All Blacks have lost none of their aura in South Africa

Nonsense to those who believe the All Blacks in South Africa have lost their aura. Laughable, is my response, to those who think the interest in the All Blacks in South Africa has waned. piekny-pies.pl

The All Blacks are the biggest rugby ticket in South Africa when playing the Springboks.

Ellis Park (62 000), the DHL Stadium in Cape Town (52 000) and the 90 000 big one at the FNB Stadium in Soweto are sold out. Baltimore, USA, host of the fourth and final Test between the two has a capacity of 71 000. It is sold out.

Those are the numbers that matter in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

Close to 5000 arrived at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town to welcome the All Blacks.

Then 47 000 paid to watch the All Blacks play the Stormers in the tour opener on a spectacular Friday night in Cape Town.

Durban’s crowd numbered 14,000 in temperatures less than 10 degrees, accompanied by the most unseasonal rain during the build-up to and during the match itself. Close to 25 000 tickets were sold.

Loftus saw 30 000 watch the Bulls host the All Blacks.

These are proper numbers, given the extreme ticket pricing and the tour schedule.

The matches did no favours for South Africa’s United Rugby Championship clubs. South Africa’s rugby public may be one-eyed, partisan, and unapologetically ‘rah rah’ when it comes to their teams.

But they know their rugby and they are no fools.

They knew that the URC teams were in pre-season and that their teams would not be conditioned to play the All Blacks and that their teams would be missing the 40-plus Springboks in the current squad.

They knew that the matches were mismatches and exhibition runs for the All Blacks to test combinations, give players game time and build momentum into the four tests against the Springboks.

No marketing hype could disguise the tour matches. They were billed on the back of those club and provincial matches played in the amateur era when the tour games were a South African player’s ticket into the Test series.

In this instance, in the professional world of one-off Test matches, the tour matches offered little hope of any player going into the Test series.

Stormers flanker Deon Fourie is the exception. Fourie, who turns 40 in a month, was exceptional for 62 minutes against the All Blacks in Cape Town. His performance, on his comeback from injury, combined with Siya Kolisi’s injury when the Boks beat Argentina in Buenos Aires, meant a call-up.

For the rest, it was back to pre-season for the URC, which starts in the last week of September.

Context is everything when assessing the past fortnight.

The crowd attendance at all three matches showcases just how much pulling power the All Blacks have because no one was paying money to see their host club do the improbable. The timing of the matches and the lack of Springboks ensured the results before kick-off.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry shareholders, the Springboks and All Blacks, got it so right to formalize a series between the sport’s two greatest rugby nations.

But they got so much wrong in the tour schedule ticket pricing.

The series should have been a three-Test series in South Africa, with the winner determined in South Africa.

The money grab fourth Test in the United States should have been the exhibition match that emphasised the depth available to both coaches.

And the tour games should have spoken to the rugby public who could never afford Test tickets.

The money had to come from the three Test series in South Africa, which was oversubscribed fivefold in Cape Town, double at Ellis Park and sold out in Soweto.

The tour matches were an opportunity to fill the stadiums with those who have a love for rugby and not restricted to those who financially could indulge on a night out.

That they got the tour match pricing wrong isn’t up for discussion.

Equally, that they got the interest in the Test series right is not up for discussion.

Mark Keohane’s Sunday Times Keo Uncut Rugby Columns

Comeback star Devdutt Padikkal hit a polished 167 as India scored 460-9 on a rainy second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday.

Only 43 overs were possible at the picturesque venue, with the morning session completely washed out by the weather.

Padikkal, recalled to the side after almost two years as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan, impressed the most among the batsmen.

His knock was the fourth-highest Test score by an Indian in Sri Lanka behind Sachin Tendulkar (203), Virender Sehwag (201 not out) and Shikhar Dhawan (190).

Padikkal, playing just his third Test match, looked solid as he struck elegant drives during his 230-ball knock that lasted more than five hours.

