Analysis
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Jon Cardinelli
@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.
57 Articles
Latest
73 days ago International Rugby
Aphelele Fassi, the fleet-footed full-back, ready to shine for Boks
97 days ago The Rugby Championship
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027
122 days ago The Rugby Championship
Rassie Erasmus and his 'B' teams continue to divide and conquer
167 days ago International Rugby
How can Rassie Erasmus evolve his deadly Bomb Squad?
Analysis
How the Springboks may deploy young guns in mid-year Tests
Rassie Erasmus has fitness concerns over key players but a wealth of options to blood against Wales and Ireland
Jon Cardinelli
16 Jun 2024, 5:45
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
16 May 2024, 13:43
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
29 Apr 2024, 8:46
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
02 Apr 2024, 6:55
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
04 Mar 2024, 9:07
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
14 Feb 2024, 5:10
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
25 Jan 2024, 4:03
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
11 Jan 2024, 3:00
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
04 Dec 2023, 11:54
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
23 Nov 2023, 8:11
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
07 Nov 2023, 15:44
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
19 Oct 2023, 8:30
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
09 Oct 2023, 11:05
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
20 Sep 2023, 8:37
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
04 Sep 2023, 3:43
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
12 Aug 2023, 8:51
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
28 Jul 2023, 8:15
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
13 Jul 2023, 4:01
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
27 Jun 2023, 11:52
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
16 Jun 2023, 6:14
