South Africa Sevens bronze winning team
It is the most gutting of stories, and it could not have happened to a more influential player.
Seabelo Senatla has been the superstar in the Blitzboks set-up since 2013 and a fundamental part of the build-up to Rio 2016.
His finishing and raw pace have combined to make him one of the most feared players on the world circuit.
If South Africa were going to succeed at the Olympics, nobody would have deserved it more than Senatla.
But tragedy struck on Wednesday when, in South Africa’s quarter-final against Australia, he injured his wrist.
Speaking after that match, Senatla was confident that he would be okay to play in Thursday’s semi-final against the Australians.
But those who were there and saw the way he was nursing his right hand had their doubts.
Sharks (31) 46 / 24 (10) Griquas (Final Score)
The Cell C Sharks and Griquas did battle in the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 at
Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Hi,
We have a NEW SuperBru Pool for all to join!
- The Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 starts in the afternoon of Friday 5 August 2016 (today), so hurry up and do not delay to register for it!
Over the Weekend we will also open up a SuperBru Pool for this year’s Rugby Championship, so be on the lookout for that as well as invitations to it!
This year we are doing it a bit differently and opened our Pools up to all readers of Rugby-Talk.com, but we encourage you to register as a subsciber on Rugby-Talk.com anyway, as our banter and commenting about our Pools will mostly take place here on the website and not on the SuperBru banter boards! It is so easy to register and such fun to discuss rugby here.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union have released a media statement outlining which players are available for the forthcoming campaign in defence of the Currie Cup, as well as an update on which players have long term injuries, and the status of players involved with the national squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Australia’s women beat New Zealand 24-17 to win the first ever Olympic rugby sevens gold medal, after Great Britain lost to Canada in the bronze match.
Favourites Australia outscored the Black Ferns four tries to three, with two of those coming while New Zealand’s Portia Woodman was in the sin bin.
Meanwhile, Britain’s women missed out on Olympic medal as they lost 33-10.
Canada – who lost to GB in the pool game between the two – led throughout in the bronze medal match.
Great Britain women will face New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Olympic rugby sevens after beating Fiji 26-7 in the last eight at Rio 2016.
GB’s Abbie Brown opened the scoring after just 15 seconds before Fiji’s Litia Naiqato finished off a stunning team move to level.
But Alice Richardson and Joanne Watmore gave Team GB a 19-7 half-time lead, and Brown sealed the win with her second.
Australia and Canada will play in the second semi-final on Monday.
Great Britain earlier beat a strong Canada side 22-0 in their final group game.
And Brown said that Sunday’s improvement came because the team had “settled” after feeling nerves on the first day.
“It is an Olympics, the nerves are going to hit,” she said.
“We have shown everyone today with Canada and Fiji, we have done ourselves justice.”
Boland Cavaliers
Boland (9) 16 / 44 (10) FS Cheetahs (Final Score)
The Boland Cavaliers and Toyota Free State Cheetahs did battle in the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 at
Boland Stadium, Wellington at 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Hurricanes (10) 20 / 3 (3) Lions (Final Score)
The Hurricanes and Emirates Lions did battle in the Super Rugby 2016 Final at
Westpac Stadium, Wellington at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Pumas (10) 10 / 33 (14) Sharks (Final Score)
The Steval Pumas and Cell C Sharks did battle in the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 at
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit at 19:20 SA Time (17:20 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Blue Bulls (24) 45 / 26 (0) Western Province (Final Score)
The Vodacom Blue Bulls and DHL Western Province did battle in the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 at
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Warren Whiteley
Inspirational Emirates Lions captain Warren Whiteley has recovered from the calf strain that kept him out of the Super Rugby semifinal last week, and returns to lead the team in the final against the Hurricanes in Wellington New Zealand on Saturday.
Ruan Ackermann drops to the bench, and is joined by Lourens Erasmus and Ross Cronjé.
Herewith the Lions’ media statement.
The Emirates Lions squad of 25 players to travel to New Zealand for the Super Rugby Final against the Hurricanes in Wellington at the weekend has been announced.
Lions (17) 42 / 30 (6) Highlanders (Final Score)
The Emirates Lions and Highlanders did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Semifinal at
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg at 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT, Sunday 01:00 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Hurricanes (15) 25 / 9 (6) Chiefs (Final Score)
The Hurricanes and Chiefs did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Semifinal at
Westpac Stadium, Wellington at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Omar Mouneimne
As speculated here on rugby-talk recently by one of our French contributors it has been confirmed that Cell C Sharks Defence Coach, Omar Mouneimne is on his way to France.
He has requested an early release from his contract, which was granted, to pursue an offer with French Top 14 side, Stade Francais.
Commenting on his departure, Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: “Omar has worked tremendously hard on our defensive structures over the past few months. His efforts resulted in us being one of the top defensive teams in the 2016 Super Rugby competition.
“We thank him for his invaluable contribution to the team, in a short space of time, and wish him the very best for this new opportunity he has decided to pursue.”
A new eight-year deal worth more than £225m has been agreed between the Rugby Football Union and Premiership clubs – with England getting more flexibility and greater player access in return.
Clubs will earn more for releasing players for international duty, as well as meeting the English-qualified players target and academy standards.
