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Jon Cardinelli
@joncardinelli.bsky.social
· Nov 26
Trophies, consistency and a nod to the future — why the Springboks of 2025 are a class apart | Daily Maverick
<p>Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks have challenged the widely held perceptions of South African rugby through their groundbreaking innovations and results across a landmark 2025 season.</p>
www.dailymaverick.co.za
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Home teams have won 26/36 Champs Cup matches (72%) — and in 17/36 (47%), the margin of victory was 20+.
French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation).
SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation).
SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Springbok reputations on the line as Champions Cup playoffs loom
South Africa's top rugby clubs, the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers, face critical matches to qualify for the Champions Cup playoffs after recent defeats, sparking debates about their competitiveness and ...
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 15, 2026 at 4:59 AM
Home teams have won 26/36 Champs Cup matches (72%) — and in 17/36 (47%), the margin of victory was 20+.
French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation).
SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation).
SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Bulls and Sharks are scrapping for survival – but Stormers are in a position of strength.
4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Leicester 'play-off' will reveal how far Stormers have come
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes the Stormers' final Champions Cup pool clash against Leicester will be a season-defining one.
rugby365.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Bulls and Sharks are scrapping for survival – but Stormers are in a position of strength.
4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Stormers have used 41 players in 10 games, while Bulls (46) and Sharks (51) have used more.
Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success.
Analysis for Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success.
Analysis for Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Stormers set the standard, Bulls and Sharks falter as pressure mounts in Europe
The festive season is done and dusted, and for South Africa’s top rugby franchises, the moment of truth has arrived.Two Champions Cup pool matches remain, and by the end of the preliminary p
www.dailymaverick.co.za
January 7, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Stormers have used 41 players in 10 games, while Bulls (46) and Sharks (51) have used more.
Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success.
Analysis for Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success.
Analysis for Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...
My latest column for Rugby 365:
Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
How the Stormers can change Champions Cup narrative
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli says the Stormers are well placed to make history in the Champions Cup and challenge the narrative about also-ran South African teams.
rugby365.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:28 AM
My latest column for Rugby 365:
Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Big match-ups galore in the north-south derby.
So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench.
Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference.
Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight.
Looking forward to watching this one live!
So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench.
Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference.
Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight.
Looking forward to watching this one live!
January 2, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Big match-ups galore in the north-south derby.
So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench.
Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference.
Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight.
Looking forward to watching this one live!
So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench.
Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference.
Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight.
Looking forward to watching this one live!
There's a different energy around the north-south derby this season...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Bulls’ season on a knife edge as North-South derby looms
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli looks at the precarious position the Bulls find themselves in heading into Saturday's North-South derby.
rugby365.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:43 AM
There's a different energy around the north-south derby this season...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...
The Stormers have cracked the Bomb Squad code, as their 2nd half stats confirm.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza...
An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza...
An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Are struggling SA teams behind the Bomb Squad curve?
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a look at how the Bulls, Sharks and Lions have failed to live up to the second-half hype.
rugby365.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:42 AM
The Stormers have cracked the Bomb Squad code, as their 2nd half stats confirm.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza...
An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza...
An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Stormers have ticked all the boxes across their first 8 games, but have room to improve.
By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Dobson’s smart management puts Stormers in pole
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a deep dive into the Stormers' excellent squad rotation.
rugby365.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Stormers have ticked all the boxes across their first 8 games, but have room to improve.
By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season.
rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Sharks showed some fight to get past Saracens.
Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded).
Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.
Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded).
Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.
December 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Sharks showed some fight to get past Saracens.
Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded).
Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.
Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded).
Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Two years out from the World Cup and the Springboks are still getting better! Harry Jones, Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli explain why this team feels different.
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
Harry Jones Asks: Just How Good Are the 2025 Springboks Really?
YouTube video by MEGAFOON RUGBY!
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Two years out from the World Cup and the Springboks are still getting better! Harry Jones, Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli explain why this team feels different.
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
@haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8
Had a blast chatting all things Springboks with the effervescent Harry Jones and one of the game's sharpest minds Bernard Jackman.
Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...
Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...
Harry Jones Asks: Just How Good Are the 2025 Springboks Really?
YouTube video by MEGAFOON RUGBY!
www.youtube.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Had a blast chatting all things Springboks with the effervescent Harry Jones and one of the game's sharpest minds Bernard Jackman.
Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...
Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...
My latest analysis on where the SA franchises stand at a stage of the season where most clubs play 10 weeks in a row.
Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Stormers borrow from Rassie’s playbook to steal a march on local rivals | Daily Maverick
For South African rugby coaches and some of the country’s leading players, it’s the least-wonderful time of the year.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
December 11, 2025 at 10:21 AM
My latest analysis on where the SA franchises stand at a stage of the season where most clubs play 10 weeks in a row.
Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Victory in Bayonne marked a magnificent 7th win for the Stormers. Have turned things around in 3 months.
Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye.
This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye.
This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Magnificent seven: Why these Stormers are the real deal
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes John Dobson's Stormers have the blueprint to go all the way this season.
rugby365.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Victory in Bayonne marked a magnificent 7th win for the Stormers. Have turned things around in 3 months.
Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye.
This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...
Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye.
This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...
After leading 33-22 at HT, the Bulls lost the 2nd half 24-0!
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
December 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
After leading 33-22 at HT, the Bulls lost the 2nd half 24-0!
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
Lions begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home loss to Benetton – second win for the Italian side against the Lions this season
December 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Lions begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home loss to Benetton – second win for the Italian side against the Lions this season
Storm grind out a gritty win in Bayonne.
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
December 5, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Storm grind out a gritty win in Bayonne.
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season.
Scrum was titanic
Boks (narrowly) avoid drawing Australia in the 2027 RWC pool phase.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
December 3, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Boks (narrowly) avoid drawing Australia in the 2027 RWC pool phase.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.
This is easily the finest set of SA players of all time, and currently jousting with THAT ABs side for the GOAT title.
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Coaching dynamic may be Springboks’ most important combination before 2027 RWC | Daily Maverick
Despite being overlooked for World Rugby’s coaching awards, Rassie Erasmus and the Springbok coaches continue to take rugby in new and innovative directions.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This is easily the finest set of SA players of all time, and currently jousting with THAT ABs side for the GOAT title.
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Check out my full analysis for a breakdown of South Africa's rise to the top of attacking charts rugby365.com/countries/so...
How the Boks became Test rugby’s most potent team
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the Springboks' attacking progression over the years.
rugby365.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Check out my full analysis for a breakdown of South Africa's rise to the top of attacking charts rugby365.com/countries/so...
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team:
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
December 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team:
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team:
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
December 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team:
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
– Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025
– The Tonyball shift
– The kick-chase double down
Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team
🧵
One of the most noticeable improvements by the Stormers this season has been the performance of their bench – and the selection/management of subs by Dobson.
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
One of the most noticeable improvements by the Stormers this season has been the performance of their bench – and the selection/management of subs by Dobson.
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Stormers come back from a 15-point deficit to beat Munster at Thomond Park.
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Stormers come back from a 15-point deficit to beat Munster at Thomond Park.
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
What a year for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
November 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
What a year for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Big win in Cardiff caps a monumental year for the Boks.
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
November 29, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Big win in Cardiff caps a monumental year for the Boks.
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