Mapimpi’s gone to the next level

From humble beginnings to the peak of the game, Makazole Mapimpi is now a strong contender to be regarded as the leading wing in world rugby, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Rassie has a lot left to achieve

Rassie Erasmus’ refuted departure from SA rugby would have made no sense in the context of his long-term vision for the Springboks, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Playing selector: Sharks XV for opener

Ahead of this Friday’s Vodacom Super Rugby opener for the Sharks, CRAIG LEWIS selects his XV for the clash in Durban.

Can golden ‘oldies’ shine?

There are several stalwarts who will be determined to prove the old adage that there is no substitute for experience during this Vodacom Super Rugby season, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

New Year’s wish: Objectivity over outrage

As a new season in a jam-packed rugby calendar approaches, editor CRAIG LEWIS hopes balanced opinions take precedence over angry, personal attacks on underperforming teams or players.

Talented 10s must grab their chances

The 2020 season will provide an opportunity for the likes of Curwin Bosch, Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok to strengthen SA rugby’s flyhalf stocks, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Shout-out to Mbonambi

Unstoppable Pieter-Steph du Toit is surely a shoo-in for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award, but Bongi Mbonambi is desperately unlucky to miss out on a nomination in this category, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Specmagic continues to dazzle

Rosko Specman can serve as an X-factor weapon for the Blitzboks at the Olympics and for the Springboks during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Don’t forget about Ackermann

One of the first orders of business for Rassie Erasmus in his director of rugby capacity should be to lure Johan Ackermann into the Springbok coaching set-up, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Analysis: Boks’ brains and brawn on defence

A Bok defence that relies on speed, aggression and courageous decision-making shattered the confidence of England’s previously fluent attack, writes CRAIG LEWIS.