Scott McLaughlin with the FGX Falcon with which he won the 2018 Supercars Championship. Picture: Scott McLaughlin Facebook
Scott McLaughlin has been reunited with the Ford Falcon with which he won the 2018 Supercars Championship.
The title was the first of three on the bounce for McLaughlin, who piloted Mustang machinery in 2019 and 2020 with DJR Team Penske.
He has since made the move to the United States, where he is now a two-time IndyCar race winner for ‘The Captain’.
So it was that he came across the FGX Falcon he drove in 2017 and 2018, while on its way to the Penske Racing Museum in Phoenix.
“Paths crossed with an old friend, on its way to the Penske Museum,” wrote the New Zealander on social media, where he shared a photograph of himself with the car.
McLaughlin won nine races in the 2018 Supercars season, the last of which came on the final weekend of the season in Newcastle, where the title battle was still live.
The Ford driver took a 14-point lead over Shane van Gisbergen to the streets of the Hunter, but looked to have lost most of that when he ran out of fuel on the final lap of the Saturday encounter and was passed for victory by the 2016 champion.
Van Gisbergen was then penalized for a pit stop breach which dropped him to fifth, and McLaughlin was able to cruise to the crown on the Sunday, even letting David Reynolds pass him for the lead in the final laps.
Earlier, Car #17 had also won races at Albert Park, Phillip Island (two), Wanneroo (two), Hidden Valley, Queensland Raceway, and Pukekohe.
He and Alexandre Premat finished third in that year’s Bathurst 1000, his first podium in the Great Race.
However, the car was, of course, part of an even more remarkable moment in McLaughlin’s career given the circumstances which transpired in Newcastle on the final day of the 2017 season.
He had just come back from two penalties to move into the live championship lead, on a countback, when he slipped wide at the start of the second-last lap and ended up making contact which put Craig Lowndes into a wall.
Car #17 would be issued the equivalent of a drive-through penalty as it took the checkered flag, dumping it from 11th to 18th, with race winner Jamie Whincup instead being crowned champion.
It was after his triumphant 2018 Newcastle weekend that the car initially went on display at Dick Johnson Racing’s Stapylton workshop, before its move Stateside.
McLaughlin is currently sixth in the IndyCar Series after finishing second in the most recent event on a chaotic Sunday in downtown Nashville.
The Wests Tigers have been urged to “move on” from new recruit Isaiah Papali’i and use his $1.9 million contract to make a splash in the transfer market.
The Eels enforcer Isaiah had agreed to a three-year deal with the Tigers, but the star recruit is considering a backflip which could leave the club in a tough spot.
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The 23-year-old revealed his concerns after the Tigers parted ways with premiership winning coach Michael Maguire, and has since been linked with a return to the Warriors.
Papalii inked the big-money deal last November, but told 9 News that his future is still far from certain.
“Obviously people ask me about it, just even on the street or family and friends are hitting me up but that’s kind of for my manager look after and even if I don’t stay here or I do go next year, I want to make sure that this year has no regrets,” Papalii said.
“I reckon somewhere in the off-season because this is distracting me at the moment.
“We have a massive opportunity and I don’t want to leave any stone unturned this year and look back on it and think ‘I shouldn’t have left that stuff get in the way’.”
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The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio and NRL360 co-host Paul Kent said the Tigers could not afford to wait until the end of the season for Papali’i to make a decision.
“They have a salary cap to manage, they can’t sit back and wait for this guy,” Kent said.
“That’s why they the Tigers should move on now, move on and use the money before it’s too late,” Riccio added.
“Don’t wait until November. If they do there will be no market for them,” Kent replied.
Should Tigers hear the message and cut ties with Papali’i, it leaves them with two clear options.
Spend the money now and bring in a player to bolster the side for next season or save it up and make a play for one of the big-name stars off-contract from 2023 who can begin negotiating with rivals from November 1.
