Castle Double Malt has officially taken its place at the heart of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, becoming the title partner of one of world sport’s most celebrated sporting properties and marking the most significant chapter yet in the brand’s journey into South African rugby.
Ruben van Heerden’s journey to the Springbok starting XV has been anything but straightforward, but according to head coach Rassie Erasmus, the towering lock has earned every bit of his long-awaited opportunity.
DURBAN — Even when a player has won every trophy available in rugby, including two Rugby World Cups, wearing the green and gold remains a massive driver for Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to two young South African sportsmen following a heartbreaking week that left the nation in mourning after the deaths of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams and former South Africa Under-18 rugby player Luqobo Makwedini.
Young flyhalf Vusi Moyo, one of four players set to wear the green and gold jersey in a Test match for the first time in Durban on Saturday, expressed his delight at earning his Springbok debut, while assistant coach Deon Davids warned against underestimating the threat posed by Wales.
Rassie Erasmus believes the time is right to reward the Springboks’ emerging talent after confirming opportunities for several uncapped players against Wales, insisting their performances throughout the national setup have earned them a chance at Test level.
Springbok loose forward Paul de Villiers says the selfless culture fostered within the national setup has made his rapid rise to Test rugby much easier to navigate as he prepares for just his third international appearance.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he faced massive temptation to rest powerhouse flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales in Durban.
Jaco Williams (wing), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Ruben van Heerden (lock) and Carlu Sadie (prop) will all make their Test debuts in the Springboks’ third Nations Championship fixture against Wales in Durban on Saturday after being named in the starting XV by head coach Rassie Erasmus.