Hansen calls out Boks, Stormers’ risky ploy

Former All Blacks coach Steven Hansen has highlighted the pitfalls of South African teams’ 6-2 split strategy, saying it can leave them vulnerable when injuries strike.

Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks first deployed the Bomb Squad at the 2019 World Cup, now even going 7-1, and several countries and teams have employed similar tactics. hiddenlangkawi.club

Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen said the Stormers’ 38-21 defeat by the All Blacks last week showed the risk involved when two players in the same position are injured.

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John Dobson’s charges lost scrumhalves Imad Khan and Dewaldt Duvenage, leaving their outside backs to alternate at the base of the ruck, Wandisile Simelane their only other backline replacement and no recognised playmaker as cover.

“The 6-2 split didn’t work in favour of the South Africans this time. They roll the dice every time they do it and they were unlucky in that they got two players injured in the same position,” Hansen said.

“I hear the commentators, ‘it’s changed the course of the game’, but you know that before you go in, I don’t think you can use it as an excuse for anything.

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“If you’re going to play a 6-2 split, you’ve got to go through all the scenarios. It showed me how it can be vulnerable if things don’t go the way you want them to go.

“That’s the risk you take whomever is doing it, so it will be interesting to see if it changes people’s minds or if they keep doing it and are prepared to take the risk.”

Bok hybrid André Esterhuizen provides the world champions with flexibility, but the World Cup winner’s head knock last Saturday in Argentina, after skipper Siya Kolisi’s 24th minute substitution due to a hamstring injury, affected Rassie Erasmus’ tactics.

“That’s the risk you take,” Hansen said. “It will be interesting to see if it changes people’s minds or if they keep doing it.”

MALLETT: Boks’ contestable kicking very poor

Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images

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The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the new visual identity and trophy of the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the continent’s premier futsal competition.

The unveiling comes ahead of the Official Draw of the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 set to take place in Rabat on Monday, 10 August.

Designed to reflect the growth and ambition of African futsal, the new identity captures the energy, evolution and competitive spirit that have come to define the tournament.

Inspired by the fluid lines, dynamic movement and intensity of the game, the visual identity celebrates the speed, skill, creativity and passion that characterise futsal across the continent.

The introduction of a new trophy and visual identity signals the next chapter for the competition as CAF continues to strengthen the profile of futsal in Africa and showcase the growing standard of the game on the international stage.

About the new Trophy:

The newly designed trophy embodies the essence of futsal through a striking and contemporary design. Its strong diagonal lines represent the speed, movement and excitement that define the sport, while five golden arches symbolise the five players that take to the court for each team.

At the summit of the trophy, the final arch represents the team captain lifting a ball engraved with the African continent, symbolising the ultimate achievement of being crowned African champions.

The centrepiece of the trophy features a matt gold map of Africa set against a shiny gold-plated background, reinforcing the continental significance of the competition.

At its base, the trophy bears the engraved name of the competition, while the reverse side features an engraved roll of honour celebrating the tournament’s past winners and rich history.

The TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will take place from 12-21 October 2026.

The eight nations that have secured qualification for the finals are Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

For more information on the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, visit www.cafonline.com.

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Como have completed the signing of England centre-back Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea for a reported fee of 30 million euros ($34.5 million), the Serie A club announced Sunday.

The 27-year-old has penned a five-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’s ambitious side, who will play in the Champions League for the first time this season.

“I can’t wait to bring my experience to the team, feel the incredible atmosphere at the stadium, and connect with the fans,” said Chalobah, who made 151 appearances for Chelsea.

“I will give my absolute all every single day to make history together.”

Como pipped AC Milan and Juventus to Italy’s fourth and final Champions League place last season.

Scudetto holders Inter Milan had also been heavily linked with a move for Chalobah, before reportedly deciding the asking price was too high.

“Trevoh is an important signing for us and a player who represents the level of ambition we have at this club,” said Como coach Fabregas, a former Chelsea midfielder.

“He is a leader who can raise the level of the team, and I am very happy that he has chosen Como.”

Chalobah was part of the England squad which finished third at the World Cup last month, after receiving a late call-up as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento.

He could make his Como debut when they visit Udinese in their Serie A opener on August 22.

Deon Fourie’s Springbok recall will offer Rassie Erasmus a huge impact off the bench against the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, according to Victor Matfield.

The 39-year-old Fourie on Monday was called up to the Bok squad after scoring a try, making 14 tackles and winning two turnovers in the Stormers’ loss to New Zealand in Cape Town last week.

“He’s been out for six months, and he’s 39 years old, turning 40 one of these days. I mean, that performance earned him a call-up,” Matfield said on the Rivals podcast.

ICYMI: Rassie recalls Bok veteran

Fourie’s last Bok outing came in the 2023 World Cup final, when the 13-cap ballhawk came off the bench at hooker and played 77 minutes.

“He was outstanding in the World Cup final, coming on and playing hooker for 70 minutes,” Matfield added. “He’s just a guy who leads from the front.

“Especially with a guy like Kwagga Smith not being there at the moment, he might just play a role off the bench,” Matfield added.

The former Bok skipper highlighted what makes Fourie so effective at hooker and loose forward.

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“When he started playing hooker, a lot of people said he was too small for the position. So then he started playing a bit of openside.

“He went over to France and then, at about 35 or 36, he came back and led the Stormers, where he had a huge impact.

“He’s just a physical beast who likes to get stuck in,” Matfield added. “He’s a bit like an old-school Heinrich Brüssow over the ball.”

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Matfield also believes Fourie’s influence has been felt in the rise of Paul de Villiers, who will now find himself competing with his former Stormers mentor at the Boks.

“Paul de Villiers, who has done so well, has learned from him. I mean, he’s had to keep Paul out of the [Stormers] team for the last three years,” the ex-lock noted.

“Now that Deon is ready, Paul may need to move to the bench. They’re two outstanding fetchers, and I think Deon’s impact on Paul’s development has also been huge.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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