The DHL Stormers were victorious in their first Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked outing when they defeated the Emirates Lions 23-17 at DHL Newlands on Saturday evening. The Cape side had a bye in the first round.
 
In the earlier match on Saturday afternoon played in Kimberley, the visiting Phakisa Pumas fought their way to a deserved 27-21 win over the Tafel Lager Griquas.
 
The Toyota Cheetahs managed to hold on for a tight 19-17 in over the Vodacom Bulls on Friday evening in Bloemfontein, while the Cell C Sharks had a rest weekend.
 
As a result of their second successive win the Free Staters are sitting on top of the log with nine points from two wins, followed by the Vodacom Bulls (five points), the DHL Stormers, Cell C Sharks and Phakisa Pumas, all on four points each.
 
Click on the headline-link to download the full match report.
 
DHL Stormers grab comeback win over Emirates Lions
 
The DHL Stormers delivered an improved second half performance to grab a 23-17 comeback win over the Emirates Lions at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
 
The visitors from Johannesburg made the better start and led 10-6 at halftime, but the home side managed to turn things around in the second half for a deserved but close fought win.
 
However, Siya Kolisi’s team delivered a much more composed effort in the second half, cutting down on their error rate, which resulted in two tries.
 
The Capetonians, with no less than seven Springboks in their starting team, gradually gained the ascendency and took their scoring opportunities while keeping the visitors in check with some solid defence.
 
Toyota Cheetahs hold on for tight win over Vodacom Bulls
 
The Toyota Cheetahs battled their way to a close-fought 19-17 win over the Vodacom Bulls in their clash in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. The home side led 13-3 at halftime and managed to hang on for their second successive win of the competition.
 
The Vodacom Bulls had a chance to level matters right at the end when Joe van Zyl (replacement hooker) crashed over for their only try from a lineout maul. However, Chris Smith (replacement flyhalf) missed the conversion attempt to allow the Free Staters to grab the winning points for a second week in a row.
 
The men from Pretoria had a first half to forget with too many errors, while the home team also made life difficult for their visitors with some bone crunching defensive hits.
 
The visitors finished strongly but the home side managed to hang on for a tight win stay on top the log standings after two rounds.
 
Fouche steers Phakisa Pumas to victory in Kimberley
 
Phakisa Pumas flyhalf Eddie Fouche delivered a superb individual performance to steer his team to a 27-21 victory over Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Mpumalanga side led 17-11 at halftime and faced a strong second-half challenge by the hosts, but a converted try with 10 minutes left to play set them up for the six-point victory and their first win of the new campaign.
 
Fouche deservedly earned the man of the match award for his influential performance, which included kicking all three conversions and two penalty goals for personal tally of 12 points.
 
The flyhalf remained composed as he orchestrated several attacking spells for his side throughout the match, while his clever play and timely offload deep in the second half led to the visitors’ crucial third try scored by fullback Devon Williams, which allowed them to finally race clear of the determined home side.
 
With time running out, captain George Whitehead (flyhalf) slotted over a penalty goal in the dying minutes to earn the Kimberley outfit a bonus point for going down by less than 7 points.
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked media resources: Latest News | Match Centre | Standings | Statistics

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The DHL Stormers, who had a bye in the first round, kick off their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on Saturday evening when they host the Emirates Lions from 19h00 in Cape Town.
 
The Cape Town clash is one of two Saturday matches, with Tafel Lager Griquas hosting the Phakisa Pumas in Kimberley in the earlier kick off (16h30).
 
Friday evening sees the exciting Toyota Cheetahs outfit up against the powerful Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein, where the action starts 19h00.
 
Due to COVID-19 regulations, no fans will be allowed inside the stadiums.  However, rugby fans will be able to watch all the exciting action live on SuperSport.
 
Unchanged Toyota Cheetahs ready for physical Vodacom Bulls challenge
 
The same 15 players that did the damage for the Toyota Cheetahs last weekend will run out again on Friday when the Free Staters host the Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein, in what will be the 100th time Clayton Blommetjies runs out in the famous white jersey.
 
The only change Hawies Fourie (head coach) made to his team was on the bench, where Jacques du Toit came in for Louis van der Westhuizen as the new replacement hooker.
 
“The Bulls will bring different challenges (to the Pumas) and we’re expecting a very physical match,” said Toyota Cheetahs assistant coach Corniel van Zyl.
 
Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has made five changes to his starting team for their visit to Bloemfontein, with Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen back to lead the men in blue.
 
