Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Springboks announce 23
Australia's Kurtley Beale and South Africas' Sbu Nkosi during the 2019 Castle Lager Rugby Championship, South Africa v Qantas Wallabies at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 20 July 2019 Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass returned to Planet Rugby to provide its unique take on several topics in the sport.
What’s on the site
Australia’s woeful defensive effort is the main topic of conversation for Loose Pass this week, while it also discusses the refereeing appointments for the World Cup, as well as Rupeni Caucaunibuca’s story.
Elsewhere, check out the latest piece in our ‘My Rugby World Cup hero’ feature, which moves onto Japan and the match winner from their shock 2015 victory over South Africa, Karne Hesketh.
What’s in the news
South Africa have named a strong team for their clash against New Zealand in Wellington, with Rassie Erasmus making 12 changes for the encounter. The big guns all return and Duane Vermeulen captains the team in the absence of Siya Kolisi.
Meanwhile, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick is expecting another tough game at Westpac Stadium following the Springboks’ shock triumph last year.
Finally, Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has spoken of his surprise at getting a recall, thinking that his Test career was over following a disappointing 2018 November campaign.
What’s on social media
This lovely video from Sonny Bill Williams has gained plenty of traction on Twitter after he returned home following two weeks away.
Sneaking in to see my girls after a couple of weeks. 😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/8R2NQFXxx1
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) July 23, 2019
What’s on TV
The Rugby Championship continues this weekend with New Zealand taking on South Africa and Australia hosting Argentina. Both games will be on Sky Sports, while they will also show two Currie Cup encounters.