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World Cup ghost haunts Greatest Rivalry series
A 2027 World Cup draw that puts the All Blacks and Springboks on a quarter-final collision course borders on “self-destructive recklessness”, according to New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul.
Writing after the first two Tests of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Paul argues that an early knockout meeting between the teams in Australia next year would be damaging to the tournament. afrikasportnews.co.za
“This series is captivating and compelling, and in 160 minutes of action so far, the All Blacks and Springboks have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that they are the two best sides in the world,” he writes.
“They both have the player depth, coaching smarts, X factor and game cohesion to win the tournament.”
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Paul describes their potential quarter-final as the “ghost” hanging over the current four-Test series and believes the draw risks eliminating one of the leading contenders two weeks before the final.
“It is bordering on self-destructive recklessness to run a tournament that generates more than NZ$1-billion and then pit the two favourites against each other two weeks before the final.”
Paul points to the 2023 World Cup, when the four leading contenders met in the quarter-finals, with hosts France losing to the defending champion Springboks and the All Blacks knocking out No 1-ranked Ireland.
“It’s so stupid as to be painful,” Paul says of the prospect of a similar scenario in 2027.
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He contrasts rugby’s system with football and tennis, where seedings are designed to keep the leading contenders apart until the latter stages.
Paul believes the 2027 draw could also provide England and Ireland with clearer routes to the final if they win their pools, while France may stand between the Boks or All Blacks and a place in the decider.
“The credibility-crushing fact about next year’s tournament is that there is a significantly higher probability that England and Ireland are more likely to make the final than either New Zealand or South Africa,” he writes.
The post World Cup ghost haunts Greatest Rivalry series appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Affaire Martinez Zogo: de nouveaux indices mettent en cause l’ex-patron des renseignements
Au Cameroun, l’affaire Martinez Zogo, du nom de cet animateur et chef de chaîne de la radio Amplitude FM retrouvé mort en janvier 2023 sur un terrain vague de la banlieue de Yaoundé, connaît un nouveau rebondissement. Lundi 31 août, le colonel Otoulou, principal enquêteur et commandant de la légion de gendarmerie de la région du Centre au moment des faits, a affirmé que plusieurs indices laissaient penser que Maxime Eko Eko, alors patron de la Direction générale de la recherche extérieure (DGRE), était au courant de l’opération ayant conduit à l’assassinat du journaliste.
Kaizer Chiefs new signing reveals what Da Cruz told him before making debut
Kaizer Chiefs winger Faiz Abrahams has reflected on his debut for Amakhosi.
The 21-year-old made a cameo last week against Richards Bay in a league match which ended 2-2.
Abrahams is currently on loan from Stellenbosch FC, having joined the Soweto giants alongside Langelihle Phili.
The young winger revealed what his coach Fernando Da Cruz told him before making his debut for the Glamour Boys.
“The coach told me to go out there and create chances for us to get back into the game,” Abrahams was quoted on the club’s website.
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“I think I made a few opportunities that we might have scored from, so I am quite happy with how I did,” the former Stellies star added.
“We played well enough to win the game but we had a couple of misfortunes which we will definitely work on cutting out going forward.
“It was my first time travelling with Kaizer Chiefs. It felt good to be included and I appreciate the coach’s belief in me. I have worked hard since I arrived and I am grateful for the support I have received and honoured to be playing for this great Club.”
Kaizer Chiefs are third in the Betway Premiership standings after four matches. The have won two and drawn two, and are trailing log leaders Orlando Pirates by two points.
Amakhosi are next in action against Siwelele in a Betway Premiership match.
Do you think Chiefs will improve and challenge Sundowns and Pirates?
Retour au calme à Niamey, l'Algérie envoie quatre avions au Niger
C'est le retour au calme à Niamey. La capitale du Niger a été secouée samedi par une mutinerie déjouée par le régime militaire avec l'appui de son partenaire russe. L'Algérie a envoyé dimanche, dans le cadre de la reprise récente de la coopération avec son voisin, quatre avions de chasse et deux autres avions militaires. Que faut-il comprendre par l'envoi de ces avions? Quels sont les enjeux pour l'Algérie? L'analyse de notre invité invité Akram Kharief, journaliste et directeur de Ménadefense.