White also decided to hand the exciting and hard-hitting inside centre Clinton Swart his Vodacom Bulls debut against the Free Staters, whom he represented a few seasons ago.
 
“We struggled to get going against the Griquas and we cannot afford the same against a strong Cheetahs team,” said White.
 
The teams:
 
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais. Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Chris Massyn, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 William Small-Smith.
 
Vodacom Bulls: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Stedman Gans.
 
Match information – Toyota Cheetahs v Vodacom Bulls
Date: Friday, 16 October 2020
Time: 19h00
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Ben Crouse
Television Match Official: AJ Jacobs
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Tafel Lager Griquas unchanged for Phakisa Pumas visit
 
Tafel Lager Griquas will field an unchanged starting fifteen for their home match against the Phakisa Pumas on Saturday. Kick-off in Kimberley is at 16h30.
 
There are however two changes on the bench for the Peacock Blues’ first home fixture of the new local competition, both of them amongst the forwards with the inclusion of Andrew Beerwinkel, a former Vodacom Bulls, Phakisa Pumas and Junior Springbok prop, and utility forward Ewan Coetzee.
 
Meanwhile, Phakisa Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has made a bunch of changes to his side, as they will have to make do without two key players who are injured, Ryan Nell and Le Roux Roets.
 
The only players who will start again this week are Devon Williams (fullback), Wayne van der Bank (centre), Neil Maritz (left wing), Eddie Fouche (flyhalf), Ginter Smuts (scrumhalf), Willie Engelbrecht (flank), Ruan Kramer and Morgan Naude (both props).
 
The teams:
 
Tafel Lager Griquas: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 André Swarts, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Zak Burger, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Carl Els, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ian Groenewald, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Mox Mxoli. Replacements (from): Alandre van Rooyen, Andrew Beerwinkel, Madot Mabokela, Adre Smith, Zandre Jordaan, Gideon van der Merwe, Ashon Davids, Berton Klaasen, Mzwanele Zito, Ewan Coetzee, Bjorn Basson.
 
Phakisa Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Etienne Taljaard, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Wayne van der Bank, 11 Neil Maritz, 10 Eddie Fouche, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsburg, 3 Ruan Kramer, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Liam Hendricks, 18 Heath Backhouse, 19 Phumzile Maqondwana, 20 Dian Badenhorst, 21 Neil Marais, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Dewald Maritz.
 
Match information – Tafel Lager Griquas v Phakisa Pumas
Date: Saturday 17 October
Time: 16h30
Venue: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Ben Crouse
Television Match Official: Cwengile Jadezweni
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
Seven Springboks to start for DHL Stormers against Emirates Lions
 
John Dobson (head coach) has included seven Springboks in the DHL Stormers starting line-up for their encounter with the Emirates Lions at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.
 
There are just two changes to the starting line-up that did duty in the 34-21 victory against the Emirates Lions on Vodacom Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld at the start of the month, with fit-again wing Sergeal Petersen replacing the injured Seabelo Senatla, while Bongi Mbonambi starts at hooker with Scarra Ntubeni among the replacements.
 
“This is our first competitive match since March, so to say that we are looking forward to it would be an understatement,” said Dobson.
 
Morne van den Berg has been named to replace the injured Dillon Smit at scrumhalf in the only change to the Emirates Lions starting line-up.
 
Van den Berg gets a deserved start following his solid performance last week as first-half replacement for Smit, who dislocated his shoulder and will most likely miss the remainder of the local season as a result of injury rehabilitation.
 
The teams:
 
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Michal Haznar, 23 Tim Swiel.
 
Emirates Lions: 15 EW Viljoen; 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Burger Odendaal, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Rabz Maxwane; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morné van den Berg; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements (from): Jan-Henning Campher, Dylan Smith, Wiehahn Herbst, Wilhelm van der Sluys, MJ Pelser, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ross Cronjé, Gianni Lombard, Wandisile Simelane, Ruan Dreyer.
 
Match information – DHL Stormers v Emirates Lions
Date: Saturday 17 October
Time: 19h00
Venue: DHL Newlands, Cape Town
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Referees: Egon Seconds, Aimee Barrett-Theron
Television Match Official: Joey Klaaste-Salmans
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked media resources: Latest News | Match Centre | Standings | Statistics

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked launched over the weekend with wins for all three host teams, the Vodacom Bulls, the Cell C Sharks and the Toyota Cheetahs in the first local competition since rugby was halted in mid-March because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The DL Stormers had a bye this weekend.
 
