RéDAN SPORTS BLOGGING

 In the final round of this year's Rugby Championship, South Africa needed only a victory to secure their first title in a complete six-round tournament. However, despite this win, they did not regain the top position in the World Rankings. That's correct, despite their significant victory, Ireland remains number one in the latest rankings. Mariette Adams recently articulated in an article that the Springboks' unexpected 29-28 loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero had significant consequences. Notably, it ended their 13-month tenure as the top-ranked team in World Rugby, ceding the position to Ireland. This shift occurred because the defeat cost the Springboks 1.81 rating points, dropping their total from 93.58 to 91.77, while Ireland, with a rating of 92.12, ascended to the number one spot by default. South Africa started the game with incredible intensity, securing a 7-0 lead within the first 40 minutes. Quick hands from Manie Libbok set up Fassi, who broke through fou...

The time had come for the four southern hemisphere nations to continue the rugby championship following a two-week hiatus. Still unbeaten in this year's contest, South Africa took on Argentina's Los Pumas, requiring only three log points to secure the championship. The Boks started the game on fire, scoring two quick tries inside the first ten minutes to race to a 14 - 0 lead thanks to tries from Aphelele Fassie and Jesse Kriel.  The image captures Fassi's try, which resulted from an excellent offensive play by the Boks. To clarify, this opportunity arose because all of Argentina's players had moved to the left, leaving only one defender out wide to cover two players. This shift created an opening for Fassi to break through and score the try. Jesse Kriel's try was a standout moment. Again, the defenders had clustered near the ruck, creating an opening for Kriel to break through and secure South Africa's second try. The momentum shifted when Kurt-Lee Arendse rece...

 The Currie Cup had reached its knockout stages once more. The stage was set to determine who would challenge the Lions at Emirates Airline Park after their victory over the defending champions, the Cheetahs, with a score of 43-34. With the URC's opening round of local derby matches postponed to next year, the four franchises were able to field their strongest teams for the semifinals.  The Bulls began the game sluggishly, with an initial error from starting scrum-half Keagan Johannes failing to clear the ball following a charge down by Sharks' lock Emile van Heerden, leading to a try for the towering player. At that moment, Johannes was having difficulty with his aerial kicks, and I believe Goosen should have been the one to send it deep into touch.  Shortly after, Johannes corrected his previous error and darted through a narrow opening to score an impressive try for the Bulls. Their defence, however, faltered occasionally, allowing the Sharks to score twice within thre...

 It was the fourth round of the annual Rugby Championship in 2024. The Boks aimed to secure a perfect record of four wins, while the All Blacks sought to revive their campaign. The stakes were high in this intense battle. South Africa was vying for the Freedom Cup, a trophy they hadn't claimed since 2009. The match didn't live up to the excitement we had hoped for, as neither team capitalized on the opportunities that arose. As a result, the scoreline stayed at 9-3 in favour of the visitors. The match's second half began with more vigor as South Africa hit their stride. They managed to score a try via substitute hooker Malcolm Marx after maintaining prolonged pressure on the All Blacks. Referee Matt Carley remained consistent in his decision-making, ensuring fair play on both sides.   Ultimately, the two tries by the Boks secured their fourth victory in this year's championship and marked a fourth consecutive win against their longstanding rivals. This achievement was l...

The match culminated in anticipation since the World Cup final in Paris, marking the 107th encounter between the two rugby giants, South Africa and New Zealand. Both teams entered the fray with victory in their sights. New Zealand aimed to revive their Rugby Championship aspirations and sought retribution against the World Champions, following a harrowing loss in the previous year's RWC final in Paris. On the other hand, South Africa aimed to maintain the momentum from its two victories in Australia. The match was expected to be highly entertaining, with both teams eager to move the ball and score tries. True to form, New Zealand quickly took a 7-0 lead. In typical South African fashion, they fought back with a penalty and an unconverted try, although Sacha was outplayed by the shot clock. The All Blacks answered with a try, taking a narrow 12-11 lead into the halftime break. New Zealand swiftly countered with an intercept try after neutralizing Siya Kolisi in an offensive move. Ho...