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South Africa - Rugby World Cup 2023: Du Toit talks about his triumph

Pieter-Steph Du Toit, a member of the South African team that won the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, reflects on the Springboks' latest triumph. The 2nd row revealed a few details about this epic success, which enabled the South Africans to retain their title.

"You can't believe what's happening... It's so big you can't think". That's how Pieter-Steph Du Toit describes the feeling that ran through him at the final whistle of the Rugby World Cup 2023 final. South Africa had just beaten New Zealand (12-11) to retain their title, and the 31-year-old was overwhelmed with emotion. This is how he confided in former Scotland international Jim Hamilton's "Big Jim Show".

 

Named man of the match in the final, with a total of 28 tackles, Du Toit looked back on a key moment in the Springboks' career, when they thought they'd reach the semi-finals. Faced with England, then the overwhelming favorites, they trailed at half-time. But the attitude of coach Rassie Erasmus changed all that and galvanized them for the second act. "We always go into a dressing room with plans... Rassie came in and said what he had to say, took the reserves into a side room. Everyone sat there. It's not what we're used to. Discussions took place between us, which wasn't planned," he said. These discussions between the players had their effect, as the South Africans overturned the English to win (16-15).

"The joy you put on people's faces"

Was it a gamble or a masterstroke on the part of the coach? Du Toit has his own opinion, and praises the technician's work in remobilizing his team."He pushes you to extremes and gets under your skin, sometimes he trains with you, he pushes you to the limit and says things that aren't true and you always want to prove him wrong," he confided. For him, the collective is at the root of this new success."The team is bigger than the individual and bigger than anything else in this room. That's what management does so well: it makes you buy into the plan, the whole system."

 

A proud South African, Pieter-Steph Du Toit also explained further what representing his country means to him: "The satisfaction you get, the joy you put on people's faces for what we've achieved... You can't buy it, it's the work you put behind it and nobody sees it, the satisfaction you get, you can't measure it. It's an honor and a privilege."

Sensations he'd like to relive if given the chance. At just 31 years of age, the Springbok is still a long way from hanging up his boots, and wouldn't say no to another campaign in 2027 to try and win a 3rd consecutive title. But only "If [I'm] good enough and the body [allows me]."

Rugby-World Cup 2023: Jacques Nienaber reveals his secret weapon for winning the title

South Africa used to be regarded as an ultra-defensive team. But at the Rugby World Cup 2023, the Springboks have broken new ground by playing forward. Former coach Jacques Nienaber reveals what has changed.

Five months on, the defeat to South Africa still sticks in the French craw. They lost by a single point (28-29) in the quarter-finals, only to see the Springboks lift the title a few days later. While observers, coach Fabien Galthié and several players have deplored referee Ben O'Keeffe's errors, the recipes for South Africa's success must be found elsewhere. That's according to Jacques Nienaber, South Africa's World Cup coach.

In an interview with the Irish Mirror, the South African coach, now coach of Irish club Leinster, details the crucial role played by Felix Jones. The latter, who coached South Africa's attack with Jacques Nienaber, enabled the Springboks, reputedly defensive, to surprise their opponents with a forward-looking game."I'd say Felix has probably taken over the reins of our attack in 2022.In any case, that's when we realized how creative he was in the things he wanted to implement in attack."
"The general public may not have realized it, but our game was very creative at the end of 2023. If you think back to the World Cup quarter-final, South Africa deciding to play a penalty quickly by hand, that's still something very unexpected. For our last try, the one by Eben Etzebeth that enabled us to win the quarter-final against France, he brought a lot of innovation.

 

Rugby World Cup 2023: Bongi Mbonambi accused of racial abuse

A case of racism is currently concerning the South African national team. Its hooker Bongi Mbonambi has been accused by England's Tom Curry after the semi-final between the two teams.

South Africa will be defending their title at the Rugby World Cup.The Springboks beat England 16-15 in an intense match on Saturday 21 October and will meet New Zealand in the final. But on Sunday 22 October, the South Africans announced that they were opening an investigation into one of their players, Bongi Mbonambi. Mbonambi was accused of using racial slurs by England's Tom Curry.

Before the half-hour mark, the England third row complained to referee Ben O'Keeffe. He asked him what he should do, arguing that Bongi Mbonambi had called him a "white f***er". O'Keeffe replied: "Nothing, please, I'll be careful". Then, after the match, when asked if the South African had said anything derogatory to him, Curry replied in the affirmative. However, he added: "There's no need to talk about it. His coach Borthwick has decided not to comment on the episode.

