The Springbok tour group arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning (local time) and went immediately into their preparation routine for Saturday’s Test against Wales at the RFK Stadium. The once-off international in the United States capital kicks off a busy month for the South Africans, who also clash with England over the course of […]
via Springboks Hit The Road Running In Washington — newfanzoneblog
Australia defeated Argentina by 29 points to 15 points in the second semi final match on Sun at the Millennium Stadium to join New Zealand who had earlier beaten South Africa by 20 points to 18 points in the first semi final match on Sat at Twickenham.
The grand finals for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup will be played on Sat 31 October at the home of rugby Twickenham between the defending and two time champions All Black against their arc rivals & also a two time champions the Wallabies.
It sure promises to be a great epic final match befitting of the beautiful game of Rugby.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup started on Sat 18 September at Twickenham in England to be rounded up this Sat 31 October. A 45 days rugby world cup tourney featuring 48 matches amongst 20 nations of 4 pools of 5 teams in the group stage.
Major upsets were Japan’s historic defeat of the Springboks in the opening group match. Wales defeat and eventual elimination of host England & Argentina’s defeat of Ireland in the quarter final capped the wonderfully hosted tournament at the birth place of the game of Rugby Football Union.
Ntiense Williams
Two of the greatest names in South African rugby are visiting Lagos this week as guests of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation.
Speaking at a media conference at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation’s Technical Director, Mr Tunji Fasimoye, welcomed the two ex- Springboks Danie Gerber and Breyton Paulse who are in town to help raise the profile of the fast growing sport in Nigeria.
Gerber, who is an International Rugby Board Hall of Fame member, played most of his rugby in the pre-professional era establishing an international reputation as a fearless defender and unstoppable force on attack. His speed, strength, size and ability to find open space spread terror among opponents across the globe.
He will be sharing his skills and experience with grass roots development coaches and then he will be working with senior players as they prepare to travel and play in the Africa Cup 7s in Kenya in November.
Having grown up in the apartheid era of South Africa’s history Gerber, dubbed the Maestro, played all his rugby as an amateur and spurned several big money offers from the professional rugby league in the UK.
Gerber’s legacy will always be one of disappointment for many rugby fans, as South Africa’s politics deprived the international game of one of its brightest stars.
No centre had combined the athleticism and power that Gerber possessed before, and while the spectre of the quick, powerful centre now looms large over world rugby he has yet to be bettered.
He made history though when he played alongside Errol Tobias the first black player to represent the Springboks. Today, Gerber lives in Port Elizabeth where he runs and rugby development academy for school kids.
Breyton Paulse burst onto the South African rugby scene when he scored a hat-trick of tires in his debut Currie Cup match in 1996.
Thought by many to be too small to make an impact on the international scene Paulse proved the pundits wrong combining blistering speed (he was the South African schools 200 and 400 metre champion) with illusive running which became the trade mark of his career.
Paulse played the majority of his rugby as a wing for Western Province where he average almost a try a match winning three Currie Cup championships and scoring 320 points for the blue and white hooped team.
At Super 15 level Paulse was just as devastating with his famous flick-flaks after scoring a try showing that this was an athlete who could do it all. Having played 54 times for the Springboks including the 2003 and 2007 World Cup finals Paulse moved to see out the end of his career playing for Clermont Auvergne in the highly competitive Top 14.
Paulse is now a well-respected rugby expert on Supersport.
Mr Fasimoye thanked the sponsors, South African Airways, the Federal Palace Hotel, SAB Miller, and Cedarburg wines for bringing the two Springboks to Nigeria to share their love of the game and to work with the NRFF to develop the sport further.
The Legends Danie Gerber and Breyton will be organizing trainings for Rugby coaches and players. A look at their itinery while in Nigeria;
17th September – Training of Coaches will be done by Donnie at EXP training room
18th September – The Legends will be training of Players and Coaches at the Kings College Lagos from 9am – 2pm
19th September – Danie will be at Kings College from 9am – 2pm focusing on defence, attack, re-start, phase playing strategy, skills and techniques of Rugby
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