Kwagga backs Andre as Bok hybrid

Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith believes centre Andre Esterhuizen can thrive in a hybrid role, but says there’s one part of his game at flank to sharpen. Esterhuizen was first used on the side of the scrum against the Barbarians in Cape Town and then against...

Steenekamp back for Bulls, Willie on bench

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has named six Springboks in his starting XV for Saturday’s URC match against the Ospreys in Pretoria. This will be the first test of Ackermann’s coaching regime since being installed in the position two months ago. Among the most...

Dobbo eager to unleash ‘new Kitshoff’

Stormers coach John Dobson says 19-year-old Oliver Reid has the makings of something special as the Junior Springbok prepares for a potential Vodacom URC debut against Leinster on Friday night. With several experienced front rowers sidelined, Dobson has turned to Reid...

Mallett: Jan-Hendrik can be another Marx

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett is excited to see what Jan-Hendrik Wessels can do as a hooker replacement against Argentina at Kings Park on Saturday. The 24-year-old was utilised at both loosehead prop and hooker by former Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White last...

Jaden to jol at 10 for Sharks

Jaden Hendrikse starts at flyhalf for the Sharks’ opening Vodacom URC match against the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday night. The Springbok scrumhalf has been backed in the role by coach John Plumtree following injuries to his brother, Jordan, and...
Nel captains new-look Stormers

Nel captains new-look Stormers

John Dobson has named Ruhan Nel as Stormers captain for Friday’s Vodacom URC opener against defending champions Leinster in Cape Town. The experienced centre takes the armband in the absence of Salmaan Moerat and Deon Fourie, with Dobson confirming Nel was the...