The Vodacom Bulls, playing with a raft of new signings and a new head coach in former Springbok mentor Jake White, had to fight real hard for their 30-23 win over a very gritty Tafel Lager Griquas Saturday evening in Pretoria.
 
The men from Kimberley led for more 60 minutes before the home side finally kicked into gear to secure the win, thanks mainly to the accurate kicking boot of experienced former Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn after both sides had scored three tries.
 
In the earlier match on Saturday in Bloemfontein, the Toyota Cheetahs raced into a 41-3 halftime lead before easing to a 53-31 bonus-point triumph over the Phakisa Pumas.
 
The Cell C Sharks kicked off the weekend’s action on Friday night in Durban where they held on for a nail-biting 19-16 win over the Emirates Lions.
 
Click on the headline-link to download the full match report.
 
Vodacom Bulls made to work hard against gritty Tafel Lager Griquas
 
The Vodacom Bulls got their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign off to a winning start but they had to work very hard for their 30-23 win over the Tafel Lager Griquas on Saturday evening at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The sides were level (10-10) at the break in a match played in good highveld conditions.
 
It was the team from Kimberley who enjoyed early dominance - in fact - they had their noses in front for 62 minutes of the match before the home team could start to assert themselves mainly through a strong show from their forwards. The plucky visitors conceded too many penalties as a result of that pressure, which unfortunately led to their downfall.
 
The Vodacom Bulls came out in an alternative jersey for the second half after a clash of colours in the opening stanza. Jake White’s men asserted themselves better in the second period mainly because of their forwards.
 
Ruan Nortje and Arno Botha were the try scorers for the Vodacom Bulls, who were also awarded a penalty try. Morne Steyn kicked two penalty goals and one conversion. James Verity-Amm (2) and Anthony Volmink scored for the visitors, while George Whitehead added a penalty goal and two conversions.
 
Free-scoring Toyota Cheetahs off to impressive start in Bloemfontein
 
The Toyota Cheetahs scored an impressive 53-31 win over the Phakisa Pumas in Bloemfontein on Saturday, scoring eight tries in a dominant display over their Mpumalanga rivals in their opening match of the post-Coronavirus competition.
 
The home side scored five of those in a dazzling display of backline play in the first half at the Toyota Stadium to lead 41-3 and had the win sealed at the halfway stage of the encounter already. Credit to the visitors however, who managed four tries of their own in a much improved second-half display.
 
Frans Steyn, a double Rugby World Cup winning Springbok, made his debut for the Free Staters and the big man was a menace in midfield. Outside backs Malcolm Jaer (3) and Rosko Specman (2) scored five of their eight tries. Junior Pokomela, Ruan Pienaar, William Small-Smith were the other try scorers and Pienaar also kicked six conversions plus a penalty goal.
 
Cell C Sharks clinch nail-biting win over Emirates Lions in Durban
 
Springbok Curwin Bosch kicked four successful penalty goals to steer the Cell C Sharks to a close-fought 19-16 win over the Emirates Lions in their first-round Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Friday evening in Durban.
 
The Durbanites held a 13-3 lead at the break and had to show strong defence in the second stanza to keep the determined visitors at bay at Jonsson Kings Park. Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies hit the upright with a penalty attempt in the closing stages of the game as the home team just managed to hang on for a win.
 
Former Blitzboks star Werner Kok dotted down for Lukhanyo Am’s team while Curwin Bosch add four penalties to the conversion. Jamba Ulengo grabbed a try for the Joburg outfit, which Jantjies converted together with his three penalty goals.
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Round 1 results:
 
Friday, 9 October
Cell C Sharks 19, Emirates Lions 16
 
Saturday, 10 October
Toyota Cheetahs 53, Phakisa Pumas 31
Vodacom Bulls 30, Tafel Lager Griquas 23
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked media resources: Latest News | Match Centre | Standings | Statistics

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The domestic rugby season will burst back into life with seven weeks of high-calibre local rugby as Vodacom Super Rugby returns – Unlocked!
 
The competition went into lockdown with the rest of South Africa at the end of March but returns with three added teams and a chase to a unique finale in November.
 
The four, existing Vodacom Super Rugby teams – Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers – have been joined by the Toyota Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas and Tafel Lager Griquas, with all 21 matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
 
The season will resume at 19h00 on Friday, 9 October when the Cell C Sharks take on the Emirates Lions in Durban while the following day the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls will host the Phakisa Pumas (at 16h30), and Tafel Lager Griquas (19h00) respectively.
 
