The South African challenge in their inaugural season of playing in the top European competitions came to an end on Saturday when the Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions all lost in the quarter-finals of their respective series.
Blitzboks coach Sandile Ngcobo has plenty to ponder as they head into Singapore for yet another weekend of unpredictability.
The Cell C Sharks host the Airlink Pumas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park for a Good Friday Currie Cup fixture looking to bounce back to winning ways this weekend.
The Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions will have everything to play for when they take the field in the European quarter-finals on Saturday in their inaugural season in the respective competitions.
SA Rugby president Mr Mark Alexander has paid tribute to former Springbok coach and selector Ian McIntosh, who sadly passed away on Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer, at the age of 84.
His early days as a Blitzbok were a breeze for Shaun Williams. In fact, the former Garsfontein High School learner and University of Johannesburg graduate would have been excused if he thought playing on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was easy pickings while representing the Springbok Sevens in Vancouver, Edmonton, Dubai (twice) and Seville.
Springbok Women interim coach Louis Koen said the positives from their 16 day trip to Europe will propel the national side forward, but only if the negatives from the tour are addressed.
The Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers are through to the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, while the Emirates Lions booked their place in the EPCR Champions Cup top-eight following a thrilling weekend of European playoffs.
The Springbok Sevens produced a much-improved display in Hong Kong this weekend despite losing three key games by less than one score, and as a result of their sixth place, they climbed two spots on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings – from seventh to fifth – with three tournaments to go in the season.
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones will part ways with the team at the end of the 2023 season due to personal reasons after seeing out his contract following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in France.