A sanction could change everything for the Springboks

The South African Rugby Federation issued a press release on Sunday 22 October.It announced that it was investigating the allegations against Bongi Mbonambi. "We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously", the body said, adding that it was "in the process of examining the available evidence".

England have 36 hours in which to take action against Bongi Mbonambi. World Rugby has not commented on the incident. If Mbonambi is sanctioned for the final (he faces a 6-match ban), it could be detrimental as he is the only professional hooker in the current Springbok squad. The other, Malcolm Marx, has left his team-mates through injury.

Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa appeals WADA decision

The South African rugby team ran the risk of playing its Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France without broadcasting its anthem or displaying its flag. This was because South African legislation did not comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency's new regulations. South Africa has appealed to CAS against this decision.

The Springboks were threatened with sanctions for non-compliance of their sports legislation with the World Anti-Doping Code. To avoid sanctions, the Springboks' Minister of Sport has declared that he will appeal the decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). As a result, all the country's sportsmen and women were banned from wearing their jerseys, raising their flags and broadcasting their national anthem. With the application for the match against France this Sunday, October 15 at the Rugby World Cup in their sights.

To avoid this, they had until this Friday to bring their legislation into line with WADA's new World Anti-Doping Code, or face sanctions. Given the deadline, it was almost certain that Pretoria would not be able to meet the deadline.

Minister of Sport appeals

The Ministry of Sport has lodged an appeal with CAS in Lausanne (Switzerland) against WADA's decision. The appeal is aimed at "delaying" the effects of WADA's decision? and thus sparing the country a major embarrassment. "This means that the flying of the South African flag at events such as the Cricket and Rugby World Cups will not be affected until CAS has ruled on the case," explained Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa. In his view, the sanctions imposed are inappropriate: "I believe that the grounds for the appeal are sound and that the sanctions are inappropriate. The sanction relating to the ban on hoisting the national flag has created unnecessary hysteria and unfairly punished the athletes and players."

As a reminder, WADA's new code comes into force in 2021, and only South Africa and Bermuda have yet to bring their national legislation into line, according to the Montreal-based anti-doping organization.

South Africa has appealed to CAS against WADA's decision threatening it with sanctions for non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code, including a ban on raising its flag at the World Cup this weekend.

Republic of Congo: Children's induction to rugby

Relying on children to promote rugby, which lacks visibility in the country.In Congo-Brazzaville, the "GCROSS FESTI-VACANCES" festival, the first edition of which has just come to an end, is already shaping up as a new attempt to bring the oval ball to the masses... just as much as other sports.

In Congo-Brazzaville, youngsters are introduced to rugby

A final leisure activity before heading back to school, they really had a right to it. In Brazzaville, some 200 children took part on September 30 in the first edition of the "GCROSS FESTI-VACANCES" festival, initiated and organized by the Taureau Rugby Club de Brazzaville, a rugby team from the Congolese capital. Although the initiative was intended to provide "healthy" entertainment for Congolese children during the summer vacations, it turned out to be a genuine competition in the U15 and U12 male and female categories. Teams came from several of Brazzaville's arrondissements.

These included Avenue Mayama, crowned champion in the men's U12 category, and Hiboux Hiboux, winner of the tournament in the under-15 category. The young ladies also showed their talent, with Stade Brazzavillois taking victory in rugby 7s.

Whoever wins, GCROSS FESTI-VACANCES will have given these Congolese children the chance to get in touch with rugby. "At first I thought of rugby as just a hobby, but now I'm discovering the sport, which I used to dread because of the images (physical impact, editor's note) I see on TV. But through this competition I'm starting to take an interest in the discipline," explains Nathan Ngambio, a CM2 pupil and champion with his club Avenue Mayama.And since appetite comes with food, all dreams are now permitted. "We liked this rugby tournament, which gives us more confidence to become great rugby players tomorrow, and we ask our leaders to multiply this kind of meeting and initiative," dreams Saturnin Miamokana, a CM1 pupil and player with Hiboux Hiboux.


Congolese rugby struggles to find its audience

Although youngsters are beginning to develop a taste for rugby, the oval ball has struggled to find its audience since colonial times and since the founding of the Congolese Rugby Federation in 2008. This is symptomatic of the failure of the promotional strategies implemented. The challenge is therefore enormous and must be met and this time, young people must be called upon to contribute. "We don't have the resources to initiate mass media campaigns. We told ourselves that we had to make do with what we had. This festival is our contribution to the Federation's battle to promote rugby in our country", explains Vincent Aziz Niamby Malalou, coach of Taureau Rugby Club de Brazzaville.