The DHL Stormers have a bye in the opening round, but they will host the Emirates Lions the following week, when the men from Johannesburg will face the Capetonians at DHL Newlands on Saturday 17 October at 19h00.
 
“We’d like to thank all our stakeholders in getting to this point,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.
 
“It has been an extremely trying time but thanks to Vodacom, SuperSport and the seven teams involved we are able to resume rugby with a really exciting series of matches featuring the best players in the country.
 
“We have had to make some major format changes and look at creative ways to look after everyone’s needs but we think between now and the end of the season – which will only be in January next year – we will provide rugby and entertainment to excite the fans once more.”
 
Michelle van Eyden, Vodacom’s Executive Head of Sponsorships, said: “The success of Vodacom Super Fan Saturday and the energy and passion of the players and fans was a fantastic way to celebrate the restart of rugby, and to get South Africans connected again around their shared passion for the game.
 
“There is now a palpable excitement brimming over about the coming season of Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked.
 
“The players are itching to go. The fans are ready to get behind their teams. Vodacom is grateful to join all of our rugby partners in what is going to be an unlocking of the real heart and spirit of South African rugby on our fields. This is going to be a true festival and showcase of South African rugby’s current and future stars,” she added.
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked concludes on the weekend of 20/21 November, with matches in Pretoria (Vodacom Bulls v Phakisa Pumas – Friday 20 November at 19h00), Bloemfontein (Toyota Cheetahs v Tafel Lager Griquas – Saturday 21 November at 16h30) and Durban (Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers – Saturday 21 November at 19h00).
 
The team at the top of the standings at this stage of the season, will be crowned Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked champions, after which all log points will be transferred to the Currie Cup (fixtures to be announced in due course).
 
For all the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures, click here.
 
Issued by SA Rugby Communication

The Cell C Sharks defeated the DHL Stormers 24-14 on Saturday in Durban to consolidate top spot in the South African Conference of the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.

The Vodacom Bulls were stunned by a great Reds comeback in Brisbane, where the Queenslanders managed to wipe out a 17-0 deficit for a comprehensive 41-17 victory, while the Emirates Lions lost 43-10 to the Blues in Auckland.

Following the decision by SANZAAR to suspend the competition in response to the Corona virus, the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls will now return to South Africa from New Zealand and Australia respectively.

The Jaguares’ home game against the Highlanders scheduled for late Saturday evening was called off to allow the Kiwi-side to return to New Zealand, while the Brumbies downed the Waratahs 47-14 in the last fixture played on Sunday. The tournament will now be put on hold for an indefinite period.
 
Cell C Sharks too good for DHL Stormers

The Cell C Sharks continued with their good form in Durban where they outplayed the DHL Stormers 24-14 in their round seven match on Saturday.

Lukhanyo Am's side led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a drop goal by Curwin Bosch after Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks fullback) and Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers scrumhalf) scored a try apiece.

The second half produced all the ingredients of a full-blooded South African derby, however, with the newly assembled home pack standing their ground superbly against the visitors’ much praised forward combination.

With their forward holding their own, the Cell C Sharks’ potent backline became more of a threat as the game progressed.

Less than an hour before kick-off, Sanzaar confirmed the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament will be suspended at the conclusion of the round due to rising concerns around the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to read the full match report.

Reds comeback fell Vodacom Bulls in Brisbane

The Reds produced a stirring comeback to wipe out an early 17-point deficit on their way to a comprehensive 41-17 victory of the Vodacom Bulls in their match in Brisbane on Saturday.

The men from Pretoria were on top of proceedings during the opening 20 minutes and managed to score three tries during that period of their seventh-round match.

However, the Reds hit back with two converted tries to reduce the halftime deficit to just 17-14. They also managed to make a crucial, try-saving tackle on in-form Vodacom Bulls wing Rosko Specman, who was prevented him from crossing the try line for a second try.

The rampant Reds scored six tries through Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hoopert. Bryce Hegarty kicked four conversions and a penalty goal.

The victory saw the Reds collect a full-house of five points for their win but they remain third on the Australian Conference log while the Pretoria outfit stay fourth in the South African Conference.

Click here to read the full match report.

Emirates Lions suffer more pain on the road

The Blues inflicted a third straight tour loss on the Emirates Lions when they defeated the team from Jozi 43-10 in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday morning.

The Blues led by 22-10 at half-time and they kept the visitors scoreless in the second stanza.

