England Mike Brown, full-back, 6/10 Usual solidity at the back, first defender beaten on the counter and assists for tries. His assist for the game-breaking second won’t feature on a highlights reel, but they all count. Marland Yarde, wing 4/10 Looked great coming into the line for England’s first try, but lacked composure, which may or may not be something he can work on. Not sure he’s even as quick as he once was. Elliot Daly, centre 7/10 They say he’s a bit small, but no one’s told him that. Lots of carrying into the heart of the South Africa midfield. Wicked chip for second try and a 50m penalty. Owen Farrell, centre 7/10 Another to prove handy at the unfamiliar skill of the hit-up. A haul of 19 points on the field has got to be worth a point here, including a nicely taken try. Jonny May, wing 6/10 Great finish, showcasing that pace we hoped against hope he hadn’t lost since his injury. Tick. Also among the thundering herd who forced that second … [Read more...] about England 37-21 South Africa: player ratings from Twickenham
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Shocking photos reveal neglect of ‘snuggle scam’ lions bred to be petted in South Africa by tourists unaware of their suffering
Shocking photos taken from by an anonymous source reveal severely neglected lions covered in mange at a captive breeding facility in South Africa, offering a horrifying insight into an industry that breeds an estimated 12,000 lions on around 200 farms across the country. Between 6,000 and 8,000 lions are bred in captivity in some 260 facilities across South Africa, marketed to tourists as lion interaction experiences. Photos of the lions show the animals almost entirely bald due to acute mange and poor, overcrowded living conditions. Photos of the lions show the animals almost entirely bald due to acute mange and poor, overcrowded living conditions Lion breeding farms in South Africa are part of what campaigners call the 'snuggle scam' because they supply lion cub petting tourist attractions where visitors from around the world take selfies, oblivious to the suffering behind their holiday photos. Upon investigation of the facility at Pienika Farm, officers at the National Society for … [Read more...] about Shocking photos reveal neglect of ‘snuggle scam’ lions bred to be petted in South Africa by tourists unaware of their suffering
Eddie Jones hopes inside knowledge can help England beat South Africa
Eddie Jones believes his intimate knowledge of South African rugby can help England “beat history” to claim a first away series win against the Springboks. Jones expects South Africa to be highly motivated because of “cultural issues” between the countries, highlighting a “dislike of the English”, but is sticking to his stated aim of a 3-0 series win next month. Any win would do at the moment. The 63-45 defeat by the Barbarians on Sunday was a fourth successive defeat under Jones but it was the embarrassing nature of it – never before have England conceded more points at Twickenham – that gave cause for concern. Jones is putting great faith in the return of 15 players from Exeter and Saracens, singling out the Vunipola brothers, Maro Itoje and his new captain, Owen Farrell, for their performances in the Premiership final on Saturday, but acknowledged they will need to be “re-educated” to England’s tactical approach, … [Read more...] about Eddie Jones hopes inside knowledge can help England beat South Africa
Eddie Jones says England have to be better after South Africa victory
Eddie Jones welcomed England’s first victory over South Africa since 2006 but was far more impressed with the result than the performance. “We have got to get better,” said Jones, who became the first England head coach to win his opening 10 matches in charge. “We are nowhere near good enough at the moment. Overall it was a pass mark and we have to improve against Fiji next weekend.” Jones was without a number of players who were central to the grand slam success and the away series whitewash of Australia and handling was hazardous on a wet surface. “We have always had depth in England and it is about having players with more ambition,” he said. “We have provided three of the six players nominated for the world player of the year and we want every one to be top-class. “Once we had overcome a difficult first 20 minutes against South Africa, when they really came at us physically, we did some good things, although it was disappointing … [Read more...] about Eddie Jones says England have to be better after South Africa victory
Siya Kolisi to make history by becoming South Africa’s first black captain
Siya Kolisi will become South Africa’s first black captain after being handed the role for the Test series against England next month. The 26-year-old flanker was the vice-captain to Eben Etzebeth last year and temporarily took over when the second-row was off the field but has been awarded the role on a full-time basis for the three-Test series. Chiliboy Ralepelle was the captain of a South Africa team against a World XV in 2006 but, with Etzebeth and Warren Whiteley injured, Kolisi will be the first black player to captain the Springboks in a Test in their 127-year history. The appointment comes two days after Rassie Erasmus named a squad which includes five overseas-based players – Sale’s Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux of Wasps as well as Duane Vermeulen, Bismarck du Plessis and Francois Steyn. Erasmus has wasted little time in making changes since taking over from Allister Coetzee but the former Munster director of rugby denied Kolisi, who captains the … [Read more...] about Siya Kolisi to make history by becoming South Africa’s first black captain