Sport action for 2014 is almost done and dusted, but there is still some worthwhile treats on the menu. This weekend rugby fans can still look forward to the Springboks’ clash with Italy and some other sporting events.
Rugby
The Springbok starting team to face Italy in Padova on Saturday shows four changes from the side which beat England at Twickenham last week, with three new faces among the pack and one in the backline.
Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis has been ruled out of Saturday’s test against Italy in Padova with a hamstring injury. The main changes are the new front row. Trevor Nyakane will start his first international for South Africa at loosehead prop, while Coenie Oosthuizen moves up from the bench to replace the injured Jannie du Plessis at tight-head.
Heyneke Meyer said the test against Italy will pose different challenges to the Springboks than they had faced thus far on the tour. “They are a passionate nation with a very experienced coach in Jacques Brunel and a world-class captain in Sergio Parisse.”
Italy will probably try hard to surprise, but the Springboks should simply be too strong for them.
For more information about the game, click here.
Cricket
With the score at 3-1 in Australia’s favour there is only pride on the line for the Proteas in their fifth and final one-day international against Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
Supporters of the Proteas will certainly be disappointed with the results in Australia, but there is always the upcoming tour of the exciting West Indies in South Africa to look forward to.
Meanwhile, things are getting worse for the Titans. They are traditionally one of South Africa’s stronger teams but have had a difficult start to the season, particularly in limited-overs cricket. They lie fourth on the one-day cup table and fifth on the 20-over standings.
They have lost five consecutive games in the Ram Slam T20 series already and only a miracle will see them qualify for the playoffs in this competition. They play against the Highveld Lions on Friday (21 November) at Willowmoore Park and on Sunday (23 November) their opponents will be the Warriors at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
For more cricket news and complete match schedules, click here.
Road Running
Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day incorporates this year’s 21st Tom Jenkins Challenge consisting of three different routes/races. It is the perfect way to round off your running year. The event forms part of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day celebrations. It starts and finishes at the Union Buildings. There is a timed 9.4km run/walk and 27km run as well as a fun walk of 5km. Exciting prizes are on offer plus a great day of entertainment, including a post event concert, medals and T-shirts to all finishers.
The department of sport and recreation, in association with the Arcadia Running Club and Athletics Gauteng North host the race. The 27km race starts at 06:30.
Enquiries: Race office on 072-678-2140 or 012-327-4903.
Soccer
PSL Soccer League resumes this weekend after the completion of the Telkom Knockout series and Bafana Bafana’s African Nations qualifying commitments. All three teams from Pretoria will be in action this weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns are first in line and they probably have the toughest nut to crack. They clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
A few hours later on Saturday at 18:00 Tuks will take to the field in the Dobsonville stadium to take on Moroka Swallows.
On Sunday SuperSport United will run up against Orlando Pirates in the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. This game will start at 15:30.
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