Jon Cardinelli @jon_cardinelli Twitter profile

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Jon Cardinelli

28 days

Backing the young guns and culling the old guard: A deep dive analysis on the brutal calls facing Erasmus ahead of the 2027 RWC. 15 Bok veterans will be 35+ in 2027 – and Erasmus can't take all of them to Aus. (Read to the end to see who I would keep)

Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027

The South African kingpin knows he must rejuvenate his squad, but which ageing warriors will be cut loose?

www.rugbypass.com

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

SA was denied the chance to watch and celebrate the Springboks at local stadiums after the 2019 RWC (thanks Covid). Very different story post-2023. Atmosphere at Pretoria, Durban, Bloem, CT stadiums has been on another level this year SA rugby has never been in a better place

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

19 days

Rassie Erasmus' Boks are the greatest SA side of all time, and among the greatest teams the sport has ever seen. Remember early 2018, when they were ranked 6th and couldn't buy a win vs the top teams? They've gone on to win 2 RWCs, a Lions series, and 2 Rugby Champs. Epic story

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

From a roar to a whisper: The capacity crowd at Cape Town Stadium (completely dominated by Springbok fans) allows the haka to echo around the ground. Don't think I've ever experienced this at a SA ground before, not even at Newlands.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

What a story this is... PSDT almost had his leg amputated in 2020, came back, suffered a season-ending injury v Lions in 2021, fought his way back. Then produced the match-winning performance (again) in the final. Just refuses to accept defeat. The Boks' spirit animal for sure.

Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

PSDT man of the match. Finally they get it right.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

19 days

Remember Beast Mtawarira telling me that he'd never met anyone who loved the Springboks more than Eben Etzebeth. That deep connection with the jersey has been evident over the past 12 years and 127 Tests. It's the reason why so many believe EE will extend the SA record to 150+

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Freedom Cup winners for the first time in 15 years! Epic Test match and series.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

2022 Test season done and dusted. Wining ratios for top nations: 🇫🇷 100% 🇮🇪 82% 🇳🇿 62% 🇿🇦 62% 🇮🇹 50% 🇦🇷 42% 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 42% 🇦🇺 36% 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 36% 🇯🇵 29% 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 25% #AutumnNationsSeries #ENGvRSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Combined team photos for Springbok Men and Women's teams at the hotel in Fourways this morning (ahead of respective clashes against All Blacks and Spain on Saturday. Really cool vibe

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Said it before: Don't sleep on Argentina. ✅️Win vs All Blacks in NZ ✅️60 plus vs Australia Boks will have to work for wins vs Pumas in next few weeks

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 months

Loftus set such a high standard, and it was like Kings Park took it personally. Incredible atmosphere, one of the best at the Shark Tank for a Test

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Incredible atmosphere at the CT Stadium tonight. The flyover, the silence for the haka, the final whistle celebrations and the way the crowd stayed to watch the Boks lift the Freedom Cup. Take a bow, Cape Town

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Take a bow Ox Nche. Changed the game with that scrum effort. Pollard's game management and kicking. Boks were outplayed in a lot of areas, but it's an 80 min game. How about that Bok coaching huddle in the stands? Desperate stuff, but they also found a way!

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Fair to say there's a bit of competition at the top. Boks beat Lions, but finished year with an 8-5 record. ABs won Rugby Champs but lost most games in a season since 09. France, Ireland stunned ABs. Eng beat SA. But Wales won 6N. Aus beat Boks twice, then Scotland beat Aus

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Bismarck du Plessis now beaten Leinster in Dublin and Crusaders in Christchurch. Elite

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

28 days

Spare a thought for Rassie Erasmus, who has 30-odd Tests to give youngsters 20-30 caps (Sacha et al) while backing senior core (Pollard, Marx etc). Tougher to decide who to keep/let go among old guard. 15 players will be 35+ in 2027. Only 2 were in this bracket at 2023 RWC. 🧵

