Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

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.

LONG READ

Andre the Giant springs Bok up after smackdown

Harlequins’ star centre Esterhuizen is hoping to pin down a spot in South Africa’s World Cup squad this year

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
04 Jan 2022, 2:14
LONG READ
Exclusive

Springbok prop idol Trevor Nyakane revelling in his French leave

Trevor Nyakane may have won a World Cup and a Lions Series but after a move to French aristocrats Racing 92, his ambition remains …

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
15 Feb 2022, 4:39
LONG READ
Opinion

Rugby calendar alignment must not threaten epic South Africa v New Zealand duels

The Springboks and All Blacks served up two weekends of theatre but the fabled rivalry could be weakened as administrators seek to…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
16 Aug 2022, 3:18
LONG READ
Analysis

Culture, schooling and community supercharge the SA rugby conveyor belt

Schools rugby is South Africa is revered around the game and many argue it has the best system in the world for future professiona…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
12 Sep 2022, 9:33
LONG READ
Interview

John Dobson: 'With all due respect, we're desperate not to become rugby's answer to Leicester City'

The Stormers' 15-match winning run, which included a URC Final win, came to an end in Cardiff, but for their charismatic coach, a …

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
26 Oct 2022, 7:30
LONG READ
Analysis

How South Africa's franchises can conquer Europe

Heineken Cup glory was blocked by French and English teams but in their inaugural season, no one in South Africa is seeing it as a…

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
13 Apr 2023, 6:15
LONG READ
Interview

Unlocking the unique gifts of Manie Libbok

The Springboks need some x-factor in France this Autumn, and the Stormers pivot offers a skill-set few can match

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
03 May 2023, 15:50
LONG READ
Interview

Japanese leave gives Springboks precious respite ahead of World Cup rigours

The constant demands of Northern Hemisphere rugby has sent a raft of World Cup winners to Japan to recharge

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
09 May 2023, 16:57
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, 2:37
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, 6:14
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, 11:52
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, 4:01
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, 8:15
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, 8:51
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, 3:43
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, 8:37
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, 11:05
LONG READ

A Test of conviction

South Africa must ignore their mounting detractors and stick to their style to have any hope of beating the All Blacks.

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
23 Sep 2021, 3:41
LONG READ

Springboks relish renewed rivalry with All Blacks

New Zealand have had a firm grip on the Freedom Cup but South Africa plan to prise their fingers off the silverware

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
26 Aug 2021, 8:33
LONG READ

Immortality beckons for Boks and Lions

They’re world champions but don’t underestimate how much a series triumph would mean to South Africa

Jon Cardinelli
Jon Cardinelli
04 Aug 2021, 16:49
Search