The Aucklanders scored six tries through Rieko Ioane (2), Stephen Perofeta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Hoskins Sotutu and a penalty try. Blues flyhalf Otere Black slotted three conversions and a penalty goal, while replacement back Harry Plummer added a conversion.

The Emirates Lions could only reply with a solitary try through Dan Kriel while Elton Jantjies added the rest of the points via a conversion and a penalty goal.

The bonus-point victory moved the Blues to the top of the New Zealand Conference table as they continue their impressive start to the season. However, the Emirates Lions will be desperate for improvement as they remain bottom of the South African Conference.

Click here for the full match report.

The weekend’s other Round 7 results are:
 
Sunday 15 March
Brumbies 47, Waratahs 14
Jaguares vs Highlanders postponed

Saturday, 14 March
Sunwolves 14, Crusaders 49

Friday, 13 March
Chiefs 24, Hurricanes 27
 
Bye: Rebels

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The impressive Cell C Sharks climbed to the top of the South African Conference standing following their 33-19 triumph over the Jaguares in Durban on Saturday after leading 22-12 at the break.

It was their fifth victory in six games and the win improved their points tally to 20, three more than the DHL Stormers who had a bye this weekend.

Meanwhile in Pretoria, the Vodacom Bulls finally registered their first success after four false starts when they comprehensively beat the Highlanders 38-13 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

After two matches on the road, the Emirates Lions are still winless on their Australasian tour following their 37-17 loss to the Rebels in Melbourne – the first success for the Rebels in this fixture.

After six rounds, the Durban side lead the standings on 20 points, the DHL Stormers have 17, the Jaguares 15 and they are followed by the Vodacom Bulls (six points) and the Emirates Lions on five points.
 
Cell C Sharks take SA Conference lead with win over Jaguares
#SHAvJAG

The Cell C Sharks continued with their good Vodacom Super Rugby form when they outplayed the Jaguares 33-19 to climb to the top of the South African Conference standings in Durban on Saturday.

The Durbanites, who returned to South Africa earlier this week with three wins from four overseas games, led 22-12 at the break. They now have 20 points from six matches, three more than the DHL Stormers (17 from five games), who had a bye this weekend.

Lukhanyo Am’s team started the match on a positive note and kept the formidable Jaguares on the back foot with some controlled forward forays, which they combined with clever box kicks chased down by their dangerous outside backs.

In the end it was a very good performance by the Cell C Sharks against a Jaguares side that have won three of their last four outings in South Africa.

Click here to read the full match report.

Vodacom Bulls thump Highlanders for first win of season
#BULvHIG

Blitzbok speedster Rosco Speckman scored a hat-trick of tries as the Vodacom Bulls thumped the Highlanders 38-13 to register their first win of the campaign at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.

The men from Pretoria overturned a halftime deficit of 5-7 to score no less than five tries in a dominant and entertaining second half. 

Speckman helped himself to a second-half hat-trick of tries as the home pack laid on a feast of good supply for their backs. Springboks Warrick Gelant and Cornal Hendriks also crossed the try line in the second spell.

Both teams wore almost identical blue shirts in the first half and it was a welcome relief when the home side came out dressed in a light-coloured jersey for the start of the second half.

The timely victory was the Vodacom Bulls’ first success of the season and came as a great relief for the Pretoria faithful who had to witness four false starts from their team. They also moved above the Emirates Lions on the SA Conference log.

Furthermore, the win also comes at just the right time, as the Vodacom Bulls next embark on a four-game tour of Australasia, where they will face the Reds, Waratahs, Hurricanes and Chiefs on consecutive weekends.

Click here to read the full match report.
 
Rebels break duck over Emirates Lions in Melbourne
#REBvLIO

The Rebels proved too strong for the Emirates Lions and registered their first win over the Highveld side as they comfortably won their sixth-round fixture 37-17 in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Melbourne outfit have lost the previous five games between the two sides, but on this occasion they converted a 15-10 halfway lead into a 20-point triumph.

The result leaves the Joburg side winless from their first two matches of their four-game Australasian tour following their defeat last week to the Waratahs in Sydney. The home side outscored the South African visitors by five tries to two, while Emirates Lions struggled somewhat in the lineouts and conceded too many penalties and turnovers.

Elton Jantjies and his team mates now travel to New Zealand for their next match against the Blues in Auckland.

Click here to read the full match report.

