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Contributors

Jon Cardinelli

Jon is an award-winning writer and editor who specialises in long-form features and analyses. He was the Chief Rugby Writer at SA Rugby magazine between 2013 and 2020, and now contributes to Daily Maverick, RugbyPassPlus, Rugby World, and The42 on a regular basis.

56 Articles
LONG READ
Analysis

Who will play No 10 for the Springboks against Wales?

With several established stars set to be unavailable, opportunity knocks for a newcomer to steer the Springboks.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
16 May 2024, 14:43
LONG READ
Interview

Kwagga Smith: 'My work-rate rather than my size will define me'

Raised on a farm, Kwagga Smith's attributes and impact regularly see him top South Africa's 'battle-stats' in big matches.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
29 Apr 2024, 9:46
LONG READ
Opinion

Sacrifice for silverware: The pros and cons of South Africa’s treble ambition

Ireland boast a better win percentage but Rassie Erasmus would prefer losses between World Cups if he can lift the Webb Ellis Cup

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
02 Apr 2024, 7:55
LONG READ
Analysis

Bok to the future

New-look South Africa will be more than bomb squads and box kicks as they chase a three-peat.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
04 Mar 2024, 10:07
LONG READ
Analysis

Box-office coaching hires show the scale of South Africa's ambition

Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery are statement recruits by Rassie Erasmus' Springboks

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
14 Feb 2024, 6:10
LONG READ
Analysis

Much-maligned Willie Le Roux has a lot more to give

The wily full-back has his critics, but even at 34, his influence burns as bright as ever.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
25 Jan 2024, 5:03
LONG READ
Opinion

South African teams confront club v country conflict in never-ending season

The four franchises may struggle to realise their potential until the global calendar is restructured.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
11 Jan 2024, 4:00
LONG READ
Exclusive

Handre Pollard: 'Manie has made such a positive impact for the Boks'

The South African double-World Cup winner believes his injury-enforced lay-offs have given him the mental toughness to succeed

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
04 Dec 2023, 12:54
LONG READ
Exclusive

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

The Springboks' back-to-back World Cup victories were built on iron set-piece foundations

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
23 Nov 2023, 9:11
LONG READ
Opinion

Springboks unite South Africa to transcend a country beset by issues

Siya Kolisi and his team-mates inspired a nation in France but it was only when they return to South Africa that their achievement…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
07 Nov 2023, 16:44
LONG READ
Analysis

The Boks are favourites, but won’t repeat the egregious mistakes made by England’s class of 2019

As the World Cup semi-final draws nearer, the fortunes of the protagonists are scrutinised and their differing paths laid bare

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
19 Oct 2023, 9:30
LONG READ
Analysis

South Africa: Brutal selections loom for legacy-defining Springbok matches

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber face several enormous calls for their seminal Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
09 Oct 2023, 12:05
LONG READ
Analysis

Bok coaches face toughest call yet following Pollard’s timely return

Manie Libbok's talent is not in doubt but the return of South Africa's most consistent kicker bodes well for the knockout stages

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
20 Sep 2023, 9:37
LONG READ
Opinion

The five players the Springboks dare not lose in France

The Springboks have much vaunted squad depth but the injury to a select band of players would throw a sizeable spanner in the work…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
04 Sep 2023, 4:43
LONG READ
Analysis

Have seasoned Springboks struck the right balance?

Retaining the Rugby World Cup is fiendishly tough. Are South Africa's experienced group up to the task?

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
12 Aug 2023, 9:51
LONG READ
Analysis

Springbok fly-half headache persists as World Cup looms large

The ongoing absence of Handre Pollard is causing furrowed brows within the Springbok camp, as back-up options vie for his shirt

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
28 Jul 2023, 9:15
LONG READ
Analysis

How the Springboks can storm New Zealand's fortress

The All Blacks, once invincible on home turf, have become vulnerable and Jean de Villiers says the Springboks sense a chance to ma…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
13 Jul 2023, 5:01
LONG READ
Interview

How the 2019 Rugby Championship set Boks on course for World Cup glory

Rassie Erasmus will look to the lessons learnt the last time South Africa entered the run up to rugby's greatest tournament

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
27 Jun 2023, 12:52
LONG READ
Interview

Why 'quitting was never an option' for injury-ravaged RG Snyman

How RG Snyman recovered from two heinous knee injuries to win an improbable URC title and a place in the Springbok squad

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
16 Jun 2023, 7:14
LONG READ
Exclusive

Duane Vermeulen: 'My goal has never changed, I want to represent the Springboks at the World Cup'

Man-of-the-match at the last World Cup final, and turning 37 next month, the legendary No 8 still has the hunger for one last danc…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
02 Jun 2023, 3:37
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