BEN HUNT
Age: 32
Club: St George Dragons
Position: half-back
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
While the Dragons are reportedly leading the race for Hunt’s signature, the Tigers should do everything they can to ensure he’s wearing their colors in the future.
Hunt, who was leading the Dally M race before the count went behind closed doors, has begun negotiations with the Dragons over a two-year extension.
The Daily Telegraph have revealed that the playmaker’s management had met with the Dragons late last month.
Since then, however, the Dragons have hit turmoil.
James Hooper reported there had been a major blow-up at the Dragons following the treatment of hooker Andrew McCullough and the axing of assistant coaches Peter Gentle and Mat Head for next season.
Hunt is extremely close with McCullough, having played together at both the Dragons and Broncos as well as for Queensland. The development could provide an opening for rivals to make a move.
The Tigers, who would only be able to speak to Hunt since November 1, are in desperate need of a solution at halfback.
Jock Madden has been sporting the No. 7 jersey for the Tigers over the past couple of weeks, but with just 13 games of NRL experience to his name, the club could use a boost.
If Luke Brooks is allowed to leave it would free up plenty of money for the Tigers to make an all-in move.
Hunt is in high demand with a number of clubs interested in services, and he wouldn’t come cheap. But fresh off his Origin heroics, the Tigers should be willing to move mountains if that’s what it takes to lure the star half to the western suburbs.
COREY OATES
Age: 27
Club: brisbane broncos
Position: wings
Current contract: expires at the end of the year
At just 27-years-old, there’s no reason why a club like the Tigers shouldn’t spend big money on a proven try scorer such as Corey Oates.
Oates, who has 188 NRL games to his name, equaled his record for most tries in a season with a double in Round 21 against the Roosters.
Corey Oats. Broncos V Storm. Picture: NRL ImagesSource: Supplied
Oates comes off contract at the end of this season with the Broncos, so he could become an immediate piece of the Tigers’ puzzle for next season.
He would also offer new coach Tim Sheens some versatility having experience playing in the back row.
DAVID KLEMER
Age: 28
Club: Newcastle Knights
Position: Prop
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Klemmer was reportedly close to having his contract torn up with the Knights after being issues with a breach notice for an on-field issue.
The former New South Wales prop is on a big-money contract with the Knights, but came under fire after he verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during a 14-point loss to the Bulldogs.
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Parramatta were reportedly interested in signing the prop for the remainder of the 2022 season on loan before the incident.
While Klemmer has been among the Knights best players, the recent incident, and his hefty contract, could convince Newcastle to agree to release him early.
LIAM MARTIN
Age: 25
Club: Penrith Panthers
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Another player who comes off contract at the end of next season, Martin would be an incredible signing for the Tigers who could approach him from November 1.
Martin has been a key part of the Panthers’ dominance over the last few seasons and has reaped the rewards after cementing his place in the Blues Origin fold.
Liam Martin is among a list of big names who can talk with rivals since November 1.Source: Getty Images
The Panthers still need to lock down fellow Origin stars Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton which could mean Martin is gettable.
He would be a more than handy replacement for Papali’i if the Tigers can convince him to make the switch.
MARTIN TAUPAU
Age: 32
Club: Manly Sea Eagles
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of the year
Sea Eagles enforcer Taupau reportedly requested an immediate release to join the Eels before the August 1 deadline.
It appears as if he wants out of Brookvale, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it’ll be interesting to see which colors he dons next season.
The former Kiwi international played for the Tigers for two seasons before moving to Manly for the 2016 season.
With plenty of power to throw around the field, Taupau can be an asset to any team when he’s in-form.
TYSON FRIZEL
Age: 30
Club: Newcastle Knights
Position: second row
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
It wasn’t too long ago that Tyson Frizell was a regular for both the New South Wales Blues and Kangaroos teams.
Frizell made his name with the Dragons before securing a lucrative deal to sign with the Knights, where he’s played the last two seasons.
Tyson FrizellSource: Getty Images
While he still has one more year to run on that contract, Frizell could potentially be lured to the Tigers on a smaller deal than what he’s on now.
