Shimmy: They want to depower Bok scrum

Hanyani Shimange calls out an agenda to weaken the Springbok game, while Schalk Burger claims Lood de Jager’s high hit on Leroy Carter last week was just a penalty. macnevers-and-co.beer

The former Boks were speaking on the Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast, picking up on Rassie Erasmus’ post-match dismissal of All Blacks accusations that his pack walks around at scrum time, and the card that reduced South Africa to 14 men during last Saturday’s 33-26 win at Cape Town Stadium.

“We generally go straight through the middle,” ex-hooker Shimange said. “It’s never been a Springbok strategy. I just think what they’re trying to do is depower the scrum.

ICYMI: All Blacks get double boost to beat the noise

“There’s always been an issue to depower the South African maul, and it’s just one of those things … trying to get inside the ref[‘s head].

“I think we’ve had the most dominant scrum probably for the last, what, eight years since the World Cup, since 2019. You’re telling me we’ve been walking around?

“We’ve had Beast [Mtawarira], we’ve had Ox Nché … there’s no way we’re walking around. That’s just, for me [not true].”

WATCH: How All Blacks cheat at scrum

Legendary loose forward Burger turned to De Jager’s dismissal for his head clash with All Blacks winger Carter.

“There’s definitely mitigating circumstances,” Burger said. “Leroy Carter moves, he’s reasonably low, but then it’s a head on head; his shoulder hits him on the chest. The margins are so fine.

“Then you go back to Ardie’s [hit on Jasper Wiese two weeks ago]. That’s probably the one that sticks out in your mind foremost; he hits him on the shoulder, then there is a bit of head contact with his shoulder, not a head on head.

“Guys, my view is it’s a penalty. Penalty only. It’s always been my outlook on it. I’m old school … I’d be happy if this just stays penalties.

“That yellow card put us under pressure, but yeah, obviously for Lood, he’s had a couple now, but he’s unlucky. I don’t think it’s a technique thing; that was just unfortunate.”

MORE: Rassie pinpoints All Blacks’ biggest weapon

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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Springbok scrum coach Daan Human believes the experienced Deon Fourie is ideally suited to high-pressure Tests against the All Blacks. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.

Recalled to the Bok squad after an impressive performance for the Stormers against the All Blacks in the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, the veteran openside flank was selected on the bench as a hooker for the second Test in Cape Town. However, he ended up starting after coach Rassie Erasmus swapped his starting and replacement front rows shortly before kick-off.

At 39 years and 338 days old, Fourie became the oldest Springbok when he ran out at Cape Town Stadium.

It was his first appearance in the green and gold since the 2023 World Cup final against the All Blacks in Paris, when he played 77 minutes off the bench at hooker.

Fourie got 35 minutes in the Boks’ 33-26 win in Cape Town before making way for Malcolm Marx.

“He was awesome. I thought he brought so much to the team,” Erasmus said afterwards.

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Fourie, who turns 40 on 25 September, has again been named on the bench as a hooker for Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium.

Human believes Fourie’s versatility and experience make him particularly valuable in the intensity of a Test series against the All Blacks.

“The thing about him is, although he hasn’t played a lot of Test matches in his life [14], he’s not 40 yet, he’s 39. I’m just saying, there’s still a long way to go!” Human told the media on Tuesday with a laugh.

“But anyway, I think in these Test matches we need to have a lot of experience, which he has.

“He played from a very young age at hooker and flank. So he’s able to handle these kinds of situations, like he did in the World Cup final for us.

“He’s on form, he’s a big, big competitor and he’s one of the strongest scrummagers in South Africa.

“That’s how highly I rate him. Otherwise I would never have put up my hand to say, ‘Listen, we should pick this guy.'”

DAAN: Boks don’t want to walk around scrum

Human was also excited about playing in front of a massive crowd at the 94,000-capacity FNB Stadium, with 84,000 tickets having reportedly been sold by Monday.

“I think it will be wonderful for South Africa, for all the South African support that we have at the moment.

“Obviously, we don’t want to disappoint them because they’re really standing behind us, and we need to give it back to them.