The other Round 6 fixtures are (SA times):
 
Friday, 28 February
Sunwolves 14, Brumbies 47
Crusaders 24, Reds 20
Waratahs 14, Chiefs 51
 
Saturday, 29 February
Hurricanes 15, Blues 24
 
Byes: DHL Stormers

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Cell C Sharks outplayed the Reds 33-23 on Saturday morning in Brisbane to end their four-game Vodacom Super Rugby tour of Australasia on a high note. They now return to South Africa with three wins from four away games.
 
However, the Emirates Lions, DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls all suffered disappointment in their fifth-round matches.
 
The team from Joburg failed to get their tour off to a winning start as they went down 29-17 to the Waratahs in Sydney, while the DHL Stormers tasted defeat for the first time this season when the Blues stunned them 33-14 in Newlands. The Jaguares kept the Vodacom Bulls winless by clinching a convincing 39-24 triumph in Pretoria.
 
Despite their surprise loss, the Cape side still lead the South African Conference on 17 points, just one point ahead of the Cell C Sharks. The Jaguares are third on 15 points and they are followed by the Emirates Lions (5) and the Vodacom Bulls (1).
 
Cell C Sharks outplay Reds to end tour on high note
 
The Cell C Sharks made it three from four touring match wins when they outplayed the Reds 33-23 on Saturday morning (SA time) at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
 
The visitors from Durban trailed the Queenlanders 11-8 at halftime but turned things around and clinched the game thanks to a dominant second half performance.
 
With their forwards setting the tone, the visitors scored three tries after the break, while flyhalf Curwin Bosch hit the target with two sweetly struck long-range penalty goals to take the game away from the Reds.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
Jaguares down Vodacom Bulls for bonus-point win at Loftus
 
Strong running wing Emiliano Boffelli bagged two tries as the Jaguares scored a 39-24 bonus-point win over the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday evening. The South Americans led 24-14 at the break and were in control for the majority of the match.
 
The result of this Vodacom Super Rugby round five encounter means the Pretoria side are still the only team in the competition without a win this season.
 
The Vodacom Bulls came into the match desperate for a win on their home turf, however, an erratic first-half display handed the advantage to the side from Buenos Aires. The visitors scored two tries in quick succession just before the halfway break to create a 10-point gap.
 
They scored three more tries in the second half to condemn the men from Pretoria to their fourth straight loss of the 2020 competition. The Jaguares now travel to the east coast for next weekend's encounter with the returning Cell C Sharks in Durban, while the Vodacom Bulls host the Highlanders at Loftus.
 
Click here to read the full match report
 
Disappointing DHL Stormers suffer first loss of the season
 
The Blues inflicted the first loss on the DHL Stormers for this year when they defeated the Cape side 33-14 in their fifth-round Vodacom Super Rugby encounter on Saturday afternoon in Cape Town.
 
The Aucklanders made a superb start and led 27-14 at halftime, no doubt helped by a very lethargic first-half display that was characterised by poor options and missed tackles. They were 20-0 up inside 21 minutes in front of a stunned DHL Newlands faithful.
 
Wing Joe Marchant was the outstanding player for the side from Auckland, scoring two tries and clinching the Vodacom Player of the Match award in the process.
 
The Blues thus left South Africa unbeaten with two excellent wins, following their last-minute victory over the Vodacom Bulls last weekend in Pretoria.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
Emirates Lions pay price for slow start in Sydney
 
The Emirates Lions paid the price for a slow start against the Waratahs in Sydney and eventually went down by 29-17 in their Vodacom Super Rugby match played on Friday morning (SA time).
 
The win came as a welcome relief for the New South Wales side, who managed to register their first victory of the 2020 season, while they also snapped a five-game losing run against the team from Johannesburg. The Waratahs also bagged an important bonus-point after outscoring the Emirates Lions by five tries to two.
 
Hard-working flank Marnus Schoeman was the visitors’ standout player and he was rewarded with two tries.
 
Although the Joburg team played much better in the second half, they made far to many handling errors, which eventually allowed the Waratahs to pull clear for a comfortable first win of the season. James Ramm and Tetera Faulkner were their second half try scorers.
 
The Emirates Lions now travel to Melbourne for next weekend’s clash with the Rebels.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
The weekend’s other Round 5 results:
 
Saturday, 29 February
Hurricanes 62, Sunwolves 15
Reds 23, Cell C Sharks 33
DHL Stormers 14, Blues 33
Vodacom Bulls 24, Jaguares 39
 
Friday, 28 February
Highlanders 22, Rebels 28
Waratahs 29, Emirates Lions 17

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

​The DHL Stormers continued with their winning streak and are now four games unbeaten following their hard-fought 17-7 Vodacom Super Rugby win over the Jaguares on Saturday in Cape Town. The Cell C Sharks defeated the Rebels 36-24 in Ballarat for a second win on their Australasian tour.
 
