Following the reported speculation on BlogSpotRugby last week, regarding the Springboks facing the All Blacks at Soccer Stadium in Soweto, SARU have released the following statement:

The Springboks will play New Zealand at National Stadium (formerly known as Soccer City) on August 21, following a ground-breaking decision between the South African Rugby Union and the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

Peter de Villiers’ team will begin the home leg of their Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign at the iconic 88,791 seat stadium, which will host the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.

The decision to move to National Stadium creates significant landmarks:

• The potential for the largest crowd for a home Springbok Test in 55 years (since an estimated 95,000 attended the SA v Lions Test at Ellis Park in 1955).
• More than 9000 of the available tickets to be sold at R350 – the lowest price for a major Springbok test since 2005.
• 5000 tickets to be sold exclusively at Computicket outlets in Soweto for just R100 from July 26^th.
• Free parking incorporated into the ticket price for every four tickets bought.

“This is an historic day and one in which the whole of South Africa can celebrate,” said Mr Oregan Hoskins, the president of the South African Rugby Union.

Taking the Springboks to what is already an iconic world venue gives our players and supporters the best stage on which to enjoy rugby.

But it also allows us to continue the nation building through sport that we have enjoyed throughout the FIFA World Cup.”

The Golden Lions have been informally discussing the idea of playing this fixture at National Stadium for a year, and had the prerogative to make the final decision.

“I am delighted to say that the Lions needed no encouragement from SARU to make the switch,” said Mr Hoskins. “It has presented logistical and contractual challenges to them but I would like to commend Lions president, Kevin de Klerk, and his team for their determination to make this dream a reality.”

Mr De Klerk said the decision had only been taken after consultations with key stakeholders such as sponsors, suite and season ticket holders and the rugby clubs of the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

“The only thing that surprised us was the near unanimity of our stakeholders in embracing this decision,” said Mr De Klerk. “The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and as much as we love Coca-Cola Park there was widespread agreement that we must take such a significant rugby match to one of the best stadiums not just in South Africa but in the world.

I’d particularly like to thank key sponsors Coca-Cola, Bidvest and Macsteel for coming to the party and to the City of Johannesburg and Stadium Management SA for assisting us in making this match possible.

They have had to make major sacrifices on some of their contractual rights but the way they have supported us in recognising the potential benefits of this move, not just for rugby but for South Africa, has been magnificent.

The match would also not have been possible without the vision and support of Stadium Management SA who have been prominent in driving the process of hosting the Test at National Stadium.”

Mr De Klerk said the Lions had opted for a differential ticket pricing system, in line with the FIFA model, in the hope of producing a sell-out crowd. The price of standard tickets is R500, a price that was locked in before the start of the season as part of the Union’s season ticket pricing.

“Sports fans have had to dig deep over the past few weeks and we know how much it has cost families to watch the World Cup.

“But a family of four can come to see the Springboks play the All Blacks in what is likely to be John Smit’s 100^th test at one of the best facilities in the world for R1400 in total, and that includes parking.

“And to offer the opportunity to the local community to see the Springboks, possibly for the first time, we have 5000 tickets available at just R100, as well as normally priced tickets, available through Computicket outlets only in Soweto.”

A second release of tickets may be made at a later stage, depending on the uptake of stakeholders.

Tickets for the match are available through Computicket channels (Computicket outlets, Money Market counters in Shoprite Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores; online at www.computicket.com or through the Computicket call centre on 083 915 8000 and go on sale on Monday 12^th of July 2010.

National Stadium Factfile

• Built: 1987
• Upgraded: 2009
• Inauguration match: Bidvest Wits vs Amazulu (May 22, 2010) Nedbank Cup Final
• Cost of upgrade: R3.5bn
• Capacity: 88,791
• Record attendance: 84,617 Ghana vs Germany (June 23, 2010)

With just under a week to go before the 2010 Tri Nations Series gets underway in Auckland, New Zealand, where the All Blacks are set to face the Springboks, who have in recent times taken over the role of tournament favourites, things have started to heat up.

The customary sledging between the opposing coaching staff has begun, with All Black assistant coach, Steve Hansen, quoted as saying something along the lines of Peter De Villiers having an “upside down mouth…”? Yip, I’m confused about that one too.

PDV half proved Hansen wrong so far, by keeping his composure, and just saying that the era of awe surrounding the All Blacks has come to an end.

The following from SARU:  Title-holders the Springboks have assembled in Auckland to begin the defence of the Vodacom Tri-Nations crown they secured in Hamilton less than 12 months ago.

The Boks, who travelled to New Zealand in two groups over the weekend, start their 2010 Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday. It is the first of two successive clashes against New Zealand, with the second encounter set for Wellington on 17 July. A week later the World Champions will meet Australia in Brisbane before returning to South Africa.