What’s more, his name has been mentioned as part of a potential swap deal for Luke Brooks.
While it was denied by Tim Sheens, there is clearly some movement around Frizell.
VICTOR RADLEY
Age: 24
Club: sydney roosters
Position: Lock
Current contract: expires at the end of 2023
Hypothetically speaking, Roosters lock Victor Radley has the potential to be an incredible signing for the Tigers.
The 24-year-old, who has sworn his international allegiance to England ahead of the World Cup, has premiership winning experience and 93 NRL games to his name.
What’s more, Phil Rothfield revealed on NRL360 that the Roosters are facing a cap crunch with seven players commanding more than half their salary cap.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reports off-field changes loom at Essendon following the completion of the club’s review amid tensions emerging between list boss Adrian Dodoro and head of football Josh Mahoney.
The Bombers recently completed an in-depth review of their football department — the club’s second in three years — in a bid to address the 2021 finalists’ drop off this season — currently sitting 14th on the ladder with a 7-13 record.
Wilson reports Ben Rutten’s position is safe despite pressure on the senior coach earlier this year in just his second campaign at the helm, however she states there’ll be other moves made to the footy department including uncertainty around Blake Caracella’s position.
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“The review’s been done … there will be changes,” Wilson told Channel 9’s Footy Classified.
“The coach is safe, Ben Rutten will remain, there will be movement beneath Ben Rutten.
“I’m told there are still real problems there, we know (CEO) Xavier Campbell is still under the pump.
“There is some genuine tension between Adrian Dodoro and Josh Mahoney, which is disappointing.
“I’m not sure where Blake Caracella is going to be next year, but he also has a rock solid two years left on a highly paid contract, but he will definitely be in a different role next year if he’s there at all.”
Wilson reports there’s tension between Dodoro and Mahoney (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
Asked for more context around the strain between Dodoro and Mahoney, Wilson said: “Lack of support for each other.”
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd revealed he’s heard the club will bolster its coaching staff and support Rutten with another assistant coach for next year.
Wilson added that despite Campbell earlier this season signing a two-year extension, she held concerns about his future if the Bombers don’t bounce back in 2023.
Campbell took over as Essendon chief in 2014, with the club playing finals in four of the nine campaigns since but failing to record a win in the post-season.
“I think Essendon needs to have a good next year. I know he’s just signed a new contract, and I like Xavier Campbell, I’m a supporter of Xavier Campbell. I thought the personal attacks on him earlier this year were really unfair,” she said.
“But 2-3 three ears ago he was Gillon McLachlan’s man most likely (to succeed him as AFL chief). There are now four or five CEOs ahead of him for the top job at the AFL.
“I just think his performance as CEO, particularly where the footy has been concerned, has been pretty woeful. The decisions haven’t worked out for him, a lot of footy managers who haven’t worked out.”
It comes as the Bombers this week announced an all-time membership record of 84,778 in 2022.
Nick Kyrgios has continued his blazing run with a rolling three-set victory over world No 1 Daniil Medvedev in Montreal. Australia’s Wimbledon runner-up wore down Medvedev 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 6-2 in a sapping second-round encounter played in searing heat and humidity.
After losing the opening set in a tiebreaker, Kyrgios had to dig deep and turned the match around with one incredible backhand pass to break Medvedev in the sixth game of the deciding set. He broke the dispirited Russian for a second straight service game before closing out the match to love after exactly two hours.
The stirring victory was Kyrgios’s third from four meetings with Medvedev, 14th win from past 15 matches and second ever over a world No 1 – eight years after conquering Rafael Nadal on his Wimbledon debut as a teenager.
“I’ve had some success against him in the past and he’s beaten me before so I feel like we know each others’ games well,” Kyrgios said. “I’m not the type of player who goes into these matches looking at rankings or anything like that.
