Jon Cardinelli Portfolio

PlanetRugby • 17th January 2022

Springbok auditions for England clash start now

The United Rugby Championship will reveal whether the Springboks have the strength in depth to tackle England with a completely South-Africa based side in late November, writes Jon Cardinelli.

Daily Maverick • 15th January 2022

Proteas ramp up intensity ahead of ODI showdown with India

Limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma promises that, as confidence builds, big results will come.

PlanetRugby • 10th January 2022

'Giant' return could bolster Bok depth at 12

A Springbok squad that boasts André Esterhuizen as well as Damian de Allende will be doubly dangerous in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writes Jon Cardinelli.

The XV • 4th January 2022

Andre the Giant springs Bok up after smackdown

André Esterhuizen has developed into one of the most complete inside centres in Europe and Harlequins have challenged widely held perceptions about the game on a weekly basis.

Daily Maverick • 31st December 2021

India series a potential launchpad for ambitious Proteas

Temba Bavuma speaks passionately about the growth of the Proteas over the course of 2021, and says there’s good reason to expect some big performances over the next 12 months.

PlanetRugby • 6th December 2021

Exodus continues to hurt South African sides

The South African clubs continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing player exodus to the northern hemisphere, writes Jon Cardinelli.

The XV • 19th November 2021

Kolisi a leading light for Springboks

The Siya Kolisi story is essentially a rugby one, and the man – by his own admission – is not a celebrity but an athlete who continues to harbour a number of rugby-oriented goals.

Daily Maverick • 15th November 2021

Why Twickenham represents another fight for respect

In the eyes of the rugby media – at least those critics residing outside South Africa – this team has not progressed sufficiently to warrant the favourite’s tag in what is effectively a replay of the 2019 World Cup final.

The XV • 4th November 2021

Joker in the pack

Ox Nché’s social media offerings have proved an unexpected source of information and delight. Over the past month or so, the Springbok prop has engaged with fans from all corners of the rugby world during the immensely popular #AskOx sessions.

Daily Maverick • 16th October 2021

Player retention key to South Africa’s future success

With local franchises depleted of key players, and the quality of the game being affected, it is clear that player retention is an important part of fixing the problem.

The XV • 23rd September 2021

A Test of conviction

The All Blacks have been hailed as heroes for the attacking cause, while the Boks have been cast as dastardly villains bent on stifling the flow of the game and robbing fans of a spectacle. It’s a simplistic narrative that does the great rivalry, as...

Daily Maverick • 8th September 2021

‘Mother of the Springboks’ deserves to be recognised as the heart of the rugby family

Public relations manager Annelee Murray is accustomed to questions about a woman’s role in a male-dominated environment such as professional rugby.

Daily Maverick • 29th August 2021

Final mental barrier looms for Springboks as they head Down Under

Spare a thought for the Springboks, who have been in a bubble since 27 June. Over the past 10 weeks, they have been forced to prepare for Tests within a restricted environment.

SA Rugby magazine • 16th August 2021

Bismarck du Plessis: My perception changed overseas

Uncompromising former Bok hard man Bismarck du Plessis returns from France with a new perspective on life, writes JON CARDINELLI in the latest SA Rugby magazine.

Daily Maverick • 31st July 2021

It’s high time for a rugby revolution

Dugald MacDonald, one of the founders of Sportable, believes that ball-tracking technology would empower officials to make quick and accurate calls.

Rugby World • 30th July 2021

The method behind the madness of rugby’s great actors

Why do these characters do what they do in the media? And what bearing will this behaviour have on the next game – a match the Boks have to win in order to keep the Lions 2021 series alive?

Rugby World • 13th July 2021

Riots in South Africa add tension to Lions tour

Jon Cardinelli explains the tumultuous political situation in South Africa at the moment.

Daily Maverick • 20th June 2021

United Rugby Championship: A giant leap for South African rugby

The confirmation that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will play in the United Rugby Championship will be a game-changer for the local sport, though it does bring challenges.

The XV • 15th June 2021

Touched By Genius

Rassie Erasmus has been described as a genius after boosting South Africa from seventh to first in the World Rugby rankings and for tackling the prickly yet important issue of transformation with an unprecedented sense of transparency and dignity..

The XV • 4th June 2021

One Last Shot

All things considered, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that Morné Steyn – even at the ripe old age of 36 – has been sounded out about a role with the Springboks over the course of the 2021 season.