Springboks, Bok Women and Proteas teams set for high-stakes international weekend
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is well aware that his team have it all to do this weekend when they face Australia in Cape Twon in the second round of the Rugby Championship.
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THIS WEEKEND promises a thrilling showcase of South African sporting talent across the globe, with the Springboks, Springbok Women, and Proteas all in action.
Bokke have it all to do
The Springboks are set for a crucial Rugby Championship clash against Australia at DHL Stadium in Cape Town this Saturday, August 23. Following a disappointing 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies in Johannesburg, which saw them drop to third in world rankings, the Boks are determined to correct the wrongs.
That loss, their first at Ellis Park against Australia since 1963, highlighted issues like 26 missed tackles and 17 turnovers, with coach Rassie Erasmus lamenting they didn't play according to their usual high standards in the second half and that they let themselves and the country down.
To bounce back, Erasmus has made 10 changes to the starting XV, with Jesse Kriel leading the team in Siya Kolisi’s injury absence. Key players like Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende return, as the Boks aim for better execution and physicality.
Springbok Women have a plan
The Springbok Women are also in action this weekend, kicking off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Brazil on Sunday, August 24, at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton.
While this marks their first Test match against Brazil, utility back Nadine Roos is familiar with many of their opponents from previous HSBC SVNS series encounters, where Brazil often had the upper hand. Roos, now settled at scrumhalf, is determined that a different result will follow in the 15-a-side code.
The team's strategy will focus on shutting down Brazil’s speedsters by killing their time and space on the ball and making big tackles where it matters. The Bok Women are united in their belief that a strong team effort will secure a crucial opening win.
Proteas cannot afford a slip
Meanwhile, in cricket, the Proteas are looking to clinch their ODI series against Australia as they face off in the second match at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Friday, August 22.
South Africa currently leads the three-match series 1-0, having secured a dominant 98-run victory in the opener. In that first match, the Proteas were hailed as being exceptional in all departments, with half-centuries from Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke, and a brilliant five-wicket haul from spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Australia, whose middle-order faltered in the chase, will be eyeing redemption and hoping for a collective performance to level the series. Bad news for the visitors is that South Africa will be without spinner Prenelan Subrayen due to being under investigation for a suspect bowling action.