After last week’s high octane encounter at Ellis Park there was always going to be a drop off in quality but a little bit of history was made nonetheless.
This was, rather to the surprise of everybody, the first time South Africa have beaten New Zealand four times on the trot since 1949 when the All Blacks lost the series 4-0 in South Africa. It should be stated that New Zealand were not allowed to select – or weren’t brave enough to select – any of their Māori players which considerably weakened an already less than vintage squad.
This time their four wins were achieved in that pre World Cup friendly at Twickenham, the World Cup final in Paris and then this double header in South Africa. When you consider some of the mighty teams South Africa have fielded over the decades – not least four World Cup winning squads – it speaks volumes about the current group.
In many ways the last fortnight has been a toe back in the water for the concept of incoming tours between these two great rugby nations. There is time for the opposing coaches to both get in a panic and/or rectify errors and we had a bit of both in this contest.
Denne historien er fra September 08, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 08, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