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

19 days

Monumental campaign for the Boks: – First (full) Rugby Championship title since 2009 – First Freedom Cup series win in 15 years – First win in Brisbane since 2013 – First win vs NZ Joburg since 2014, and in CT since 2005 (plus 4th consecutive win vs ABs for first time in pro era)

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

11 months

Boks’ titanic scrum was 6 years in the making. When you speak to front-row experts with an intimate knowledge of SA’s culture and the game’s dark arts, you begin to understand how the Boks built this weapon of mass destruction and won back-to-back RWCs

How South Africa's Bomb Squad waged war on the rugby world

How the scrummage, and the fabled Bomb Squad, became South Africa's Rugby World Cup weapon of mass destruction.

www.rugbypass.com

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 months

Bok veterans were so important in dying stages. In general, hosts kept error rate low when it mattered. But how good were the rookies? Nortje, SFM and the raging bull Elrigh Louw? Some magic touches by Fassi too.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Frans Malherbe to play his 50th Test for the Boks tomorrow. Come a long way since his debut 9 years ago, plenty of injury setbacks. One of the great tightheads. Will have a key role to play vs All Blacks tomorrow

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Imagine if they came to their senses and gave SA a RWC. Next decade or so would look like this: 2026: NZ tour to SA 2027: RWC in Aus 2030: SA tour to NZ 2031: RWC in USA 2033: Lions tour to SA 2035: RWC in SA Still pretty good at the moment, but damn a RWC in SA is overdue

Ben Karpinski

@followthebounce

1 month

And somehow we don’t host World Cups 💁🏻‍♂️

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Some will dismiss this as a meaningless result... but that's the BIGGEST WINNING MARGIN EVER by the Boks against the All Blacks. Such a dominant performance, though, that the scoreline still doesn't do the Boks' dominance justice. As good as this display was, Boks can improve

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

7 months

New Springbok assistants rolled out to the SA media on Tues morn. Former All Black Tony Brown says he moulded his own game on Bok legend Henry Honiball. Also spoke about adding to the existing Bok attack, and making it the most dominant in Test rugby. I like where this is going

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Frans Steyn and Kolisi are playing out of their skins

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Farrell's hit looked bad in real time. Replay was even worse: never dipped, no arms, classic OF shoulder to head. Farrell has learned nothing. That's an indictment on the player, his coaches and a system that's been too lenient on him over the years

Previous form for dangerous tackles makes Owen Farrell hard to defend

After Owen Farrell’s red card against Wales the most important member of Steve Borthwick’s England squad may well be Richard Smith, KC.

www.thetimes.com

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 months

Managed to escape the infamously enclosed Loftus press box for anthems. Great call to let the crowd sing the last verse without the music. Back in my home town of Durban this week to see if the Boks can finish the job, and if the crowd is up to the task. No pressure, Kings Park!

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Kurt-Lee Arendse got his timing horrendously wrong – and deserved that red card at the death. Prior to that, he was absolutely Kolbe-like, whether he was running with the ball, contesting in the air or shutting down blokes 20kg heavier. Boks will miss him next week. #RSAvNZL

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Elrigh Louw and Marcell Coetzee immense for the Bulls thus far. Damn SA has some excellent loose-forward depth

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

French rugby attitudes to Bulls, Sharks and Stormers joining the Champions Cup party:

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Not a perfect performance, but didn't have to be. Boks stayed in the fight. They got hit and hit. They hit back. They didn't go away. Pollard 55m pen was key, but the discipline shown by team not to concede a pen at the death deserves special mention too

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

First playoff win for the Stormers in 12 years ✅️

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Magnificent finish by Mapimpi... and it's that man Le Roux again with the final pass again... is there a better assisting player in Bok history? #AUSvSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Lekker gees from both teams at the team hotel this morning @Springboks @WomenBoks