However, the Vodacom Bulls are still winless after they suffered a heart-breaking 23-21 loss to the Blues in Pretoria, while the Emirates Lions had a bye.
 
The DHL Stormers increased their league tally to 17 for a five-point lead over the Cell C Sharks on the South African Conference log table. The Jaguares slipped to third place (10) and they are followed by the Emirates Lions (5) and Vodacom Bulls (0).
 
Mapimpi scores a double in sparkling Cell C Sharks triumph
 
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi gave a sparkling display and scored two tries as he helped the Cell C Sharks to splendid 36-24 triumph over the Rebels on Saturday morning (SA time) in Ballarat.
 
The Durban side led 22-10 at halftime and despite playing with 13 men at one stage in the second half, they still managed to score a convincing win over the Melbourne outfit for a second success Down Under. Hooker Kerron van Vuuren (dangerous tackle) and wing Madosh Tambwe (repeated team offence) were the visiting players who spent time in the sin bin.
 
Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani, Anaru Rangi each scored a try for the home side while pivot Andrew Deegan kicked three conversions and a penalty goal. The visitors scored through Mapimpi (2), Andre Esterhuizen, Tambwe and Curwin Bosch. Bosch also slotted four conversions and a penalty goal.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
DHL Stormers beat Jaguares to make it four wins in a row
 
The DHL Stormers clinched their fourth consecutive Vodacom Super Rugby win of the season on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Jaguares 17-7 at a damp DHL Newlands Stadium.
 
Springbok Damian Willemse (flyhalf) scored the only points of the first half compliments of a penalty goal which gave the hosts a slender 3-0 lead at the break.
 
The first half saw a huge forward tussle between the two teams, however, the second half erupted into action when the DHL Stormers scored two tries in quick succession. Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies showed his pace as he raced away for a try under the posts, while midfielder Ruhan Nel – who was last week's try scoring hero in Johannesburg - found a gap in the visitors’ defence to dive over for the second try.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
Vodacom Bulls suffer heart-breaking defeat at Loftus
 
A late penalty goal by Blues flyhalf Otere Black secured the Kiwi-side a last-gasp 23-21 victory against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, keeping the home side winless in the competition.
 
The men from Pretoria held a 11-8 lead at the break and led by a single point with minutes to go before conceding a costly penalty, which allowed the visitors to snatch victory from their grasp. The defeat marked the Vodacom Bulls’ third loss in as many games, and as a result they are rooted at the foot of the South African Conference standings.
 
Referee Marius van der Westhuizen handed out four yellow cards during the encounter, with both teams receiving two each. Burger Odendaal and Andries Ferreira (Vodacom Bulls), Jonathan Ruru and Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) were the transgressors.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
The weekend’s other Round 4 results:
 
Saturday, 22 February
Reds 64, Sunwolves 5
Chiefs 14, Brumbies 26
Stormers 17, Juguares 7
​Bulls 21, Blues 23
 
Friday, 21 February
Crusaders 33, Highlanders 13

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The DHL Stormers scored a dramatic last-minute try to snatch victory away from the Emirates Lions on Saturday afternoon for their first win in five years in Johannesburg. The 33-30 result made it three wins from three starts for the Cape side who are also the early frontrunner in the South African Conference.
 
After winning their first two matches, the Cell C Sharks suffered their first loss of the campaign in Wellington against the Hurricanes who won this Saturday morning encounter 38-22.
 
The Vodacom Bulls had a bye this weekend, while the Jaguares - the other team in the SA Conference ­- came from behind to beat the Reds 43-27 in the early hours of Sunday morning in Buenos Aires.
 
Following their third straight win, the men from the Cape now have 13 points and sit atop of the local standings and they are followed by the Jaguares on 10 points. The Cell C Sharks have eight points, the Emirates Lions have collected five points while the Vodacom Bulls must still register their first points.
 
Lam double seal Hurricanes victory over Cell C Sharks
 
Two second half tries by Ben Lam paved the way for a 38-22 Hurricanes triumph over the Cell C Sharks in Wellington on Saturday morning (SA time).
 
The teams were level 17-17 at halftime after a lively first half display by both sides.

The Hurricanes got the better of the Jaguares last weekend in Argentina and on Saturday they sealed another triumph with a dominant second half display. However, the visitors from Durban were dealt two early injury blows when Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi and debutant flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain both had to be replaced.
 
