Banyana's quest for glory continues, Kolisi returns to lead Boks in Mbombela

SOUTH African sports lovers can have their cake and eat it on tomorrow night, with a feast of action in the form of the Springboks, the Junior Springboks and Banyana Banyana all in action.

At the Mbombela Stadium in the Lowveld, Siya Kolisi’s men finish off a four-match sequence of matches when they host the rugged Georgians. After games against the Barbarians and Italy (twice), the Boks want to finish off with an emphatic performance before a month’s break in their season.

The four games have been about blooding in newcomers and getting the squad up to speed with new ideas and innovations before the step up to the Rugby Championship later in the year, where Australia, New Zealand and Argentina await.

It is an important game for captain Kolisi, who is playing his first Bok game of the year after missing the previous three games because of injury.

Rassie Erasmus has picked a powerful lineup, including bruiser Eben Etzebeth, who at the same venue last year eclipsed Victor Matfield as the most capped Springbok.

The Boks have never lost at the Mbombela Stadium, but Erasmus says they are taking nothing for granted.

“We know how passionate this Georgian side is. They will be determined to make a strong statement, so we selected some experienced players who we would like to see get more game time before the Rugby Championship. Georgia are a tough outfit and they pride themselves on their brute force.”

The Boks kick off at 5.10pm, and the dew will barely have settled on the game when the Junior Boks face off against archrivals New Zealand in the final of the World Rugby U20 tournament in Rovigo, Italy. Kick-off is at 8.30pm.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote summed up the mood: “Every child in South Africa and New Zealand who has picked up a rugby ball dreams of this occasion. It’s a special moment. A final between these two teams is fantastic for the game of rugby.”

Meanwhile, Banyana will be doing their share of hoisting the South African flag as they take on Senegal at 9pm in the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after they finished the group stages unbeaten, amassing a commendable seven points in an inspiring run that has reignited hopes for a successful title defence in Morocco.

The South African women’s national football team continued their stay in Oudja, a picturesque city on the Mediterranean coast, to face Senegal in what promises to be a highly competitive quarter-final clash.

Having showcased their mettle in the group stage, the girls will be aware that their upcoming opponents are notably strong and physical. Senegal qualified as one of the two best third-placed teams, securing their last-eight spot amidst a blend of experienced talent and emerging young players.

This combination is bound to present a more significant challenge than the previous match against Mali, during which Banyana Banyana showed impressive control and tactical organisation.

Senegal's youthful squad, while energetic, has exhibited vulnerabilities in defence that Banyana Banyana will undoubtedly aim to exploit. Overcoming Senegal will not only require physicality but also strategic finesse, as the team prepares for what coach Desiree Ellis has labelled a "much tougher test."

The squad's preparation will be crucial, ensuring that they maintain the resilience and flair that has carried them through the group stages.

The upcoming match in Oudja is the last of the four quarter-finals, making it a standout event in the tournament calendar.

Meanwhile, another team with a touch of the underdog spirit, Mali, has also made it through to the next round despite defeat in their last group stage match. They will face tournament hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals set to take place in Rabat on Friday, showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s tournament.

Banyana Banyana’s supporters will be keenly following their team’s progress, drawing hope from the team’s impressive performances thus far.

The goal now is clear: to advance in the tournament and continue to inspire a nation passionate about women's football.