His innings contained 15 fours and a six.

“It was a super knock by Padikkal,” Indian batsman Dhruv Jurel told reporters after the day’s play.

“He is making his comeback to the side, and he made it count. He played the spinners and seamers really well.”

When play resumed in the afternoon, Sri Lanka took the new ball and got the much-needed breakthroughs.

READ: Ten times Test cricket tore up the script

Their spinners managed to get more purchase off the surface, picking three quick wickets.

Rishabh Pant (39) was the first to go when he was caught by Sonal Dinusha off debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha.

Dinusha ran in from wide mid-off and dived to take the catch, giving Nuwantha his first Test wicket.

Nuwantha also dismissed K.L. Rahul, who was caught by close in fielder Nishan Fernando for 82.

Rahul had to retire on 77 on day one due to cramps, and he could only add five more runs on day two.

Prabath Jayasuriya claimed the big wicket of Padikkal, having him stumped by Niroshan Dickwella.

Batting at number six, Jurel hit 51 off 68 balls to ensure India did not collapse after the dismissal of Padikkal.

He was involved in a 55-run stand for the fifth wicket with Manav Suthar, who made 24.

Paceman Asitha Fernando struck late to dismiss tail-ender Mohammad Siraj.

Jayasuriya said the batsmen will have to pull their game up, with the pitch deteriorating as is the case generally in Galle.

ALSO: Bangladesh make history with commanding Australia win

“In Galle, the toss is always vital as the pitch deteriorates as the game progresses. We lost the toss, and the beauty of Test match cricket is to fight it out and hang in there,” he said.

“Our batters need to put up their hands and come up with a good effort.”

Play will resume 15 minutes early on day three in order to make up for lost time.

Galle is hosting its 50th Test match, the first Asian ground to achieve the milestone.

India have an impressive record against Sri Lanka, having not lost any Test against them since 2015.

–AFP

Photo: Sameera Peiris/Getty Images

The post Padikkal’s career-best knock punishes Sri Lanka appeared first on SA Cricket Mag.

Arsenal a lancé sa saison de la meilleure des manières en remportant le Community Shield face à Manchester City (3-0), dimanche, au Principality Stadium de Cardiff. Les Gunners ont livré une prestation pleine de maîtrise pour décrocher le premier trophée de l’exercice. Le match a très vite basculé en faveur des Londoniens. Dès la première […]

L’article Arsenal surclasse Manchester City et s’offre le Community Shield est apparu en premier sur Shoot Africa.

South Africa’s FIH Hockey World Cup campaign began with a 4-0 defeat against England in Pool D at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

Against a highly rated England side, South Africa were made to pay for a difficult opening quarter as two goals in quick succession gave their opponents early control of the contest.

South Africa Women Face Top-Ten Trio in Pool D at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

Darcy Bourne opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Tessa Howard doubled England’s advantage just three minutes later. The quick double left South Africa with an immediate challenge, but they continued to compete and worked hard to find opportunities to play through the English pressure.

England, however, showed their experience and efficiency.

With South Africa seemingly set to reach half-time just two goals behind, Elizabeth Neal struck in the 30th minute to make it 3-0 and give England a significant cushion heading into the interval.

For South Africa, the challenge after the break was to stay connected and continue asking questions of an England team packed with players accustomed to performing at the highest level of the international game.

The South Africans continued to battle, but England added their fourth in the 41st minute through Sophie Hamilton to effectively put the result beyond reach.

Importantly, there was no further damage on the scoreboard. South Africa kept working through the final quarter and continued to compete until the final hooter, even with the result already decided.

The 4-0 scoreline was a disappointing start for Inky Zondi’s side, but the opening encounter also provided an immediate reminder of the margins at World Cup level. England punished their opportunities, particularly during decisive periods in the first half, while South Africa will know there are areas they can sharpen as the tournament progresses.

