Author: SH Rugby Blog

South Africa A side vs British & Irish Lions 2021 | Wiese at 8; Dweba at hooker

Here is a look at the official South Africa “A” side to take on the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town, and the Springboks have named a very strong team, potentially with the aim of giving some first XV regulars some valuable game time.

The side features Vincent Koch and Trevor Nyakane as props, Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert in the second row, and Marco Van Staden, Pieter Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese as the loose trio. Veteran Morne Steyn has been named at 10 with the World Cup winning centre pair of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am playing in midfield.

South Africa A squad vs British and Irish Lions 2021

Sharks 31-71 British and Irish Lions | Hendrikse red card spoils evening for Natal

It’s not often that you see a provincial side take on the Lions twice, but that’s exactly what happened with the Natal Sharks over the weekend thanks to the ongoing Covid pandemic in South Africa. The BIL were originally due to play the Bulls in Pretoria, but Covid put paid to those plans and as a contingency plan, the Sharks were summoned to play the touring side again, just days after they had copped a 54-7 hammering.

The Sharks made several changes, including that of Lionel Cronje at 10 ahead of Curwin Bosch, whose defence had been very suspect.

Sharks starting lineup for second game vs Lions 2021

To their credit, they put on an improved performance and capitalised on several Lions errors, with the likes of scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and full back Anthony Volmink all taking advantage as the two sides were tied 26-26 at the break.

However a brainfade from Hendrikse saw him red carded early in the second half by Wayne Barnes, and with that red card went any chances of the Sharks getting something from the game. Continue reading “Sharks 31-71 British and Irish Lions | Hendrikse red card spoils evening for Natal”

Can Warren make history with a 3rd consecutive unbeaten tour?

It’s possible to argue that Warren Gatland is already the most successful British and Irish Lions manager in the history of rugby union. At least, that’s what Sam Warburton, his former captain for Wales, thinks. A victory over Australia and a draw against New Zealand means the coach has the opportunity to make history by recording three straight undefeated Lions tours. Continue reading “Can Warren make history with a 3rd consecutive unbeaten tour?”

Heineken Cup 2021 Quarterfinal Draw- European Rugby Champions Cup

The Heineken Champions Cup quarterfinals take place this weekend, and we have some mouth-watering ties coming up.

Exeter vs Leinster appears to be the pick of the ties- it will take place on 10 April after the La Rochelle-Sale clash.

The 11 April last eight ties are both all-French affairs, with Bordeaux taking on Racing Metro in one QF and Clermont against Toulouse in the other.

Heineken Cup Quarterfinal Draw 2021