“I actually thought on my way down here, what is that country in the soccer World Cup that shouts, ‘Row! Row!’? [Norway.] I would actually love [the Bok fans] to say, “Scrum! Scrum!”’

WATCH: How All Blacks cheat at scrum

Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images

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NAIROBI, Kenya, September 1, 2026 – Qatar-based Michael Olunga has been recalled to the national team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier ties against Eritrea and Guinea.

The longstanding skipper is part of a 38-man provisional squad named by head coach Benni McCarthy on Tuesday afternoon, expected to gather for training ahead of the double-header.

The 32-year-old last played for the national team in October last year, in a World Cup qualifying tie against Seychelles in Nairobi – which they won 5-0.

Earlier this year, Olunga underwent surgery for a pelvic injury, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

However, he recently returned to action for his club, Al Arabi, scoring as the club drew 1-1 with former side, Al Duhail, in a Qatar Stars League fixture.

The attacker, who has scored 34 goals in 69 appearances for Harambee Stars, will battle out for a final spot in the team with an emerging crop of promising attacker in the team.

They include Job Ochieng’, who recently made his first start in La Liga, in a 4-1 thrashing by Real Madrid.

Others include his protégé, Lawrence Okoth, who has recently joined Bandari, Belgium-based Ryan Ogam as well as Mohammed Bajaber – who is currently clubless after departing Tanzania’s Simba SC.

Meanwhile, former national under 20 team captain Amos Wanjala – who has been knocking on the door of Valencia’s senior side – has earned another call-up at the centre of the defence.

Equally rewarded for his good showings in recent memory is Aldrine Kibet, who has been lighting it up with Celta Vigo’s reserve side in Spain.

A number of foreign-born players have also been called up to the squad for the first time including Swindon Town’s Louis Millard and Hickory’s Javan Ochieng.

Harambee Stars have already secured their slot at the 2027 Afcon by virtue of being co-hosts of the continental showpiece.

However, the qualifiers campaign provides an opportunity for McCarthy to test his team in a competitive setting.

They begin their campaign against the Eritreans on September 26 at Nyayo Stadium before travelling to Conakry to face the West Africans, five days later.

The team also face South Africa in the Group D qualifiers.

Premier League Matchweek 2 Results.The 2026/27 Premier League season delivered another eventful round in Matchweek 2, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Hull City and Chelsea all moving to six points from their opening two games. For the wider season picture, SportPesa South Africa’s Premier League 2026/27 season preview tracks the title race, promoted clubs and major campaign storylines.

Arsenal maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 win away to Aston Villa, Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1, Chelsea edged Brighton 4-3 and promoted Hull City continued their impressive return with a 1-0 victory at Coventry City. Newcastle United also won 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool were held to a second consecutive 2-2 draw.

Matchweek 2 also produced several standout individual performances. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice for Manchester City, Bruno Fernandes hit a hat-trick for Manchester United, Bukayo Saka decided Arsenal’s trip to Villa Park and Cole Palmer struck Chelsea’s late winner against Brighton.

Premier League Matchweek 2 results

All 10 Matchweek 2 fixtures are complete. Supporters can also follow upcoming dates and kick-off times on the SportPesa South Africa Premier League fixtures page.

Fixture	Result
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City	1-4
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest	2-2
Bournemouth vs Everton	1-1
Coventry City vs Hull City	0-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United	0-2
Chelsea vs Brighton	4-3
Leeds United vs Brentford	1-1
Sunderland vs Fulham	1-0
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town	5-2
Aston Villa vs Arsenal	0-1

READ ALSO: Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Manchester City make another statement

Manchester City followed their opening win over Bournemouth with a 4-1 victory at Crystal Palace. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored twice each as City made it six points from six under Enzo Maresca. SportPesa SA’s Manchester City vs Bournemouth opening-week preview provides further context on City’s new era and the squad changes around the club.

Cherki has made an immediate impact, adding his first two league goals of the season after contributing two assists on the opening weekend. City’s combination of Haaland’s finishing and Cherki’s creativity has been one of the clearest attacking storylines from the first two rounds.