There will be little time to dwell on the opening result. South Africa’s attention now turns to their second Pool D encounter against India on 18 August, before concluding the pool phase against China on 20 August.

With two matches still to come, the World Cup journey is far from decided. The task now is to regroup, take the lessons from the opening game and produce a response when South Africa return to the turf.

South Africa Women’s Pool D FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands

Sun 16 August: England 4-0 South Africa
Tue 18 August: South Africa vs India
Thu 20 August: South Africa vs China

South Africa

1. Morgan de Jager (Goalkeeper)
4. Stephanie Botha
5. Edith Molikoe (Captain)
7. Taheera Augousti
8. Ané Janse van Vuuren
9. Shanna Mendonca
10. Onthatile Zulu
12. Ntsopa Mokoena
13. Paris-Gail Isaacs
14. Lerato Mahole
16. Baylee Engelke
17. Caylin Maree
18. Hannah Pearce
21. Ongeziwe Mali
23. Jean-Leigh du Toit
26. Cailynn den Bakker
27. Kayla de Waal
31. Marlise van Tonder (Goalkeeper)

Coach: Inky Zondi
Manager: Tarryn McCreedy

England

2. Darcy Bourne
4. Lily Walker
6. Anna Toman
7. Hannah French
11. Holly Hunt
13. Elena Rayer
14. Tessa Howard
18. Katie Curtis
21. Fiona Crackles
22. Elizabeth Neal
23. Sophie Hamilton
25. Sabbie Heesh (Goalkeeper)
26. Lily Owsley
28. Flora Peel (Captain)
31. Grace Balsdon
39. Alice Atkinson
40. Miriam Pritchard (Goalkeeper)
44. Lottie Bingham

Coach: Kwan Browne
Manager: Samantha Beveridge

---

Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s players perform the national anthem ahead of their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool D opening match against England, the first of three group stage encounters as world number 20 South Africa face England, India and China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 16 August 2026. All Photos: Jan van Zyl

Photo 2 Caption: Taheera Augousti races for possession against England at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

The post South Africa Face World Cup Reality Check in 4-0 Loss to England appeared first on gsport4girls.

Orlando Pirates produced a second half goal blitz to take down Chippa United 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Kings Park on Sunday.

Pirates treble blitz

Gamphani Lungu and Daniel Msendani netted their first goals for the Buccaneers, while Lebone Seema also headed in as Pirates gave a good response to their midweek draw at AmaZulu.

In the first half, Pirates battled to break down a resilient Chippa. Oswin Appollis had a couple of long-range efforts that were comfortably kept out by Stanley Nwabali in the Chilli Boyz goal.

A Deon Hotto free kick was also tipped over by Nwabali, but generally Pirates were too slow in their build up play in Durban.

Chippa had a good chance to take the lead four minutes before the break. Imraan Jones whipped in a free kick that flew across the area and the ball fell for Goodman Mosele, who hammered his effort just wide.

On the stroke of half time a fine cross from Appollis caused chaos in the Chippa box but no one could apply the finishing touch.

Pirates came out fired up after the break, and Patrick Maswanganyi did brilliantly to work some space in the box, but put his effort wide of target.

Pirates finally broke through in the 60th minute. Lungu’s fierce shot beat Nwabali at his near post, with the Nigerian ‘keeper only able to push the ball into the net.

That opened the floodgates and Pirates doubled their lead four minutes later. Deon Hotto’s corner was powerfully headed past Nwabali by Seema.

Msendani seals it

Msendani came off the bench and put the icing on the Pirates cake in the 87th minute. Chippa defender Boy Madingwane was caught in possession by Msendani, who surged into the penalty area and comfortably beat Nwabali.

The result moved Pirates to the top of the early Betway Premiership standings with seven points from three games. They lead Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu on goal difference.

The Buccaneers are not set to play Sekhukhune United for three games on the spin. They will face them in the Premiership on August 25 and will also play them over two legs in the MTN8 semifinals.