profit, the men in white again played with clear intent - they just needed the ball.Englands defence kept them in it. South Africa should have scored three tries in one attack: Ruan Pienaar was held up by Andrew Sheridan and Dylan Hartley, and Flood helped stop Bismarck du plessis before Matfield - as he had against Wales two weeks before - dummied and dived for the line. Courtney Lawess tackle looked in vain, but as Matfield reached out to touch the ball down, Youngs knocked it away and all that was keeping England in the game at this point was their ability to absorb pressure, as well as South Africas suspect handling and decision-making.England had opened the scoring with a Flood penalty on five minutes, against the run of play. Frans Steyn had three times either made or precipitated a handling error before a counter-attack ended when Jannie du plessis took out Youngs off the ball.Morne Steyn equalised after Andrew Sheridan was penalised for collapsing a scrum and England were losing the contact battles in the tight and loose.They regained the lead when Flood kicked his second penalty after Frans Steyn failed to roll away after a tackle, but it merely interrupted the flow of green and gold attacks.The two Steyns each missed a penalty before Morne levelled the scores after Hartley had flopped off-side at a breakdown. England were seeing little of the ball and, when they did, they tended to lose it after a few phases, not helped by indiscipline. They were penalised12 times in the opening half and not just as a consequence of pressure - Lawes was blown for going into an attacking breakdown off his feet and there was an element of panic about the home side.Little changed after the interval. Morne Steyn gave South Africa the lead for the first time with his third penalty, but it was Englands scrum that eventually let them down.They conceded possession on their own feed, the Springboks moved upfield, went through the phases and the replacement flanker, Willem Alberts, scored his third try in as many weeks after coming off the bench, after touching down against Wales and Scotland.Eight points behind, England had to take more risks, but they had no shape or structure. Mark Cueto and Ben Foden offered moments of individual inspiration, but England kept losing the ball in contact and their day was summed up when Lawes, with Cueto unmarked outside him, lost control of the ball after a tackle by the replacement Adrian Jacobs.South Africa made sure of their seventh successive victory against England when Lwazi Mvovo, who had spurned a chance in the opening period when he dropped a pass with only a groggy Ashton in front of him, ran between Ashton and Hartley, and past a static Simon Shaw. It was a soft score conceded by a side that had taken too many body blows.Foden had the last word when he intercepted CJ van der Lindes off-load and sprinted 75 metres to score under the posts, but Englands day was summed up when Mike Tindall attempted the conversion with a drop goal and sent it wide.England rugby union teamSouth Africa rugby teamAutumn internationalsRugby unionPaul Rees guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Hit F5 to refresh or turn on automatic widget below Email your thoughts to evan.fanning.casualguardian.co.uk Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and more Follow Evan on Twitter, if thats your thing Visit our dedicated World Cup siteSamoa couldnt, could they? Probably not, but if Manu Samoa can put the Springboks under pressure early on there could be a few people choking on their leek-based muesli in the valleys. The list of possible outcomes in Pool D are more convoluted than an Ed Miliband manifesto so theres no point messing filling up your brain-box with meandering preambles when theyre some serious working out to be done. Here are the permutations in Pool DIf Wales win on Sunday against Fiji and Samoa lose or draw then Wales will finish second.Is Samoa win and Wales lose or draw then Samoa will qualify for the quarter-finals.If Samoa win and both they and South Africa fail to claim a bonus point it would leave South Africa and Samoa level on 14 points. If Wales claim a bonus point against Fiji they would win the pool with 15 points with Samoa second courtesy of their better head-to-head with South Africa. If Wales beat Fiji but failed to claim a bonus point all three sides would have 14 points so the pool would be decided on points difference which would not be great for Samoa.If Samoa win with a bonus point and South Africa gain a bonus point in defeat they would both have 15 points. Wales would then need a bonus point victory over Fiji to decide the group on points difference otherwise Samoa would top the group from South Africa courtesy of a the head-to-head record. Got that? Thought so. Here are the teams for todays game ...Samoa: 15 Paul Williams; 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Alesana