South Africa Rugby News

England coach Andy Robinson wants his team to improve its form with the ball in the second rugby international against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday (available on pay-per-view). Despite having snapped a seven-Test losing streak that equalled a 34-year-old record by beating the Springboks 23-21 last week, England was still unconvincing and chose too many poor options. ``Our whole performance became narrow last weekend,'' Robinson said. ``At one stage, ...

Kabamba Floors will make his debut in South Africa's second rugby international against England at Twickenham on Saturday. Floors was named Wednesday at blindside flanker in place of Pierre Spies. Juan Smith was selected at openside flanker, while Danie Roussouw moves to No. 8 from No. 7 as Jacques Cronje is injured. The only other change from South Africa's 23-21 loss to England last week was Andre Pretorius winning selection ...

England made seven changes to its team Tuesday to play South Africa in a rugby international this weekend as it bids to avoid a record eighth straight defeat. England's players are only allowed to start in three of the four November Tests. Saturday's match at Twickenham and a second game on Nov. 25 against the Springboks completes its international program. Mark Cueto has recovered from an ankle injury and replaces ...

Springbok coach Jake White named four rookies Saturday in his 28-man squad to play two Tests against England and one versus Ireland in November. Fullback Bevan Fortuin, flanker Hilton Lobberts, centre Jaco Pretorius and flyhalf Francois Steyn are the four new players. White left out prop Os du Rand, lock Victor Matfield, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, winger Bryan Habana, fullback Percy Montgomery and winger Breyton Paulse. They were all rested after a tough Tri-Nations Test series against New ...

Substitute winger Breyton Paulse scored the winning try in the 73rd minute for South Africa to beat Australia 24-16 in the final Tri-Nations test Saturday. Paulse replaced Akona Ndungane at halftime and made several important tackles, stole possession and then finished off a sweeping attack for the Springboks to win their second straight match. ``Things were tight when I came on and we had to defend really well,'' Paulse said. ``Even attacking was tough as we got ...

South Africa rugby captain John Smit says the pressure to beat Australia on Saturday is greater than it was before they upended New Zealand last weekend to end a five-Test losing streak. The last match in the Tri-Nations will not change the placings, with the All Blacks having retained the title last month, Australia certain of finishing second after winning its only two matches against South Africa at home, and the Springboks destined to be last. But having stunned ...

Fullback J.P. Pietersen will debut for South Africa and prop Benn Robinson for Australia when they clash in the last Tri-Nations rugby match at Ellis Park on Saturday. Pietersen, from the Sharks, will follow national under-21 teammates Pierre Spies and Chiliboy Ralepelle in making their Springboks debut during the tournament. All three were chosen by coach Jake White on Wednesday, with Pietersen and flanker Spies starting. Winger Bryan Habana was ...

South Africa winger Bryan Habana was ruled out injured from meeting Australia in the last Tri-Nations rugby Test on Saturday. ``Bryan is out with concussion,'' coach Jake White told the South African Press Association at Tuesday's practice. Habana scored a try in the 21-20 upset of champion New Zealand last Saturday in Rustenberg, and White was considering using his absence this weekend to introduce Sharks fullback JP Pietersen at Ellis ...

Andre Pretorius slotted an injury-time penalty for South Africa to upset New Zealand 21-20 in the Tri-Nations on Saturday and end a five-match losing streak. The defeat ended the All Blacks' 15-match winning roll since their last loss, also to South Africa on Aug. 6 last year in Cape Town. The All Blacks had already retained the Tri-Nations title two weeks ago. ``It's been a while since I was able to smile after a game,'' said Springboks captain ...

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) _ Jake White pledged not to resign as South Africa coach on Tuesday while trying to prepare an end to the Springboks' five-match losing streak in the face of mounting public criticism. ``I won't walk away from this job,'' White said. South Africa has two more chances to win a match in the Tri-Nations, resuming with champion New Zealand on Saturday in Rustenberg, but interest in ...