John Goliath

Creator

John Goliath

John Goliath is a copywriter and editor with over 20 years' experience in the sports media industry. John, a Tottenham Hotspur tragic, largely focuses on cricket, rugby and football and has travelled the world covering South Africa's national teams.

South Africa has world-class stadiums, yet we haven't hosted a Rugby World Cup since 1995.  |  Leighton Koopman IOL

Changing room gaffes and iPhone TMO farce: Why hasn't South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup since 1995?

After a changing room camera blunder and TMO phone chaos marred the Perth Test, the farcical scenes raise a serious question: why is South Africa still overlooked as a Rugby…

Haashim Pead has returned to his Cape Town roots after signing a four-year contract with the Stormers.  |  Backpagepix

Junior Springbok star Haashim Pead joins Stormers on four-year deal

Exciting scrumhalf Haashim Pead has returned home to Cape Town, completing a four-year transfer from the Lions to join the Stormers.

Springbok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit takes the ball up during the Springboks' previous match against the Wallabies in Perth.
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Springboks get vital 2027 World Cup rehearsal against Australia in Perth

The Springboks' upcoming Test against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium serves as a strategic dry run ahead of their 2027 Rugby World Cup title defence.

The Springboks are redefining their style of play under head coach Rassie Erasmus as they build towards the 2027 World Cup.  |  AFP
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Springboks' evolving game under Rassie Erasmus signals terrifying potential ahead of 2027 World Cup

South Africa's 3–1 series win against the All Blacks showcased an evolving Springbok side blending ruthless forward power with backline flair ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu played a crucial role in the Springboks' historic 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks, demonstrating the exceptional vision and talent that make him a key figure for South Africa.  |  AFP
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Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu haters are plain wrong: Boks' prodigy remains pure rugby genius

Despite unwarranted criticism following the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains one of South African rugby's most gifted talents.

Springbok No. 8 Jasper Wiese has been a destructive force in the loose trio against the All Blacks this season.  |  AFP
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Lekkerist part of rugby — Jasper Wiese thrives on physicality in All Blacks showdowns

Upington-born Springbok No. 8 Jasper Wiese opens up about the physical toll and thrill of battling the All Blacks ahead of their final Test in Baltimore.

Morné van den Berg has been promoted to the Springbok starting line-up at scrumhalf for Saturday's series finale against the All Blacks in Baltimore.  |  AFP
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Springboks v All Blacks: Uncompromising Rassie Erasmus names heavy artillery for Baltimore finale

Rassie Erasmus has shown no mercy in his team selection, naming a near-unchanged Springbok side for the series decider against a battered All Blacks team in Baltimore.

FILE - Springboks flank Schalk Burger goes on the charge against the All Blacks in Soweto in 2010.
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Soweto thrillers: A look back at Springboks’ FNB Stadium battles against All Blacks

Ahead of Saturday’s clash in Soweto, we look back at the iconic 2010 and 2012 encounters between the Springboks and All Blacks at FNB Stadium.

Mind games or valid concerns? All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has ramped up the heat on match officials ahead of the third Test against the Springboks in Soweto.  |  Backpagepix
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Whining All Blacks trade traditional class for cynicism in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

The All Blacks' persistent complaints over Springbok scrum tactics and off-the-ball antics signal a decline from their former status as rugby's gold standard.

Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe prepares to switch to fullback for the crucial third Test against the All Blacks after delivering a masterclass off the tee in Cape Town.  |  AFP
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Sharpshooter, scrumhalf, fullback: Is there anything Springboks ace Cheslin Kolbe cannot do?

Cheslin Kolbe continues to redefine versatility for the Springboks, stepping up as primary goal-kicker and shifting to fullback for the third Test against New Zealand.

Malcolm Marx will once again be key on Saturday for the Springboks.  |  Backpagepix
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Five classic Cape Town Test matches between Springboks and All Blacks

From Newlands to DHL Stadium, examine five legendary Cape Town encounters between the Springboks and All Blacks defined by iconic moments and razor-thin margins.

Cameron Hanekom has impressed at No 8, highlighting the Springboks' immense forward depth ahead of the All Blacks series.  |  AFP
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Superior squad depth gives Springboks advantage over All Blacks in four-test series

Rassie Erasmus’s well-established rotation policy could give the Springboks a crucial edge over an injury-hit All Blacks squad in their upcoming four-Test series.

If Pitso Mosimane takes charge of Bafana Bafana for a second stint, he will bring a wealth of continental experience and trophy-winning prestige back to the national team setup.  |  Backpagepix
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Pitso Mosimane: From fiery young tactician to African football giant

With SAFA approving his appointment to replace Hugo Broos, Pitso Mosimane is poised to return as Bafana Bafana head coach. Fourteen years after his first stint, he brings…