Coach Peter de Villiers said he expected the 2010 edition of the Southern Hemisphere showpiece to be closely fought.

“It is going to be very tight, as it usually is,” De Villiers said. “The rivalry between the three teams is such that there is seldom much to choose between them. There is a lot of respect for each other but we all know how important the tournament is this year with a World Cup in 2011. There will be more points to be scored than merely those on the scoreboard.

“We would like to build on our recent successes on New Zealand soil. It won’t be easy but we will give it our best shot over the next two weeks. Success here will be an important confidence booster for the World Cup too,” De Villiers said.

The Boks beat New Zealand an unprecedented three times in the Vodacom Tri-Nations in 2009 on their way to winning five out of their six matches and their third title after victories in 1998 and 2004. The Boks only loss in the 2009 tournament was against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

“Last season we had a great draw and getting three wins at home really worked in our favour. With an away start this year we have to approach things differently because we know how tough it can be on the road. We will also be up against local weather conditions and passionate local support too so there is a lot of focus and planning to do.”

The Bok coach said the fact that South Africa was the reigning champion would count for little in the 2010 tournament.

“That is in the past. If we don’t look forward we won’t move forward. What worked for us in 2009 will not work for us this year and we will have to find new and different ways to get the results we want. The All Blacks, like us, have had a very good build up into the tournament with good wins over Ireland and Wales and we expect them be as tough as they always are,” De Villiers said.

Springbok captain John Smit said his team would approach each game as a new and separate challenge.

“History has taught us that you cannot get ahead of yourself in the Tri-Nations. Last season we won our first four but still had to beat New Zealand in our final match to be certain of the title. We will take it a game at a time and make sure that we continue to seek improvements in all areas of our game.

“There will always be those little improvements that have to be made to ensure the overall performance is where we want it to be and that takes on even more importance as we get closer and closer to the World Cup.

“There is still a lot of rugby to be played between now and then but we ha e to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way,” Smit said.

• The Springboks are expected to name their match 22 at a press conference in Auckland on Tuesday.

Let’s take a look at what went down in last year’s Tri Nations Tournament: [CombatBok]

Make sure you’ve stocked the fridge with a couple o’ cases of

SARU has today let out a statement that they will be making a major test match announcement next week, Wednesday, 7 July 2010, but Graham Henry has tried to go one up on them and let the cat out of the bag in a recent interview.

Following the recent fenomenal success of the Super 14 Semifinal, as well as the 2010 Super 14 final, played at Orlando stadium in Soweto, it was inevitable that a test would soon be played in Soweto.

Henry let slip that the All Blacks would face the Springboks in a venue that holds 97 000 spectators, and in doing so revealed that the test is planned for Soccer City, Soweto.

Henry was quoted as saying, “Yeah, that’s official isn’t it”, before turning to media manager Joe Locke and asking “Am I allowed to say that Joe?” He then continued, “I’ve just said it, haven’t I? It’s been speculated … No, I’m not allowed to say that. No, it’s only speculated we’re playing in a stadium that holds 97 000. Gee, that would be great, wouldn’t it? I can’t wait.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the local community will embrace the idea of the Springboks facing the All Blacks, who are widely supported there, in Soweto. My guess is that they will get behind the home team, their team, and that the atmosphere will be electrifying, like never before. What a great decision.

Following months of bullshit political mambo-jumbo, South Africa’s (yes, I can now say South Africa’s) Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira is now a fully fledged citizen of the Republic.

Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has been actively tweeting his feelings about wanting to represent the Springboks again, and how he desperately wanted to become a South African citizen. Despite having fulfilled the minimum IRB requirements to represent the Springboks, and having previously represented them, South Africa’s Ministry of Sport reaffirmed the government’s position idiotic views, that no foreign player can be selected to represent a national team.

One would think they would have their hands full trying to decrease the murder and violent crimes rate in the country, but the issue of a neighbouring countrie’s citizen representing the national team was clearlytoo much for them to deal with.

Enter, minister for Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who, last week, granted South African citizenship to the man known as Beast.

Beast, who I previously mentioned is quite active on social networking site, Twitter, can be followed @No1Beast. He recently posted this photo on the site, and had the following to say:

Here we got my green card . Feels good to finally have one .got it yesterday. Come Tri nations http://twitpic.com/21f7mm:

Boom! That just happened

By now everyone is aware that Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has been selected for the 2010 Springbok Tri Nations squad. Let’s remind ourselves what he is capable of!

A Tribute to Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira [CombatBok]

That’s passion right there! Bring on the Tri Nations!

The two form sides so far in 2010, current Tri Nations and World Champions, the Springboks, along with long time IRB #1 team, the All Blacks, have named their respective squads for the 2010 Tri Nations series.