“It’s just who I’m playing and what kind of ball they’re giving me and today I had a very clean objective of how I was going to play – a lot of serve and volley, a lot of aggressive play from the back – and I executed better than he did on the day. That’s all it came down to. He won the first set and I feel like I had opportunities there as well so hopefully I can keep this rolling.”
Kyrgios, who faces Australian No 1 Alex de Minaur next for a quarter-final spot, is not getting carried away despite signing as one of the US Open favorites following his rousing victory over last year’s Flushing Meadows champion.
“Look, a grand slam is much, much different from any other tournament,” he said. “If I was in this position of a grand slam, you’ve still got to win another set and that’s not easy at all. He’s a machine. He’s the best player in the world for a reason and at a grand slam he’s a totally different beast.”
Nevertheless, Kyrgios continues to make a mockery of the rankings and the 27-year-old’s latest triumph all but secured the Canberran an all-important seeding for the New York major starting on 29 August.
“Look, I feel confident in my body and my mentality going in to the US Open but at the same time there’s so much time between then and now,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve got to focus on this event and then Cincinnati. There’s so many things I’ve got to look forward to. I’m not even going to think about the US Open right now. I need to take care of my body.”
De Minaur set up a first-time meeting with Kyrgios with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 second-round win over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the 15th seed.
Brisbane has entered the race for Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley, reports AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
Dunkley remains out of contract with the Bulldogs and has been linked with the likes of Port Adelaide and Essendon.
Twomey understands the Lions are now also in the mix for the 25-year-old, who has a long-term contract offer in front of him from the Dogs.
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“He’s still weighing up his decision, he’s got a big call to make, and I don’t think it’s going to be a call that he makes until the end of the Bulldogs’ season now,” Twomey told SEN Breakfast.
“Brisbane, I understand, have a level of interest in him as well, joining the likes of Port Adelaide and Essendon, who have been linked to him for a little bit longer.
“We reported a couple of weeks ago the Power’s interest in Dunkley and I still have them as a real contender for him if he decides to leave the Kennel.
“But I’m led to believe the Lions to be in the mix as well. He has a link in Queensland too where his sister Lara plays netball with the Queensland Firebirds.
“The Dogs want to keep him, and they’ve got a long-term offer in front of him, and that’s been in front of him for some time.
“He has a big call to make. Expect some conclusion on that probably at the end of the Dogs’ year.”
Dunkley, a premiership player with the Bulldogs in 2016, is averaging 25 disposals from 20 games this season.
The World Cup’s start will be brought forward by a day to allow hosts Qatar to play the opening game, sources told AFP on Wednesday, just over three months before the competition gets underway.
Qatar will now play Ecuador on November 20, 24 hours earlier than planned, in a move that FIFA’s ruling council was expected to confirm soon, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
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The change will see the tournament, which was switched to November-December to avoid the Gulf country’s searing summer heat, keep to its tradition of the hosts playing the opening match.
Senegal and the Netherlands had been scheduled to play the first game on November 21, followed by England against Iran and then the official opening match, Qatar’s World Cup debut, that evening.
“There were discussions and agreement between the two respective teams and there was a request from CONMEBOL — the South American confederation,” one World Cup source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity as no official decision has been announced.
“We wanted to follow the tradition that either the reigning champions or the host country be involved in the opening match,” the source added.
FIFA and the Qatari organizing committee declined to comment on the change to the mega event that ends on December 18.
But another tournament source said action would be taken to help fans with tickets for the November 21 game.
“Any disruption will be dealt with so the impact is minimal,” the source told AFP.
Under the change, Netherlands v Senegal in Group A would be moved from 1pm local time on November 21 to a 7pm start. “It is a better slot for both teams for television and other areas,” said the World Cup source.
England’s Group B match against Iran is not changed.
Companies with major deals linked to the World Cup expressed confidence that the unusual schedule change could be handled smoothly.
“It is something we will deal with,” said Jaime Byrom, chairman of Match Hospitality, which has a deal with FIFA to organize hospitality packages for World Cup matches and has locked in 450,000 tickets for the tournament.