A contribution that the Federation is far from ignoring."I'm moved that children have agreed to take part in this festival. It shows the Taureau Rugby Club's ability to mobilize people. And we can only encourage this initiative, as it is in line with our ideals", says Elbe Biscay Bidié-Bia Mbemba, President of FECORUG.

South Africa - Rugby: Elton Jantjies tests positive for a doping agent

A new setback for Elton Jantjies. The South African rugby player has tested positive for the doping agent clenbuterol. Another case he could have done without.

Elton Jantjies is in turmoil. The South African international has tested positive for a doping substance. The substance in question is clenbuterol, which has been detected by the competent bodies in his country. Surprisingly, the player with 46 caps for his country revealed this himself in a statement sent to the South African press on Saturday August 26. He also added that he was leaving the matter to his representatives. "I have asked my lawyers to help me determine the origin of the banned substance, to request that the B sample be tested and that an investigation be opened into the possible causes of the positive test",

The 2019 World Champion with South Africa also adds that he will do everything in his power to prove his innocence. Elton Jantjies maintains that he does not know the origin of the product. At this stage, I can't say any more, but I want to assure all my supporters that I have never taken and will never take any banned substance. I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence."


What is clenbuterol?

Clenbuterol is a beta-stimulant.In particular, it can be used to stimulate pulmonary function.It also has anabolic effects. Clenbuterol is generally for veterinary use. As a doping product, it can help lose body fat, boost ventilation and increase blood flow. In other words, Elton Jantjies will have to explain himself and undergo a battery of tests.

This latest setback is just one of many for Elton Jantjies.The player was excluded from South Africa's 2022 squad for having an affair with a member of staff. He returned to the squad at the beginning of the summer, but did not play.He was not included in the squad for the 2023 World Cup.And finally, he is currently in dispute with his club, Agen.

Rugby Africa Men's Seven: 12 nations in the running for the 2024 Olympics

Zimbabwe will host the Africa Men's Seven, the men's rugby qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Twelve nations will be competing for three direct qualifying places.

While the Paris 2024 Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, the teams aiming for a place in the final rugby sevens tournament all have their eyes set on Harare. The Zimbabwean capital will be the venue for the Rugby Africa Men's Seven, the final stage in the bid to secure qualifying tickets for the Olympic tournament. At stake are three places which will directly qualify the winners of the group stages, at the end of the matches to be played on September 16 and 17.

Twelve teams are in the running: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rugby Afrique has drawn the groups, which will see South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia and Côte d'Ivoire go head-to-head in Group A. Accustomed to shining on the world circuit, the South Africans will be favourites in this Africa Men's Seven.Behind them, Malagasy and Tunisians will be battling it out for 2nd place, synonymous with access to the play-offs for a place at the 2024 Olympic Games. In Group B, Kenya will have the edge over Zambia, Namibia and Nigeria.

Three or four places for Africa?

Pool C, on the other hand, will be more tightly contested with Uganda, Burkina Faso, Algeria and Zimbabwe. While in the past Zimbabwe and Uganda have had a head start over most of their opponents in this discipline, Algeria is now on the rise, having won the pre-Olympic tournament and qualified for the Africa Men's Seven at the expense of Nigeria. This is sure to set up some hotly contested encounters as the Algerians bid to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Each group winner will qualify directly for the Olympic tournament, while the group runners-up will go through a play-off tournament. These three guaranteed places could be joined by a 4th, should South Africa finally qualify via the World Rugby Seven Series. On the women's side, Rugby Afrique has yet to draw the groups, but has announced that the qualifying tournament will be held on October 14 and 15 in Tunisia.

Rugby - South Africa: François Steyn hangs up his boots two months before the World Cup

François Steyn is calling it a day. The 36-year-old is retiring from rugby. With his departure, one of the finest pages in the history of the oval ball is closing in South Africa.

Injuries have taken their toll on François Steyn. The back-rower suffered a knee injury on 24 March during a Currie Cup match between his team, the Cheetahs, and the Bulls, and had to undergo surgery.Little did the 36-year-old know that this would be the last game of his career, but he was fighting to get back on the pitch before the Rugby World Cup in September.

Alas, his story with the oval ball is coming to an end. He has announced the end of his career. "These last few months have been difficult for me to accept saying goodbye to the game to which I have devoted my entire life," he announced on his social networks on Tuesday 11 July. Every player wants to end his career on good terms," he added. But I consider myself lucky to have been able to play rugby for so long and incredibly grateful for the journey I have been able to take," he continued.

François Steyn played 78 internationals for the Springboks. He scored 165 points, including 11 tries.But his speciality was kicking drop-goals from elsewhere. He was a world-class scorer who could put the ball between the posts... from his own half of the field. He won two World Cups with South Africa. First in 2007, at the age of 20, and then in 2019.