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has identified all the puzzle pieces. In the 18 Tests leading up to the 2023 RWC (plus 3 midweek games in Nov), he will determine how they fit. 🧵 on 43-man squad for Wales, and ultimately a reminder of who the Boks have waiting in the wings.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Forward pass is the right call, but the way the ref is manipulated by TV director and the partisan crowd is a farce.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

RWC winners unavailable for Boks v England: 14: Kolbe, Nkosi 13: Am 12: Steyn 10: Pollard, Elton 9: Reinach 8: Duane 7: PSDT 5: De Jager 4: Snyman 3: Koch, Nyakane PLUS: Wiese, Esterhuizen Still think Boks have a chance against this England side though. Terrific depth #ENGvRSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

My mag column pays tribute to Schalk Burger, one of toughest players to wear Bok jersey. They said he wouldn’t be back after a neck injury in 2006, & again after a life-threatening illness in 2013. It’s 2019. He’s won Champs Cup with Saracens & will bow out on his own terms👏

SA Rugby magazine

@SARugbymag

5 years

What’s in the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week! #SAR258

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Death, taxes and Willie le Roux delivering the final pass for a try

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

4 years

Some personal news. My long journey with SA Rugby magazine has come to an end. Been a blast to work on the mag over the past 14 years. All the best to @craigolewis and the writers, editors and designers who make that department tick.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

How many times do the Stormers have to beat the Bulls in a row before they're the favouries to win a north v south derby... in Cape Town?

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 months

Thought the ABs handled the Bok scrum well, and for a long time, they bossed lineout and collisions. But the slow poison told. SA fans have been waiting for a big maul performance all year, and the Bok pack fired today in last 20. Boks also attacked ABs at kickoff throughout

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Herschel Jantjies absolutely ponderous at the base. Usually so sharp, but has been slow and indecisive recently. Comprising Bok attack #SCOvRSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 months

Dream start for Boks in the 2024 Rugby Champs. 2/2 in Aus, and a max of 10 log points. 63 points scored, and just 1 try conceded. Rassie's faith in youngsters rewarded. All 33 players on tour used. (Need to remember there are 30 players back in SA). Boks in a great place

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

11 days

The Boks have changed, and so has the narrative. In 2019, Steve Hansen said they were predictable, albeit difficult to stop. 5 years later, they are rugby's least predictable team, thanks to the development of their game plan and personnel @dailymaverick

Rolling manoeuvres: Boks now rugby’s least-predictable team

Not too long ago, the Boks were branded the most one-dimensional side in the sport. How has the team changed perceptions?

www.dailymaverick.co.za

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 months

Paul Roos beat Grey College 36-3 in Stellenbosch to finish the season as the No 1 school side in South Africa. Powerful scrum, maul. Thumping defence. Saw that somewhere else earlier today! Result vs Grey marks PR's 15-straight win. 1st time since 1991 they've gone undefeated.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

NZ make about 3 legitimate steals over 37 phases, and Barnes can no deny them no longer. All Blacks deserved that

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 months

Bronze medal a good result for this Blitzboks team. Can't really compare this side to the class of 2016. They've literally and figuratively punched above their weight (in Paris and for the past few years). Can build on this result, but an achievement regardless #Olympics

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Boks realised more than one objective against Wales. A series win was paramount, but Nienaber also made good on his promise to give all 42 players in the squad game time across the 3 Tests. Going to be interesting to see how Nienaber juggles his match 23 across Rugby Champs 🧵

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

19 days

Boks on fire! Most clinical and emphatic attacking 1st half showing of the Tony Brown era. Scrum and lineout dominating, lightning quick ruck recycle. Hendrikse and Libbok taking great options, Fassi is running riot. 4 tries up in 40 mins. Feels like they're not done yet.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

Mbonambi has a special story to tell. Refused to let Bethlehem's underworld claim him. Refused to believe coaches that said he's too small. Refused to let an emergency appendectomy rob him of his big break in 2018. Now he's a RWC winner. Check out my piece