Tuilagi; 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotualii; 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Logovii Mulipola, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Filipo Lavea Levi, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 George Pisi.South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie; 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana; 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Fourie Du Preez; 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie Du plessis, 2 Bismarck Du plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Jean De Villiers. The man with the whistle who has left his national pride in the dressing room: Nigel Owens (Wales)Rugby World Cup 2011South Africa rugby teamSamoa rugby union teamRugby unionEvan Fanning guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Everything you need to know about South Africas World Cup squad24 years in 140 characters: Spent 87 and 91 claiming to be champions in absentia, got the All Blacks in a full Nelson to win the crown in 95. Wrestled another win in 07World Cup record1987: Disallowed due to apartheid1991: Disallowed due to apartheid1995: Winners1999: Semi-finals (3rd)2003: Quarter-finals2007: Winners.Record in 2011: P4 W1 L3Coach: Peter de VilliersCaptain: John SmitHow are they likely to get on? The holders are far from fancied, which will suit a squad which contains 18 players who were part of the 2007 success. Set-pieces and the boot of Morne Steyn will be their staple diet, supplemented by a resolute defence - the duller the World Cup, the better their chances. The Springboks are favourites to top the group, but they have had three near-misses against Wales in as many years and four years ago no one caused them more problems than Tonga and Fiji. A team on the way down, bottom of the Tri-Nations again, but high on experience. A dilemma will be when, rather than where, to play their captain, John Smit.Key player: The lineout is integral to South Africas strategy, not just in winning their own ball but in disrupting the opposition to augment a kicking game. Victor Matfield is still the master of his art.Commentators kit: Fearsome lock Bakkies Botha is really called John. His nickname derives from a "bakkie", the equivalent of an Australian "ute", a small utility vehicle or pick-up truck, used ubiquitously on South African farms.SquadJannie du plessis, prop, age 28, caps 26Tendai Mtawarira, prop, age 26, caps 28Gurthro Steenkamp, prop, age 30, caps 33CJ van der Linde, prop, age 31, caps 72Bismarck du plessis, hooker, age 27, caps 38Chiliboy Ralepelle, hooker, age 24, caps 20John Smit (c), hooker, age 33, caps 106Bakkies Botha, second-row, age 31, caps 74Victor Matfield, second-row, age 34, caps 107Johann Muller, second-row, age 31, caps 23Danie Rossouw, second-row, age 33, caps 58Heinrich Brussow, flanker, age 25, caps 15Schalk Burger, flanker, age 28, caps 63Francois Louw, flanker, age 26, caps 7Willem Alberts, No8, age 27, caps 4Pierre Spies, No8, age 26, caps 42Fourie du Preez, scrum-half, age 29, caps 57Francois Hougaard, scrum-half, age 23, caps 10Ruan Pienaar, scrum-half, age 27, caps 49Butch James, fly-half, age 32, caps 41Morne Steyn, fly-half, age 27, caps 29Juan de Jongh, centre, age 23, caps 8Jean de Villiers, centre, age 30, caps 69Jaque Fourie, centre, age 28, caps 64Gio Aplon, wing, age 28, caps 15Bryan Habana, wing, age 28, caps 70Odwa Ndungane, wing, age 30, caps 8JP Pietersen, wing, age 25, caps 38Patrick Lambie, full-back, age 20, caps 7Francois Steyn, full-back, age 24, caps 43Average age 27.8Average caps 40.7Rugby World Cup 2011Rugby unionSouth Africa rugby teamPaul ReesMartin PengellyEvan Fanning guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

South Africa 284-8; Bangladesh 78 South Africa win by 206 runsEnglands World Cup campaign will continue after South Africas 206-run defeat of Bangladesh ensured Andrew Strausss men reached the quarter-finals.South Africa bowlers skittled out Bangladesh for a paltry 78 in 28 overs, Lonwabo Tsotsobe put South Africa on top by picking up three early wickets before the left-arm spinner Robin Peterson claimed four wickets.None of the top five Bangladeshi batsman reached double figures in pursuit of South Africas 284 for eight, which was built around Jacques Kallis 69 off 76 balls, Hashim Amlas 51 off 59 and Francois du plessis run-a-ball 52.The Tigers at least avoided creating a new record for the lowest score by scraping past 58 - the total managed by Bangladesh in their match against West Indies - resulting in a huge, if not entirely sincere, round of applause from the crowd.But while Bangladeshs World Cup campaign ended on a downbeat note their defeat secured Englands place in the last eight.Cricket World Cup 2011Bangladesh Cricket TeamSouth Africa cricket team guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]