An exceptional careerAlong with Os du Randt, François Steyn is the only South African to have won two world titles. What's more, he is the youngest ever to pull on a Springbok shirt.That was against Ireland in 2006.He was 19 years and 181 days old at the time.To celebrate this cap, he gave himself a try. At club level, Steyn has played for Natal Sharks, Sharks and Cheetahs (South Africa), Montpellier and Racing (France), and Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan).

SA Rugby was keen to thank 'legend' François Steyn. Chairman Mark Alexander was full of praise."It's safe to say that Frans Steyn will go down in history as a Springbok and South African rugby legend.Frans was a phenomenon when he first entered the senior rugby scene as a teenager and he never backed down, never gave an inch and always tried to find a way to help his teams win. He was a versatile player who represented the Boks in five positions in the backline and his kicking boot often delivered points when it seemed impossible. On behalf of the entire South African rugby family, I would like to thank Frans for his massive contribution to the game we love so much, and we wish him and his family all the best in his retirement".

Rugby Championship: South Africa off to a flying start

South Africa got off to a flying start in the Rugby Championship. The Springboks made short work of Australia (43-12) in Pretoria on Saturday.A good omen for the South Africans with two months to go before the World Cup.

South Africa is back on track.On the opening day of the Rugby Championship, the Springboks were impressive.At home, they thrashed Australia 43-12.

The Springboks were already leading 17-5 at the break and took off in the second half when the Wallabies conceded two penalty tries.In the second half, the home side stepped up their attacks and managed to find a way through the Australian defence. Arendse scored his third try after slipping between three helpless Australian defenders.

The reigning world champions finished off the visitors at the end of the match. With six minutes remaining, Pieter-Steph du Toit was rewarded for his first try against Australia and his team's sixth of the match. Libbok converted the try to complete the rout. Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored three tries, was voted man of the match.

Apart from a first try and a consolation try at the end of the match, the Wallabies were completely disorientated. The Australians were powerless against the pace and intensity imposed by the Springboks.


A fine victory... and some flaws
Despite this comprehensive victory, Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick noted a number of negative points. He says: "There are a lot of things we can improve on, but we'll take the result any day. If you had said during the week that we would have scored 43 points against Australia, we would have said you were dreaming. But we have something to work on."

The Springboks still have some way to go in certain areas, Mzwandile Stick still believes. "There was a point in the game where we had a lot of entries into the Australian 22 and we weren't able to convert them - and there were a few breaks in play as well - and I think that's where we need to continue to improve. We need to make sure we convert those chances into points - when we play the All Blacks and Argentina, we won't have ten chances; we'll only have four or five and you need to convert them." In their second match, South Africa face defending champions New Zealand on Saturday 15 July. Like the Springboks, the All Blacks hit the ground running in their opening game. They thrashed Argentina 41-12.

Rugby World Cup 2023 - South Africa: Siya Kolisi starts the race against time

South Africa will be defending their world title at the Rugby World Cup in France. They are hoping to bring along Siya Kolisi, their captain. The latter recently suffered a serious knee injury. But he is confident he can hold his own.

The countdown is on for Siya Kolisi. Initially announced as out of action for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France (8 September to 28 October 2023), Siya Kolisi has, against all expectations, been called up to the Springboks squad for the build-up. The South African captain underwent knee surgery in April following a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. He also suffered a meniscus injury. In other words, his chances of playing are slim.

Nevertheless, Siya Kolisi is adamant. He will be there for the World Cup. In fact, the 2019 world champion expects to play in the warm-up matches. "I hope I can play in one of the two warm-up matches," said Kolisi at a press briefing in Pretoria. "It's not great to be injured, but I've been through this before and it's good to have the support of the coaches and players, as well as the medical team, who are fantastic," he said at a press briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday 20 June. Kolisi will not play in the Rugby Championship matches against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina in July.

"I'm feeling good. The good thing is that I've been through this before," adds Siya Kolisi with a smile. He is referring to a knee injury that disrupted his preparations for the 2019 World Cup. I know you have to take it day by day. I'm convinced that everything will be fine. My rehabilitation is going well. I'm working hard to recover as well as possible. And it's great to be able to do that as part of the team. It helps me a lot mentally, to see all the work being done around me. If I wasn't here, I'd miss a lot of what the group is doing. And there are guys I can lean on, like RG (Snyman), Handré (Pollard) and Pieter-Steph (Du Toit), who I talk to a lot. They've also had knee injuries!