Jon Cardinelli Portfolio

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 • 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 • 2nd December 2024

'Universal Adaptor' relishing responsibility at Boks, Sharks

The versatile Jordan Hendrikse reflects on what he gained during his short stint at the Springboks and on his roaming role at the Sharks.

RugbyPass+ • 13th October 2024

How Aphelele Fassi found the freedom to fly

Aphelele Fassi is relishing another opportunity with a Springbok side looking to harness his natural attacking strengths.

Rugby World • 17th July 2024

Like father, like son – André-Hugo Venter set for first Springbok cap

The Stormers hooker, poised for his Test debut v Portugal, possesses the same warrior spirit as dad André, the Springbok legend fighting a crippling neurological condition.

Rugby365 • 2nd July 2024

Williams reveals the impact of the Brown factor

Attack coach Tony Brown had challenged the Springbok halfbacks to think differently about decision-making and space ahead of the two-Test series against Ireland.

RugbyPass+ • 29th April 2024

Smith: 'My work-rate rather than my size will define me'

Pound for pound and minute for minute, Kwagga Smith will go down in history as one of the Springboks' most valuable players.

Daily Maverick • 21st April 2024

Kolbe continues to embrace responsibility — on and off the field

Cheslin Kolbe was deemed too small for the Boks when he left for France in 2017. But he showed the world his value and is now a true global superstar.

RugbyPass+ • 2nd April 2024

Sacrifice for silverware: The pros and cons of SA’s treble ambition

While the Springboks have set their sights on a third-successive World Cup title, the question persists – can they improve on their winning record and capture lesser titles in the lead-up?

RugbyPass • 14th February 2024

Box-office coaching hires show the scale of South Africa's ambition

The recruitment of Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery could take the Springbok attack to the next level.

RugbyPass+ • 25th January 2024

Much-maligned Willie Le Roux has a lot more to give

Even at 34, the double world champion has a lot more to give.

Rugby World • 12th January 2024

Will we see more swing props in the elite game?

Will specialist looseheads and tightheads continue to be preferred, or will ‘swing props’ become more prevalent in the coming years?

Rugby World • 8th January 2024

Brits: Positional versatility key to future rugby success

Former Saracens and Springboks star Schalk Brits believes that utility players will become more prominent in the wake of South Africa’s 2023 World Cup victory.

Daily Maverick • 10th December 2023

Malherbe Worth His Weight in Gold

Springbok tighthead Frans Malherbe, who seems to take every challenge in his stride, was a vital cog in the wheel of the World Cup scrum.

RugbyPass+ • 4th December 2023

Nerves of Steel

Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard believes his injury-enforced lay-offs have given him the mental toughness to succeed

Rugby World • 4th December 2023

How playing in Japan helped Du Toit become World Cup hero

Two-time World Cup-winner Pieter-Steph du Toit believes that a stint playing in Japan has made him a more complete player.

Daily Maverick • 26th November 2023

Global rugby calendar essential for SA players

MyPlayers CEO Eugene Henning believes that an aligned global rugby calendar will ease the physical and mental strain on the Springboks in the years to come.

RugbyPass+ • 23rd November 2023

Pack Mentality: How SA's weapon of mass destruction was built

The Springboks’ scrum set the platform for back-to-back World Cup titles. Beast Mtawarira, Matt Proudfoot and Frans Malherbe cast some light on SA's dark arts.

Financial Mail • 9th November 2023

The decline of sports development

Brad Bing, the pioneer of grassroots games, worries about the future as getting access to up-and-coming achievers becomes difficult

RugbyPass • 7th November 2023

Lap of honour

South Africa is a country beset by sociopolitical issues, and in the absence of a strong government with the nous and drive to tackle those issues, its citizens need all the inspiration they can get.