Jon Cardinelli Portfolio

Rugby365 • 14th July 2025

Bok audacity and grit key to Gqeberha blowout

South Africa’s performance in Gqeberha will get opponents thinking about what the Springboks are brewing ahead of the Rugby Championship, and what they might unleash on the All Blacks this September.

Daily Maverick • 11th July 2025

Centurion Willie le Roux — the unseen hero who drove Rassie’s Bok revolution

Willie le Roux has been central to the Springboks' revival over the past eight years, and it’s time for every South African rugby stakeholder to give one of the all-time greats the respect he deserves.

Daily Maverick • 9th July 2025

All eyes on Springbok Bomb Squad 2.0 ahead of Gqeberha decider

Rassie Erasmus has picked an entirely new bench with the aim of boosting the Springboks’ second-half performance and dismantling Italy’s ‘Grenade Squad’.

Daily Maverick • 8th July 2025

Springboks seek referee feedback after breakdown mess at Loftus

Frustrated members of the Springbok management have asked referee Hollie Davidson and her team for clarity ahead of the decisive Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Rugby365 • 7th July 2025

Boks let defensive standards slip in lukewarm Loftus showing

The Springboks need to improve their defence and game management with a view to the second Test in Gqeberha – and the all-important Rugby Championship.

Daily Maverick • 2nd July 2025

Why the Springboks’ hybrid player strategy will keep opponents guessing

The biggest takeaway from André Esterhuizen’s ground-breaking cameo on the flank is that opposition coaches won’t know what to expect when they tackle the Springboks later this season.

Rugby365 • 30th June 2025

'Best' Bok attack to improve in 2025?

Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks will break the attacking records set in 2024 if they hit their straps in the Italy series and the matches that follow.

Daily Maverick • 26th June 2025

Watershed season looms for Springboks’ ageing stars as Rassie Erasmus looks to future

Answers regarding specific Springbok players and combinations will be more important than results over the next four weeks, as the marquee matches of the Rugby Championship draw close.

25th June 2025

Springbok Front Row (2018-2025)

How many players have been used by Rassie Erasmus since 2018 and where they stand at the start of the 2025 Test season.

RugbyPass+ • 25th June 2025

Springboks in need of a rebuild with prop stocks depleted

Steven Kitshoff’s enforced retirement as well as an extensive front-row injury list will force Rassie Erasmus to rebuild the Springbok pack sooner than expected.

Rugby365 • 23rd June 2025

Why Rassie’s rookie roulette is a necessary gamble

Rassie Erasmus is well placed to give a host of fringe players game time across the Springboks’ coming matches against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia.

Rugby365 • 17th June 2025

Dublin disappointment sums up SA club season

The South African franchises need to admit that they were out-played and out-coached over the course of the 2024-25 club season.

Daily Maverick • 13th June 2025

Van Graan’s success highlights depth of SA coaching talent

Bath coach Johann van Graan is the latest in a long line of South Africans who have taken their skills to the next level.

Rugby365 • 2nd June 2025

Brutal honesty needed to untangle Stormers' mess

The Stormers need to address the imbalance in their selections and playing strategy if they want to become a side that can win trophies as well as entertain.

Financial Mail • 29th May 2025

Greater exposure, investment fuelling schoolboy rugby boom

With players moving straight from their desks to the pitch, the game has become even more competitive, attracting big crowds and sponsorships

Daily Maverick • 26th May 2025

Current SA teams would struggle to qualify for new World Club Cup

While plans to stage the inaugural World Club Cup gather momentum, there’s reason to be concerned about the state of South Africa’s rugby franchises.

RugbyPass+ • 20th May 2025

Opportunity knocks for 'new warriors' in Springboks squad

Europe-based warriors Juarno Augustus and Marnus van der Merwe could be the breakout stars this July as Rassie Erasmus looks to add another layer to the Springboks’ depth.

Daily Maverick • 11th May 2025

Greatest Rivalry series set to change rugby’s quadrennial narrative

The new series involving the Springboks and All Blacks will alter the shape of the game and change the way a four-year cycle is viewed.

Daily Maverick • 4th May 2025

Springbok flyhalf battle is no zero sum game

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s sparkling performances for the Stormers has reignited the flyhalf debate – but closer analysis shows why South Africa will need more than one outstanding No 10.

19th March 2025

Bench Selections By Game

How the tier-one nations selected their benches since the start of the 2024 season