England will get two more training camps a season and larger elite squad.
“This is a true partnership,” said RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie.
“[It is] focused on making English rugby the best in the world for club and country.”
The agreement is worth more than double the previous one, which was signed in 2007, and will give England greater flexibility in selection, with the Elite Player Squad (EPS) expanded from 33 to 45 players, while during core periods 36 players can be selected for camps rather than 33.
Stormers (14) 21 / 60 (34) Chiefs (Final Score)
The DHL Stormers and Chiefs did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Quarterfinal at
DHL Newlands, Cape Town at 19:00 SA Time (17:00 GMT, Sunday 05:00 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Lions (22) 42 / 25 (10) Crusaders (Final Score)
The Emirates Lions and Crusaders did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Quarterfinal at
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg at 16:30 SA Time (14:30 GMT, Sunday 02:30 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Hurricanes (13) 41 / 0 (0) Sharks (Final Score)
The Hurricanes and Cell C Sharks did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Quarterfinal at
Westpac Stadium, Wellington at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Brumbies (6) 9 / 15 (10) Highlanders (Final Score)
The Brumbies and Highlanders did battle in a Super Rugby 2016 Quarterfinal at
Canberra Stadium, Canberra at 10:00 SA Time (08:00 GMT, 18:00 AEST, 20:00 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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According to the Supersport website, SARU have confirmed to them that the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport have informed them that 2 South African players from different provinces have tested positive for banned substances.
(Updated with BNZ Crusaders playing squad)
The Emirates Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named an extended squad of 25 players for the quarterfinal clash against the Crusaders, with the big surprise being the possible return to action of inspirational captain Warren Whiteley.
Whiteley, who was originally diagnosed with an injury which would keep him out of Rugby for 6 weeks, and hence miss the entire Super Rugby play-offs, is to undergo a fitness test on Thursday.
Undoubtedly the Lions management, players and all of their supporters will be hoping that he is declared fit to play.
For the second year in a row, Western Province won the final match at the Craven Week. This year’s was different.
Last year Western Province beat Eastern Province a record 95-0 in the last match.
This time they won 27-20 – a much, much better contest, a lively match. The result could have changed right up to the final whistle.
The Golden Lions had the better of scrums, the Western Province of the line-outs. But there was far greater rhythm to Western Province’s play, as one would expect with their outstanding backs.
Both sides showed determination and so the match went for the full 60 minutes with growing excitement. Both sides defended heroically, Golden Lions more often.
Jaguares (12) 34 / 22 (15) Lions (Final Score)
Los Jaguares and the Emirates Lions did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires, Argentina at 23:40 SA Time (21:40 GMT, 18:40 ARG Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Cheetahs (3) 17 / 43 (18) Bulls (Final Score)
The Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein at 19:15 SA Time (17:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Stormers (21) 52 / 24 (10) Kings (Final Score)
The DHL Stormers and Southern Kings did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
DHL Newlands, Cape Town at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.
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Brumbies (24) 24 / 10 (10) Force (Final Score)
The Brumbies and Western Force did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
GIO Stadium, Canberra at 11:45 SA Time (09:45 GMT, 19:45 AEST, 17:45 AWST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Highlanders (5) 25 / 15 (7) Chiefs (Final Score)
The Highlanders and Chiefs did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Hugh Blake
Glasgow Warriors player Hugh Blake is returning to New Zealand to play for Bay of Plenty Steamers in the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup.
He’s joined the Steamers on loan until the end of October.
Hugh initially joined up with Glasgow on loan from Edinburgh during the 2014 / 2015 campaign but signed up permanently at Scotstoun last season.
He played a number of games for Warriors at the start of the 2015 / 2016 campaign but spent most of the season with the Scotland Sevens squad. He was part of the squad that won Scotland’s first World Sevens title in London.
Prior to his move to Scotland, Hugh represented New Zealand at the Under 20 level while he has also played for Otago.
Crusaders (10) 10 / 35 (14) Hurricanes (Final Score)
The Crusaders and Hurricanes did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
AMI Stadium, Christchurch at 07:15 SA Time (05:15 GMT, 17:15 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Sharks (21) 40 / 29 (19) Sunwolves (Final Score)
The Cell C Sharks and Sunwolves did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban at 19:00 SA Time (17:00 GMT, Saturday 02:00 Japan Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Reds (7) 28 / 31 (24) Rebels (Final Score)
The Reds and Melbourne Rebels did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 11:45 SA Time (09:45 GMT, 19:45 AEST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Blues (12) 34 / 28 (7) Waratahs (Final Score)
The Blues and Waratahs did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Eden Park, Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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Emirates Lions Coach, Johan Ackermann has made wholesale changes to the Lions squad that will meet the Jaguares this Saturday. Ross Cronjé will captain the squad. Many of the players are Currie Cup or fringe Super Rugby players.
Jaguares (8) 8 / 34 (24) Highlanders (Final Score)
Los Jaguares and the Highlanders did battle in Super Rugby 2016 at
Velez Sarsfield, Beunos Aires at 23:40 SA Time (21:40 GMT, 18:40 ARG Time, Sunday 09:40 NZ Time).
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 & CSN on TV in SA.
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