The scrum champ deserving of his Bok shot

Rassie Erasmus is delighted with the work ethic shown by new Springbok tighthead Carlü Sadie, yet is “disappointed” about the news of fellow prop Kai Pratt and his future.

Sadie is one of four debutants set to start Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales at Kings Park, where the 29-year-old will pack down in the front row after a short stint with the Boks. xsportfeed.life

Erasmus believes Sadie has earned his shot after helping Bordeaux Bègles defend the Investec Champions Cup, before making his Bok bow in a non-cap Barbarians match last month.

“When he got into our system, Carlü had won the Champions Cup, and you don’t win it if you can’t scrum, and he was always starting for his team,” Erasmus said.

“We really think he deserves the opportunity because he’s been hanging in there for six weeks and his conditioning is just getting better and better.

“For Carlü to have a proper start to his Test career with a guy like Malcolm Marx next to him … it’s nice to have him in there.”

MORE: Rassie on why PSDT, not Siya is playing

Erasmus highlights the growing depth and competition for the No 3 jersey, with Thomas du Toit, Zach Porthen and Wilco Louw – named on the bench this week – strongly in the mix for the world champions.

“Thomas du Toit only played a half for us [against England], but Thomas had a long Premiership season for Bath … and he’s a naturally fit guy,” the Bok coach said.

“Zach, we’ve given a lot of opportunities and we really think Zach is one for the future.

“Wilco, we know what he can do. He has done a lot of good stuff for us off the bench. We will just keep working on his conditioning because he certainly knows how to scrum.”

ICYMI: Junior Bok faces doping ban

Erasmus was, however, saddened by the situation involving Pratt following last week’s revelation that the Junior Springbok tested positive for an anabolic steroid in April.

The outcome of a B-sample analysis will determine whether the matter proceeds to a formal hearing.

Asked during Monday’s team announcement presser on Pratt, who attended the Boks’ first alignment camp of 2026, Erasmus replied: “Disappointed, disbelief … I mean, a bright future ahead of him.

“He wasn’t involved with us when that happened so I don’t know what I can say to have a positive spin on this.

“It’s not nice, I hope the process gets done correctly and there was a mistake or something, but ja, I’ve got nothing else to say.”

MORE: Drug watchdog defends SA rugby

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

The post The scrum champ deserving of his Bok shot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Un des doyens du barreau béninois a été lourdement condamné lundi à Cotonou par la Criet (Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme) pour « abus de confiance et blanchiment de capitaux ». Me Yansunu Magloire, septuagénaire, écope de sept ans de prison ferme, assortis d'une amende d'environ 29 millions de francs CFA et de 3,6 millions à verser au plaignant. Il s'agit d'un contentieux autour d'une indemnité de licenciement abusif entre l'avocat et un de ses clients.

Les avocats de victimes d’enlèvements ou de massacres ainsi que d’organisations de la société civile en RDC ont déposé vendredi 10 juillet 2026 d’une part une plainte au parquet fédéral belge, et d’autre part une « communication, article quinze », l’équivalent d’une plainte auprès de la Cour pénale internationale à La Haye. Le motif de la plainte déposée est un crime contre l’humanité commis, selon les plaignants, de manière régulière depuis six ans à l’encontre de ceux qui s’opposent à la mainmise du clan présidentiel sur les ressources minières du Katanga.

The Junior Springboks claimed an entertaining win over England on Monday to progress to the 2026 Junior World Championship final, where they will face France in hopes of defending their title.

It will be the first meeting in a final between the sides, with South Africa aiming to go back-to-back for the first time, and France seeking a fourth title and first since 2023.

The final between the Junior Springboks and France will take place at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium and kick off is at 18:30 (SA time) on Saturday.

France needed a 76th-minute winning try from centre Adrien Drault to beat New Zealand 26-22 in the first semi-final at Avchala Stadium, avenging their defeat at the same stage last year.

South Africa had trailed 17-7 after 30 minutes against England, but seized on a man advantage after a permanent red card for England flanker Seb Kelly to cut loose with winger Khuthadzo Rasivhaga claiming a hat-trick of tries in a 53-37 victory.

Junior Springboks set sights on kick off against France

The Junior Boks now turn their attention to France, who arrive in the final as Six Nations champions – a fact not lost on South Africa coach Kevin Foote.

“France have been outstanding,” he said. “Against New Zealand they worked hard, stayed in the fight right until the end and showed tremendous spirit. They’re also the Six Nations champions, so we know they’re going to be a huge challenge.

“For us, it’s about recovering well, enjoying the opportunity to spend another week together as a group, and then looking forward to the final.”

Lessons learned from hard-fought battle against England

Foote said the key message at half-time was for the team to remain calm, stick to their structures and continue building pressure.

“The bench made a massive contribution,” added Foote.

“We’ve spoken throughout the tournament about the importance of the entire squad. Some players have had to wait patiently for their opportunities, but when they come on, they make a real impact.

“We have a very talented squad with great depth, and we are fortunate to be working with a group that has that quality. When the replacements come on, they really lift the team.”