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

24 days

Result was disappointing, but Boks on track to win full Rugby Champs for 1st time since 2009. Libbok's miss was disappointing, but tactical kicking was spot on. How Boks manage ML (this week in particular) will have consequences in short and long term

Libbok deserves shot at redemption in Mbombela finale - south africa

OPINION: The management of Manie Libbok in the lead-up to the final Rugby Championship fixture in Mbombela will be key, writes @rugby365com contributor Jon Cardinelli.

rugby365.com

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Evan Roos has played out of his skin this evening. Still reckon that Kolisi-PSDT-Duane is best Bok back row combo... but Roos offers a point of difference when compared to best of rest.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Proteas fight back after losing the 1st Test against top dogs India, and win the series 2-1. They follow that up with a 3-0 victory in the ODI series. Massive statement in isolation, but I reckon it's only the beginning. Hopefully CSA doesn't come in like a wrecking ball...

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Bulls were the worst of the SA sides during first half of #URC , and really struggled in Ireland. Amazing that they've capped their turnaround by becoming first SA franchise to win in Ireland.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

Been an incredible 48 hours. This was the moment it hit home for me. The Boks are the world champions! Been a pleasure to cover them over the past seven weeks and journey through a magnificent country. Time to head home. Arigato Nippon, you were brilliant.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

A @Springboks squad of 45 players will be announced on 5 June. A few big injury concerns, but coach Jacques Nienaber has some great options across the board. Most RWC winners available and some impressive youngsters knocking at the door. A SA depth chart I put together ⬇️

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Thought Wiese was colossal at the gainline and around the breakdown. PSDT, Kolisi and Mostert too. Brilliant touches by Libbok, Kolbe, Williams and KLA. But those big boys up front need to take a (collective) bow... think they forced 6 scrum pens. Nche was relentless #RWC2023

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

23 days

No surprise to see Libbok at 10 and Pollard on bench. ML gets another chance, but Rassie is keeping his best goal-kicker (HP) in reserve in case the game comes down to one kick. Saw this at the 2023 RWC – and in 2021 Lions series, when Morné Steyn replaced HP at the death

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Marco van Staden played scrumhalf at school. Good to know there's extra cover if needed.

Springboks

@Springboks

1 year

The #Springboks team to face Romania in their second #RWC2023 pool game in Bordeaux on Sunday - more here: 🇿🇦🏉 #StrongerTogether

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Boks will now announce their team on Thurs... AFTER ABs announce theirs. More fun and games on the way this week!

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

South Africa teams have dominated this part of the #URC (vs foreign opposition at SA venues): Games: 16 Wins: 15 Bonus-point wins: 10 Average score: 36-14 TF: 72 TA: 25

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Once again Ireland play the big moments better. Took their opportunities, and really made a mess of breakdown. Also impressed at scrum. Only 2 mauls by Boks over entire game... why? Boks holding back? #RWC2023

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Cracking day at Ellis Park for the captain's run. Still one of the great stadiums. Pitch looks to be in great condition. Tomorrow, these stands will be heaving. #RSAvNZL

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Bok coaches also deserve credit. Nienaber took a gamble on 6-2 split – there were some nervous moments when Faf went off after 43s. But certainly made an impact in 2nd half. Call to start Marx spot on. Tactics/variations were 👌 – encouraging that there's room to improve in Jhb

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Great fortnight for the Boks in the UK... 87 points and 13 tries... not bad for a team that often gets billed as a conservative side. Defence terrific. Just two tries conceded in two games.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

LONG THREAD ON SA PLAYER DRAIN🧵✈️🇿🇦 With the spotlight on SA’s player depth, specifically at franchise level during the #URC , I did a deep dive for #DM168 @dailymaverick Around 200 SA players in Europe/Japan's premier leagues. Incredible that SA franchises remain competitive👇

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 months

Brilliant comeback by the Blitzboks. Shaky start to the campaign, but were more clinical vs NZ in quarters and are through to Olympic semis. Still in the medal race Whether it's 7s or 15s, SA teams clearly don't mind a tight playoff (and v NZ) at the Stade de France! #Olympics

