@joncardinelli.bsky.social
Rugby writer
Hard to comment on game at Twickers.
Eng will be disappointed they didn't put 60+ on Wales... Wales conceded 4 yellows and just avoided conceding 50 pts again (after leaking 50+ v SA, Arg, NZ, Eng in 2025.
Judgement reserved re England, but Wales set to struggle again in 2026
What an absorbing contest in Rome.
Italy's aerial/kicking game was on point in monsoon conditions, although Scots won a lot scraps in the 2nd half.
Frantic finish, but Italy D held their nerve under pressure.
Azzurri on the rise!
Important pen at the end of that half for Italy, after Scotland clawed their way back.
Eight-point lead for Italy going into HT. Massive advantage given the torrential conditions in Rome (and given Scotland's recent form in 2nd half)
Big statement by Italy, striking first.
Well worked too – smart kicking to get out of their half, and then the grubber by Brex to create the try for Lynagh
Bielle-Biarrey asking lots of questions in that 1st half...
France trying to unleash the winger in 2m of space – love the intent but says a lot about where the Irish defence is at.
No physicality or edge from Ireland D. Attack caught behind gainline too. Big score loading
What will rugby look like without scrums and mauls?
And what is the end result of a relentless drive towards more ball-in-play time?
My @dailymaverick.co.za column on law proposals, unintended consequences, and the ongoing quest to lock in a global calendar
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
What will rugby look like without scrums and mauls?
And what is the end result of a relentless drive towards more ball-in-play time?
My @dailymaverick.co.za column on law proposals, unintended consequences, and the ongoing quest to lock in a global calendar
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
On JPP, the Sharks' resurgence, and how the Hendrikse brothers may fit into the Springbok picture this coming Test season.
rugby365.com/opinion/hend...
My first Bok analysis of the year for @dailymaverick.co.za unpacks:
🗓️ The unique 2026 schedule
🤹️How Rassie could manage resources across FOUR consecutive Tests vs NZ (and flight to USA)
👶 2nd row concerns/ gulf in experience between older and younger locks
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Back to back bonus-point wins for the Sharks against one of the URC's form teams. Helluva statement, playoff hopes are alive.
Zero log points for the Stormers (and 66 points conceded) in two matches. Will go into the break with plenty to rectify after a great start to the comp
Relatively few kicks at Kings Park (Sharks 11 Storm 12) in 1st half, given sweaty conditions.
Game in the balance at 14-17.
Sharks must translate wealth of possession into more points/reduce turnovers.
Stormers need more discipline (10 pens in 1H), must win more territory
Bulls leapfrog the Lions on the URC log after banking a 52-17 win at Ellis Park.
Sharp attacking and defensive performance boosts Bulls' overall PD, too – they're out of the negative space.
Sure a sign as any they're turned a corner in recent weeks
The Stormers, Bulls and Sharks may have to narrow their focus when travel demands increase in the first two rounds of the European knockouts. rugby365.com/tournaments/...
19.01.2026 08:44 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Home teams have won 26/36 Champs Cup matches (72%) — and in 17/36 (47%), the margin of victory was 20+.
French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation).
SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Bulls and Sharks are scrapping for survival – but Stormers are in a position of strength.
4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Stormers have used 41 players in 10 games, while Bulls (46) and Sharks (51) have used more.
Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success.
Analysis for Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
My latest column for Rugby 365:
Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Big match-ups galore in the north-south derby.
So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench.
Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference.
Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight.
Looking forward to watching this one live!
There's a different energy around the north-south derby this season...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Also gets me thinking of Rassie selecting youngsters to start rather than finish... but there are still some exceptions. Got to get the mix right, and most of the SA teams haven't
22.12.2025 11:00 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0Spot on.
I get that injuries/cards compromise bench plans, but surely you want to maximise your 23-man squad, regardless of game situation.
Pead an unused sub twice! Hlekani also unused in one match – how do you not use an extra loosie? Afraid of youngster failing in do or die climax to game?
The Stormers have cracked the Bomb Squad code, as their 2nd half stats confirm.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza...
An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Stormers have ticked all the boxes across their first 8 games, but have room to improve.
By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Sharks showed some fight to get past Saracens.
Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded).
Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.
Two years out from the World Cup and the Springboks are still getting better! Harry Jones, Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli explain why this team feels different.
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
Had a blast chatting all things Springboks with the effervescent Harry Jones and one of the game's sharpest minds Bernard Jackman.
Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...
My latest analysis on where the SA franchises stand at a stage of the season where most clubs play 10 weeks in a row.
Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Victory in Bayonne marked a magnificent 7th win for the Stormers. Have turned things around in 3 months.
Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye.
This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Defence has been their biggest issue for a couple of seasons.
Was interesting to see them trying to out- Bordeaux Bordeaux... and picking some tired Boks on the bench probably backfired
After leading 33-22 at HT, the Bulls lost the 2nd half 24-0!
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