Arsenal maintain their perfect start

Arsenal made it two wins from two with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Villa Park. Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute as the defending champions followed their 3-0 opening win over Coventry City with another clean sheet. SportPesa SA also covered the build-up in the Aston Villa vs Arsenal Matchweek 2 preview.

Aston Villa, by contrast, remain without a point or a league goal after two matches. They improved defensively after their opening 4-0 defeat at Brighton, but again failed to find a way through in attack.

Chelsea win a seven-goal thriller

Chelsea made it two victories from two with a 4-3 win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro put Chelsea in control before Brighton fought back, but Cole Palmer scored the decisive late goal to preserve Chelsea’s perfect start under Xabi Alonso.

The result leaves Chelsea among the four clubs on six points after Matchweek 2 and confirms their attack as one of the early stories of the season.

Bruno Fernandes leads Manchester United response

Manchester United responded to their opening defeat at Hull City with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town. Captain Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick, Bryan Mbeumo also found the net and United recovered after falling behind early in the match.

The win gives United their first three points of the league season and provides an immediate response after the disappointment of Matchweek 1.

Hull City continue their dream return

Hull City are one of the standout stories of the opening fortnight. Liam Millar scored the only goal in their 1-0 away win at Coventry City, giving Hull a second consecutive Premier League victory after their opening 2-0 success against Manchester United.

Six points from two matches puts the promoted side level with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea at the top end of the early table.

Newcastle deepen Tottenham’s early problems

Newcastle United won 2-0 away to Tottenham through second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa. The result moved Newcastle onto four points from two matches and left Spurs still searching for both their first point and first league goal of the season.

Tottenham have now lost their opening two league games without scoring, making their early-season attacking problems one of the clearest negative trends after Matchweek 2.

Liverpool held again by Nottingham Forest

Liverpool drew 2-2 for the second consecutive match, this time against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Forest led through Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White, while Alexander Isak and Victor Muñoz scored Liverpool’s equalisers, with Muñoz rescuing a point in the 82nd minute.

Two draws from two leave Liverpool without a league win under Andoni Iraola and already four points behind the four teams with perfect records.

Other Matchweek 2 results

Bournemouth and Everton drew 1-1, Leeds United and Brentford also shared the points in a 1-1 draw, while Sunderland earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Fulham.

Premier League table after Matchweek 2

Manchester City, Arsenal, Hull City and Chelsea are the only four clubs with maximum points after two matches. City lead the early standings, with Arsenal second, Hull third and Chelsea fourth.

Team	P	W	D	L	Pts
Manchester City	2	2	0	0	6
Arsenal	2	2	0	0	6
Hull City	2	2	0	0	6
Chelsea	2	2	0	0	6

For the latest Premier League table, live scores, match events and updated statistics as the season continues, follow SP Score.

Matchweek 2 standout performers

· Erling Haaland: Two goals in Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.

· Rayan Cherki: Two goals after recording two assists on the opening weekend.

· Bruno Fernandes: Hat-trick in Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.

· Bukayo Saka: Scored Arsenal’s winner at Aston Villa.

· Cole Palmer: Scored Chelsea’s decisive late goal against Brighton.

· Liam Millar: Scored the winner that kept promoted Hull City perfect after two matches.

What Matchweek 2 tells us

The table is still at an early stage, but several patterns are already emerging. Manchester City and Arsenal have combined strong results with defensive control, Chelsea have opened with two high-scoring wins, and Hull City have adapted immediately to Premier League football.

At the other end, Tottenham and Aston Villa have both lost their opening two matches without scoring, while Liverpool have drawn twice and are still waiting for their first league victory. Those contrasts give Matchweek 3 several clear storylines to follow.

READ ALSO :La Liga Matchday 2 Results & Today’s Fixtures

Conclusion

Premier League Matchweek 2 produced statement wins, early surprises and several standout individual performances. Manchester City, Arsenal, Hull City and Chelsea all remain perfect, while Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer were among the players who shaped the round.

As the 2026/27 season moves into Matchweek 3, supporters can follow upcoming fixtures on SportPesa South Africa’s Premier League fixtures page and use SP Score for the latest scores, results and match statistics.