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Siya has my vote for SA Player of the Year, but Eben is a close second. Taken his game to another level this year, re the way he chases kicks and makes momentum-shifting spot tackles on opposition backs

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

A new age has begun. Brilliant moment with Siya lifting the trophy and Rassie going bonkers at the back. special group this

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Stormers, Bulls and Sharks are on track to qualify for @URCOfficial playoffs and Champions Cup. Looking at the URC log, the remaining fixtures and the likely playoff draw, it wouldn't surprise me if Leinster host the Stormers in the final (read to end for playoff predictions) 🧵

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

SA teams have been outplayed today AND the officiating hasn't be great. Both can be true at the same time.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

After all the speculation, Boks go with a 5-3 split for the #RWC2023 quarter-final against France. Big call to start Reinach, but probably has something to do with unleashing the combo of De Klerk-Pollard-Le Roux later in the game Strong side. Bring on Sunday

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Results matter in Test rugby. Boks won 50% of Tests in 2018, but Rassie had the confidence to build rather than live game to game cos the Boks beat England 2-1 and beat the All Blacks in NZ. In 2022, there are 2 scenarios that will impact on Boks' development and mindset 🧵

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Seen in the The Times UK 🤣 Apparently the Lions woulda won 3-0 if Tuilagi and North were fit! Often wonder if the Boks might have won 3-0 – instead of just 2-1 – if Duane Vermeulen was fit...

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

25 days

Boks lapsed in 1st half – D not working. 2nd half game plan spot on, but costly mistakes by Libbok (when kicking for touch and for goal). Thought Pollard should have been on the field in 2nd half, maybe at 12 with Libbok at 10... but guess Rassie wanted Libbok to steer Boks home

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Can't blame the Boks for effort and preparation. Really did their homework. Goal-kicking deserves plaudits (6/6). Even with 2 setbacks, Boks kept slotting them. Encouraging response #FRAvRSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Plenty of changes, but get the feeling that this combo has been preparing for the match in CT for longer than a week. Le Roux and Pollard better tactical bets for an arm-wrestle at sea level. Back row better balanced with PSDT at 7 (although he may go to lock later in game).

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Bok scrum coach Daan Human says that Kolisi may be available for 2nd Test vs ABs. Also seemed surprised the incident that led to the cheek injury (a high shot by Sam Cane) didn't lead to a heavy sanction. Team announcement moved from Tues to Thu, possibly to allow for recovery

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Nienaber rocked up to last week's team announcement with Hendrikse in tow. It spoke volumes for his confidence in the selection and for the player's ability. Hendrikse repaid the coach's faith. Now the Boks have 2 strong tactical 9s ahead of Rugby Champs.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Boks' win against England — and indeed the 6-game tour to Europe — was a triumph for squad development ahead of the 2023 RWC. Few people are looking beyond 2023, but recent selections suggest that Nienaber and Erasmus are already planning for the years that follow.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Moodie has been magnificent again. Can see why he is so highly rated by Bok coaches. Timing and anticipation so good

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Sharks supporting Bulls from the Cardiff stands. You love to see it! Was there a cheeky pint in there?

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Cannot make sense of some of these World Rugby awards. Massive respect for what Farrell has done over the past few years, but how can he win Coach of the Year after Ireland's 2023 RWC QF exit? Nienaber hands down the Coach of the Year.

