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Jon Cardinelli
@joncardinelli.bsky.social
· Nov 26
Trophies, consistency and a nod to the future — why the Springboks of 2025 are a class apart | Daily Maverick
<p>Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks have challenged the widely held perceptions of South African rugby through their groundbreaking innovations and results across a landmark 2025 season.</p>
www.dailymaverick.co.za
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
On JPP, the Sharks' resurgence, and how the Hendrikse brothers may fit into the Springbok picture this coming Test season.
rugby365.com/opinion/hend...
rugby365.com/opinion/hend...
Hendrikse bros deliver timely statement
OPINION: Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse have been at the heart of a Sharks team that has played with more purpose and direction in recent weeks.
rugby365.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:22 AM
On JPP, the Sharks' resurgence, and how the Hendrikse brothers may fit into the Springbok picture this coming Test season.
rugby365.com/opinion/hend...
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...
🗓️ 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...
Forwards in focus as Rassie braces for gruelling Bok schedule in 2026
South Africa face a season that may include as many as 13 Tests, with an inter-hemisphere tournament and consecutive matches against New Zealand testing squad depth like never before.…
www.dailymaverick.co.za
February 1, 2026 at 9:03 AM
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...
🗓️ 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
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
January 31, 2026 at 4:58 PM
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
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
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
January 31, 2026 at 3:53 PM
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
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
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
January 31, 2026 at 2:19 PM
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
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/...
SA qualifiers face tough choice ahead of overseas play-offs
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the South African team's demanding schedules after the European knockouts were finalised.
rugby365.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:44 AM
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/...
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...
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...
Springbok reputations on the line as Champions Cup playoffs loom
South Africa's top rugby clubs, the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers, face critical matches to qualify for the Champions Cup playoffs after recent defeats, sparking debates about their competitiveness and ...
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 15, 2026 at 4:59 AM
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...
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/...
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/...
Leicester 'play-off' will reveal how far Stormers have come
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes the Stormers' final Champions Cup pool clash against Leicester will be a season-defining one.
rugby365.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:57 AM
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/...
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...
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...
Stormers set the standard, Bulls and Sharks falter as pressure mounts in Europe
The festive season is done and dusted, and for South Africa’s top rugby franchises, the moment of truth has arrived.Two Champions Cup pool matches remain, and by the end of the preliminary p
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 7, 2026 at 12:06 PM
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...
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/...
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/...
How the Stormers can change Champions Cup narrative
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli says the Stormers are well placed to make history in the Champions Cup and challenge the narrative about also-ran South African teams.
rugby365.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:28 AM
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/...
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!
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!
January 2, 2026 at 11:12 AM
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!
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/...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Bulls’ season on a knife edge as North-South derby looms
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli looks at the precarious position the Bulls find themselves in heading into Saturday's North-South derby.
rugby365.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:43 AM
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/...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
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/...
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/...
Are struggling SA teams behind the Bomb Squad curve?
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a look at how the Bulls, Sharks and Lions have failed to live up to the second-half hype.
rugby365.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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/...
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/...
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/...
Dobson’s smart management puts Stormers in pole
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a deep dive into the Stormers' excellent squad rotation.
rugby365.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:45 AM
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/...
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.
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.
December 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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.
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.
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
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
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
Harry Jones Asks: Just How Good Are the 2025 Springboks Really?
YouTube video by MEGAFOON RUGBY!
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 10:44 AM
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
@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...
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...
Harry Jones Asks: Just How Good Are the 2025 Springboks Really?
YouTube video by MEGAFOON RUGBY!
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:36 AM
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...
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...
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...
Stormers borrow from Rassie’s playbook to steal a march on local rivals | Daily Maverick
For South African rugby coaches and some of the country’s leading players, it’s the least-wonderful time of the year.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
December 11, 2025 at 10:21 AM
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...
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/...
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/...
Magnificent seven: Why these Stormers are the real deal
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes John Dobson's Stormers have the blueprint to go all the way this season.
rugby365.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:49 AM
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/...
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/...
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.
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.
December 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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.
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.
Lions begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home loss to Benetton – second win for the Italian side against the Lions this season
December 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Lions begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home loss to Benetton – second win for the Italian side against the Lions this season
Storm grind out a gritty win in Bayonne.
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
December 5, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Storm grind out a gritty win in Bayonne.
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Boks (narrowly) avoid drawing Australia in the 2027 RWC pool phase.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
December 3, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Boks (narrowly) avoid drawing Australia in the 2027 RWC pool phase.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
This is easily the finest set of SA players of all time, and currently jousting with THAT ABs side for the GOAT title.
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Coaching dynamic may be Springboks’ most important combination before 2027 RWC | Daily Maverick
Despite being overlooked for World Rugby’s coaching awards, Rassie Erasmus and the Springbok coaches continue to take rugby in new and innovative directions.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This is easily the finest set of SA players of all time, and currently jousting with THAT ABs side for the GOAT title.
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Check out my full analysis for a breakdown of South Africa's rise to the top of attacking charts rugby365.com/countries/so...
How the Boks became Test rugby’s most potent team
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the Springboks' attacking progression over the years.
rugby365.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Check out my full analysis for a breakdown of South Africa's rise to the top of attacking charts rugby365.com/countries/so...