There have been a few surprise omissions from the respective squads, for the Springboks most noticeably the exclusion of Francois Steyn, giving fuel to the rumours of a rift between him/his agent and Springbok coach, Peter De Villiers, who seems to prefer the, erratic at best, Zane Kirchner for the Springbok #15 jumper.

Other perplexing,  possible problems will be who PDV now considers to be his first choice centre pairing, and whether he will play highly experienced players like his namesake, Jean De Villiers out of position.

2010 Springbok Tri Nations squad:

Backs: Gio Aplon (Vodacom Stormers), Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers), Jean de Villiers (Vodacom Western Province), Jaque Fourie (Vodacom Stormers), Bryan Habana (Vodacom Stormers), Francois Hougaard (Vodacom Bulls), Butch James (Bath), Ricky Januarie (Vodacom Stormers), Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls), Wynand Oliver (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls).

Forwards: Andries Bekker (Vodacom Stormers), Bakkies Botha (Vodacom Bulls), BJ Botha (Ulster), Schalk Burger (Vodacom Stormers), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Francois Louw (Vodacom Stormers), Victor Matfield (Vodacom Bulls), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Dewald Potgieter (Vodacom Bulls), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Vodacom Bulls), Danie Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls), John Smit (Sharks, captain), Pierre Spies (Vodacom Bulls), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Vodacom Bulls), CJ van der Linde (Vodacom Cheetahs).

In a similar sequence of events, the All Black selectors opted to omit All Blacks, Aled de Malmanche, Neemia Tialata, Adam Thomson and Zac Guildford, as well as the devastatingly in-form, Hosea Gear, who was at the forefront of the Maori’s superb three match clean-sweep, in the recent New Zealand Maori Centenary Series.

Gear’s omission, which by now has to start raising rumours that Graham Henry is either smoking pot or a member of some sort of underground Neo-Nazi brotherhood, is absolutely bazaar, as New Zealand are struggling to find an in form winger, and Gear has been on fire in recent weeks!

The All Blacks first Test of the Tri-Nations is the highly anticipated, sold-out Test, against South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday 10 July 2010.

2010 All Black Tri Nations squad:

Forwards: John Afoa (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Tasman), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Richie McCaw (Canterbury, captain), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Liam Messam (Waikato), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Victor Vito (Wellington), Samuel Whitelock (Canterbury), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Israel Dagg (Hawke’s Bay), Cory Jane (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Ma’a Nonu (Wellington), Rene Ranger (Northland), Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

• The Wallabies have not yet announced their squad. Watch this space though.

Springbok replacement stalwart, Danie Rossouw, has been playing out of his skin as of late. With absence of teammate, Bakkies Botha, Rossouw has been given a few more opportunities to start in the Springbok #4 jumper, and boy has he taken those opportunities.

The 32 year old, 1.98m, 120 kg Rossouw seems to have become better with age, having arguably his best year ever in 2010.

Records/Honours

• Currie Cup winner with the Blue Bulls, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009
• Super 14 winner with the Bulls, 2007, 2009 & 2010
• Member of the World Cup winning Springbok squad, 2007
• British & Irish Lions series winner, 2009
• Tri-Nations winner, 2009

Highlights of Danie Rossouw’s efforts against France at Newlands – 12 June 2010: [CombatBok]

The following from SARU: The Springbok medical team and its regional counterparts have met to plan the way ahead for the country’s leading rugby players in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The meeting of medical and conditioning teams from Springboks and the five Vodacom Super 14 regions – including doctors, physiotherapists and fitness conditioners, was hosted by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town.

The main purpose of the gathering was to discuss the management of players in both International and National competition over the coming months with the ultimate goal of having a fit and full strength squad at the 2011 World Cup.

The key outcomes of the meeting were:

• Enhanced  two-way communication between the Springbok medical team and its regional and provincial counterparts
• Establishment of a collaborative approach in the interests of player welfare in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2011
• Agreement on two-way sharing of information on conditioning, performance, recovery, and injury management and prevention; and ensuring regular updates between the Springbok medical team and the regions during the Vodacom Tri-Nations, Absa Currie Cup and the Super 15
• Confirmation of the application of injury prevention protocols developed by Springbok physiotherapist Rene Naylor, based on the latest scientific research.
• Establishment of areas of collaborative research on new trends, technologies and related developments

Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers addressed the meeting where he explained his objectives and how he believed the national and regional medical teams could play a key role in ensuring a full strength and fully fit squad for 2011 World Cup.

“It is gratifying to see these talented and knowledgeable people working for the common good of Springbok rugby. I am now reassured that our players are in safe hands, both nationally and within their regions,” de Villiers said.