World Rugby

@WorldRugby

1 year

The mastermind behind an unforgettable year in Irish rugby Andy Farrell is named the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023 #WorldRugbyAwards

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 months

The Boks have paid Ireland the ultimate compliment by unleashing their most successful 6-2 bench combination in the two-match series in South Africa. 🧵on how the coaches have managed the Bomb Squad over the past 6 years, and why this version is particularly destructive

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Blitzboks have played total rugby for much of #B2022 . Relentlessly physical, accuracy of kicking/passing first class. Deserved winners. Take a bow Neil Powell and co. Now to wrap up the Sevens Series, and to win that home World Cup... too early to talk about a treble?🔥

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Duane Vermeulen straight back into the mix – will have a big job to do at the breakdowns and mauls, but his leadership and organisational skills will amplify the Bok defence. First time Duane, PSDT and Kolisi will start as a back-row combo since the 2019 RWC final.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

From scouting 'discards' like Cheslin Kolbe to building a thriving pipeline and culture: the @Blitzboks are one of SA sport's great success stories. I spoke to Marius Schoeman and Neil Powell, who put this project into motion a decade ago. @dailymaverick

Blitzboks poised to reap huge rewards of 10-year plan

SA Rugby’s sevens team have won 34 consecutive matches and six tournaments on the bounce. As things stand, the Blitzboks are well placed to claim their fourth World Rugby Sevens Series title in six...

www.dailymaverick.co.za

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

Sad to see @SimonBorchardt go today, has been the backbone of @SARugbymag for 16 of its 24 years. Incomparable work ethic. Easily the Schalk Burger of editors. Learned a lot from him over the years. All the best for the next adventure, Borch!

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

6 years

Massive performance by Lions No 13 Wandisile Simelane. 105 running metres 8 defenders beaten 2 clean breaks 2 offloads 1 try Plus an intangible gamebreaking quality that will surelyl be harnessed by the Springboks in the near future #LIOvJAG

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

PSDT man of the match. Finally they get it right.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

Beast, Bongi and Trev didn't come to Salta to mess around. Scrum on 🔥 #ARGvRSA

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

3 years

Dejavu. 2019 World Cup final. 2021 Lions series decider. These Boks know how to win the big ones...and they know how to celebrate.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Sweet Caroline DURING play at Loftus. New all time low for stadium management...

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

5 years

At Saru offices for a meeting this morning. Good to see these two items back in the trophy cabinet. #RugbyChampionship #WorldCup #Springboks

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Another epic and entertaining granular analysis. Like PSDT, @SquidgeRugby never has a bad game

Squidge Rugby

@SquidgeRugby

1 month

This weekend, the Springboks became the first team to beat New Zealand 4 games in a row since 1949, putting one hand on the Championship title & taking the Freedom Cup in the process. So, how did they do it, and how should NZ be feeling after another loss?

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 month

Ethan Hooker has got a big future in SA rugby. So many great skills, and finished well there

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

Boks under massive pressure going into this "final". Not the most polished performance, but still an emphatic response after 2nd Test. Kicking game and maul was much better. Massive defence. Kwagga among the standouts for the hosts.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

2 years

One of the Bulls' great performances away from home. Physicality matched by intelligence and accuracy. Bulls went into this game as underdogs, but finished as deserved winners. Result in Dublin will add an extra edge to second #URC semi. Extra motivation for Stormers

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

1 year

Back in 2018, many laughed when Rassie laid out of his ambitious plans re winning, transformation, development. But as time progressed, the method behind his madness became clearer. A piece on the legacy of this special group for @dailymaverick #RWC2023

RWC 2023: Road to Rugby World Cup final - how Erasmus and Nienaber rebuilt the Springboks

The Rugby World Cup 2023 final marks the end of a six-year journey for a special group of players and coaches.

www.dailymaverick.co.za

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

26 days

Jordan Hendrikse terrific with ball in hand all game, and that 60m kick to win the Currie Cup final... stuff of dreams! Sharks made mistakes in the final quarter, but they never went away. Impressive physicality, given they played 100+ mins in the semi last week.

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Jon Cardinelli

@jon_cardinelli

6 years

Ireland deserved winners of this one off Test. O’Mahony, Furlong, Sexton, Kearney all massive. And having won Grand Slam, series in Aus, and now the game against the world’s No 1 side, Ireland must be favourites for team of the year award. Take a bow Joe Schmidt #IREvNZL

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