A phenomenal R2.5 million (£108,000) was raised in a single evening to support the South African community initiatives of the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his SA ‘A’ counterpart Vincent Tshituka braced themselves for challenging encounters as the international seasons kicks off on Saturday with a thrilling double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, saying both teams will bring a fighting spirit.
Leinster successfully defended their Vodacom United Rugby Championship title with a deserved 36-7 victory (half-time 22-0) over an uncharacteristic hapless Vodacom Bulls side in the Grand Final at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday evening.
TJ Perenara will captain a star-studded Barbarian side to take on the Springboks in the YesPlay Cup on Saturday afternoon.
The Vodacom Bulls will approach the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Leinster with the mindset of third time lucky when the teams meet in a repeat of last year’s decider at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday evening, in what is set to be a humdinger of a match.
Ruan Nortjé’s remarkable journey with the Vodacom Bulls draws to a close this Friday in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Leinster, where this humble hard man of the game hopes he can help give this union a trophy as a sign of his own gratitude for what they’ve done for him.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick named quality teams for their opening matches of the season against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe on Saturday in Gqeberha, with the teams being led by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka.
The Springboks have bolstered their lock stocks with the call-up of Adre Smith to the national squad with an eye on the match against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team’s clash against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 20 June in Gqeberha.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was content with the foundation laid in the Boks’ first week of training as his charges wrapped up their on-field preparations with their final training session in Johannesburg.
Handré Pollard believes the pure character of a Vodacom Bulls team that has been against the ropes several times this season and fought their way back will be their greatest asset as they chase a first Vodacom United Rugby Championship title in Dublin on Friday 19 June.