Springbok team doctor, Craig Roberts said: “The meeting was a significant step in that it will ensure for the sharing of information from both sides and enhance collaboration between us for the common good of South African rugby. The regions fully support the concept of injury risk assessments and will provide the necessary support on the ground to make sure that the required injury prevention measures are implemented”.

SARU Medical Manager, Clint Readhead added: “The meeting has ushered in a new era in collaboration between the Springbok and Regional medical and conditioning teams. There is a clear understanding that the continued high performance of South African rugby’s leading players can only be achieved if the experts work together towards a common objective”.

The following from SANZAR: SANZAR have today welcomed the decision of the IRB Council to change the player availability regulation marking a major step towards Argentina’s national team, Los Pumas, participating in a new SANZAR Four Nations competition from 2012.

The decision by the IRB Council today to alter IRB Regulation 9 which governs the release of players for international duty, greatly assists in meeting the condition set by SANZAR that Argentina was required to secure the availability of its best players to participate in the Four Nations tournament.

The change will ensure that the release period for the new Four Nations (currently Tri Nations) aligns with the new dates for the competition from late August through until early October.

In September 2009, SANZAR issued an invitation to the Pumas to join the SANZAR competition from 2012 subject to several conditions which have now been resolved. Negotiation of a participation agreement with the UAR remains the last hurdle for inauguration of the new competition.

“This is an exciting step for SANZAR and for world rugby, as it confirms Argentina’s participation in a top-flight rugby competition, which they thoroughly deserve, and will add a dynamic new element to the current Tri Nations, which is already regarded as one of the world’s toughest tournaments.

We now need to finalise a participation agreement with the UAR so we can move to full planning for the introduction of Argentina in 2012,” said SANZAR and New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew.

The IRB confirmed in March that it would match SANZAR and provide a significant investment of US$2.5m per annum from 2012 to 2015.

SANZAR has also confirmed today that the three SANZAR Unions and their Super Rugby teams will work with the UAR to look at providing greater opportunities for Argentinean players to play in Super Rugby teams as part of the lead-up to the new Four Nations.

In my opinion, this is great for the growth of rugby. Bring on Los Pumas and click below to get a pair of Pumas.

Judging from this weeks nuclear refereeing fallout, it would seem as if it’s about time the IRB seek new sponsorship with one of the major cotton wool manufacturers, because at the rate that they keep wrapping their referees in a cotton wool protective cocoon, it might become expensive.

This whole debacle with the state of refereeing in this year’s competition is reaching boiling point after the latest incident involving Steve Walsh’s refereeing display during round 11 of the 2010 Super 14, in the game between the Waratahs and the Brumbies.

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past few days, the whole issue revolves around the Brumbies being extremely dissatisfied with the way in which Steve Walsh refereed the match between the two Australian franchises, in which the Brumbies lost.

The Brumbies were particularly unhappy about Steve Walsh not awarding a try  to Adam Ashley-Cooper, in which Walsh ruled there was a double movement.

Referees make these types of calls on a game to game basis, sometimes they are questionable, sometimes spot on. In the case of the questionable decisions, sometimes they will be for you, sometimes against. The law of averages might suggest that these for/against calls will balance out in the end and that should be the end of it.

But in a competition as closely contested as this year’s Super 14, where about 10 of the 14 teams still have at least an outside chance of making the playoffs, one questionable decision could mean the end of the season for you.

Adam Ashley-Cooper’s disalowed try: [s14twentyten]

I thought it was clear as daylight, but you be the judge?

One could also take into consideration the substantial financial implications Read More >>

This in from the Wallaby camp: Qantas Wallabies flanker David Pocock has today, re-signed with Australian Rugby until the end of the 2012 season, further bolstering the national playing stocks ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Pocock, who turned 22 earlier this week, has played 15 Tests since his introduction to the Qantas Wallabies against New Zealand in Hong Kong in November 2008.

He made his debut for the Western Force in the Investec Bank Super 14 two years earlier, after receiving a dispensation to play senior Rugby while under the age of 18.

Pocock will also head into the 2010 international season as the undisputed frontrunner for the Test No.7 jumper following the international retirement of long-standing Qantas Wallabies flanker George Smith.

The Western Force backrower played 13 Tests in 2009, including six in the starting side.

“I’m happy to have confirmed my future in Australia,” Pocock said.

“I’m really enjoying my Rugby, both at the Western Force, but also within the Wallabies set-up.

The last two years, since I’ve been involved with the Wallabies, have been a great experience. Hopefully I will be able to play even more of a part going forward.

Although last year was a steep learning curve for a lot of us, and we had a few inconsistent results on the Spring Tour, we finished the year well as a group in Wales.

The challenge ahead of us now, both individually and as a group, is to kick on from that. It’s an exciting time to be involved in Australian Rugby and with the Wallabies.”