“It is really not — compared to the other challenges that we could have faced or have faced in the past — a particularly large problem,” Byrom told AFP.
“We have to focus on those customers who are most affected and I guess in this case we will be looking at our Ecuadorean customers who are traveling from overseas, and making sure that they are on time for the match.”
Some pundits ridiculed the schedule change, asking why the move hadn’t already been considered.
New York Times reporter Tariq Panja tweeted: “Qatar and FIFA has had 12 years to plan for the 2022 World Cup now with just over 100 days and — with tickets sold, travel booked — they now want to start the tournament a day earlier so Qatar could play the first game (which could always have been the case). But here we are.
“What I suspect has happened here is that because it’s ‘only’ Ecuador and not a big European country, it has probably been easier to switch the game. What has never been made clear is why Qatar had not been placed in the opening game as per the original schedule.”
Journalist Grant Wahl wrote: “This late change to accommodate Qatar (and cause problems for Ecuador, including its fans) is of a piece with what I saw during the bid process for World Cup ’26 cities: FIFA does so much by the seat of its pants these days.”
The opening match is scheduled to be held at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt stadium, one of seven new venues purpose-built for the tournament since Qatar was controversially awarded the World Cup in 2010.
The wealthy Gulf state is preparing a spectacular opening ceremony in the stadium, whose structure was inspired by traditional Arab tents.
Moving forward the opening match will also mean changing the 100-day countdown that had been scheduled to start on Saturday, with special events across the tiny nation of 2.8 million people.
After a row over the bidding process, Qatar has faced criticism over labor rights and its treatment of the LGBTQ community. But FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the tiny, gas-rich state will host the “best ever” World Cup.
The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat were initially listed as preferred landing spots for Kevin Durant but now two new contenders have emerged.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are also desirable destinations for the 12-time All-Star.
Of course, Durant has been heavily linked to Boston in recent weeks, with a potential trade package centered around Jaylen Brown.
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But those reports were focused on a move that would work for the Nets. This one looks at just what Durant may be after and it looks like he is keen on the Celtics too.
Boston reportedly offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a first-round pick but even that does not seem to be enough for Brooklyn, who want reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
The Sixers, meanwhile, could offer an attractive package including Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and/or Matisse Thybulle and would see Durant reunite with James Harden.
Durant would be likely to accept a trade to Boston of Philadelphia, though his Brooklyn future is likely in the hands of Joe Tsai.
The 12-time All-Star made an ultimatum to the Nets owner, asking for GM Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash to be fired or be shipped out of town himself.
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Durant told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he must choose between keeping Durant or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. (Photo by ELSA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
Durant’s issues with the Nets and specifically Tsai go much deeper than his demand they fire Nash, a source close to the Nets and familiar with KD’s thinking told The New York Post.
“The ultimatum he made is not what really caused the deterioration. It’s not the ultimatum itself,” the source said.
Durant, among other things, was not consulted on the Nets’ firing of assistant coach and director of player development Adam Harrington when the season ended, the source believes.
“There are simple things that destroy a relationship. You fired someone he was close to and didn’t have a conversation about it,” the source said.
Last week, the popular Harrington attended a Liberty WNBA basketball game and was seen hugging current Nets players, according to a Reddit post.
“I would think there are so many things, it’s not one thing,” the source said. “I think KD wants to leave and it doesn’t matter what reasons he says.”
During a meeting this weekend with Tsai said, as he did last month, he wanted to be traded unless Nash was fired, The Post confirmed. There are also reports he wants general manager Sean Marks fired as well.
Marks was the main force behind hiring Nash, sources said.
Where will Kevin Durant end up? (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Durant believes “he traded away too many pieces,” the source said.
Tsai, after the reports Monday about the meeting with Durant, tweeted, “Our front office and coaching staff have my support. We will make decisions in the best interest of the Brooklyn Nets.”
All involved recognize Marks and Nash do not have autonomy and ultimately if the Nets blow up it is because of Tsai, the source said.