Click here to read the full match report
 
Nel breaks Emirates Lions’ hearts with last-gasp try
 
Ruhan Nel (centre) scored a dramatic winning try after the final hooter to break the hearts of the Emirates Lions in the DHL Stormers’ 33-30 victory in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon. The Cape side held a slender 18-15 lead at the break.
 
The match dished up a thrilling contest between a DHL Stormers team who are now unbeaten in three matches so far, and a young and exciting Emirates Lions side.
 
Dan Kriel (centre) rounded off a beautiful team try for the Johannesburg team and when his skipper, Elton Jantjies (flyhalf), slotted a monster kick from the middle of the field to edge his team 30-26 ahead with just two minutes remaining, an upset win for the home team seemed to be on the cards.
 
However, the visitors from Cape Town refused to give up and they kept the ball alive in a thrilling last passage of play, which finished with Nel running in for the winning try. The win also allowed the DHL Stormers to break their winless streak since 2015 at Emirates Airline Park.
 
Click here to read the full match report.
 
The weekend’s other Round 3 results:
 
Friday, 14 February
Blues 8, Crusaders 25
Rebels 24, Waratahs 10
 
Saturday, 15 February
Sunwolves 17, Chiefs 43
Brumbies 22, Highlanders 23
 
Sunday, 16 February
Jaguares 43, Reds 27
 
Vodacom Super Rugby media resources: Latest News / Match Centre / Statistics / Teams & Players


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​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The DHL Stormers, Emirates Lions and Cell C Sharks were all on the winning side in the weekend’s second-round Vodacom Super Rugby action.

The North-South Derby between the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls finished in a 13-0 triumph for the Cape side, who continued their dominance over their fierce rival in this fixture. Two tries by Tyrone Green steered the Emirates Lions to a 27-20 victory over the Reds, while the Cell C Sharks produced a sublime performance on Friday to smash the Highlanders 42-20 in Dunedin.

In the last match of the round played on Sunday morning (SA time), the Hurricanes produced a come-from-behind effort to beat the Jaguares 26-23 in a pulsating encounter in Buenos Aires.

The DHL Stormers are leading the South Africans Conference on nine points and they are followed by the Cell C Sharks (eight), Jaguares (six) and Emirates Lions (four), while the Vodacom Bulls have no points after two rounds.

DHL Stormers continue dominance over Vodacom Bulls

The DHL Stormers produced another solid defensive effort to keep the Vodacom Bulls scoreless and clinch a 13-0 victory over their fierce rivals on Saturday afternoon in Cape Town.

It was the second time in as many weeks they've managed to keep their opponent scoreless following their 27-0 home win over the Hurricanes the previous Saturday.

It was also the last North-South Derby to be staged at DHL Newlands as the hosts will move to the Cape Town Stadium next year. The crowd of 27,301 witnessed a typical hard-fought South African derby played in perfect conditions.

Click here to full match report.

Emirates Lions down gutsy Reds in Joburg

The Emirates Lions scored four tries, including a double by wing Tyrone Green, to defeat a gutsy Reds 27-20 in their Vodacom Super Rugby second-round match on Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg. The Highvelders led 17-13 at halftime.

The Reds had the upper-hand in the lineouts and scrums, where they enjoyed a big weight advantage. However, the visitors struggled in general play mainly because of too many handling errors. The home scrum improved in the second half when the replacement forwards were sent onto the field.

Click here for the full match report.

Sublime Cell C Sharks smash Highlanders in Dunedin

The Cell C Sharks kicked off their Australasian Vodacom Super Rugby tour in perfect fashion when they beat the Highlanders by 42-20 in Dunedin on Friday, repeating their victory from the last time they visited Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Built on the back of a superb kicking game, strong defence and excellent counter-attacking, the Cell C Sharks won for a sixth time in Otago, outscoring the Highlanders by five tries to three in the process, with Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi bagging two tries each.

In what was a perfect way for Lukhanyo Am and Craig Burden to celebrate their 50th games at this level, the visitors also disrupted the Highlanders’ lineouts, which robbed the home team from a good attacking platform.

Click here for the full match report
 
The rest of the Round 2 results:

Friday, 7 February
Brumbies 39, Rebels 26

Saturday, 8 February
Chiefs 25, Crusaders 15
Waratahs 12, Blues 32
Lions 27, Reds 20
Stormers 13, Bulls 0
Jaguares 23, Hurricanes 26
 
Follow Vodacom Super Rugby on social media:
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Issued by SA Rugby Communications