Tsai now has to decide whether to lower his high asking price and get a Durant trade done before training camp opens at the end of September as the 33-year-old star has requested.
“I don’t think anybody on the team is safe from being traded. Everyone is up for grabs,” the source said.
Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension in 2021, so he has limited power in forcing a trade unless he refuses to play. A source told The Post this week that’s an unlikely scenario.
“I don’t think he’s not going to play,” they said.
This article first appeared on The New York Postand was reproduced with permission.
Leading AFL columnist Caroline Wilson has tipped North Melbourne to land Alastair Clarkson ahead of the GWS Giants, with the master coach nearing a call.
Clarkson has met with both the Kangaroos and Giants brass but is understood to be leaning towards the Kangaroos due to his preference of remaining in Victoria.
According to Wilson, the four-time premiership-winning coach has begun putting his team together, with former Hawks connections Todd Viney, David Rath and Luke Boyd among those sought out by Clarkson.
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“If I had to call it tonight I’d say Alastair Clarkson will be coaching North Melbourne,” she told Nine’s Footy Classified. “He will be coaching next year, that is beyond doubt.”
Caroline Wilson has tipped Clarkson to return to the club where he started his AFL career as a player (The Age)
“Alastair has many close friends at the Kangaroos. The man who wanted the CEO job, Mark Brayshaw, who knows? Ben Amarfio mightn’t be there forever and Mark Brayshaw could be back. He’s got great makes there like Darren Crocker and Craig Sholl .
“These North people are very, very confident that they have got their man. I’m just not sure he’s prepared to go and live in western Sydney.”
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Wilson said Viney is “very much in the box seat” to flank Clarkson at his next job, with the pair having worked together at Hawthorn when the club won the 2008 premiership.
Clarkson is also understood to have sought out recently-departed Giants coach Leon Cameron and former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna about potentially joining his staff.
According to Wilson, Clarkson’s decision will “definitely” be announced next week.
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There will be off-field changes at Essendon following the completion of the club’s internal review, reports Caroline Wilson.
Wilson says there will be movement beneath senior coach Ben Rutten, who’s position has been assured for 2023.
After making the finals last year, the 14th-placed Bombers have won just seven games this campaign, leading to the mid-season football department review.
“The review’s been done … there will be changes,” Wilson told Channel Nine’s Footy Classified.
“The coach is safe, Ben Rutten will remain, there will be movement beneath Ben Rutten.”
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According to Wilson, there’s “genuine tension” between football boss Josh Mahoney and list manager Adrian Dodoro.
“I’m told there are still real problems there,” the veteran AFL reporter said.
“We know that Xavier Campbell is still under the pump. There is some genuine tension between Adrian Dodoro, long-time recruiter and list manager, and the head of footy in Josh Mahoney.
“I’m not sure where Blake Caracella is going to be next year, but he also has a rock solid two years left on a highly paid contract.
“He will definitely be in a different role next year if he’s there.”
Essendon great Tim Watson believes there should be tension within an underperforming football club.
“I don’t know anything about that, but I hope there’s some tension there,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“There should be some tension at a football club when they’re underperforming between people.
“I think that’s healthy at a football club. There should always be some tension.”
The Bombers host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Boks hooker Bongi Mbonambi is out for Saturday’s test against the All Blacks after being named to start.
The Springboks have been forced into a late front-row reshuffle ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park after starting hooker Bongi Mbonambi wet down with a knee injury suffered at Tuesday training.
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber has called inexperienced Stormers hooker Joseph Dweba to start just his third test. His only previous international experience was against Wales in Bloemfontein in July and Argentina last year in Nelson Mandela Bay – both times in the run-on XV.
The Boks coach has resisted the urge to return veteran rake Malcolm Marx to starting duty, after he did so last weekend against the All Blacks in Mbombela to mark his 50th test appearance – a match won 26-10 by the South Africans.
The 26-year-old will pack down alongside his former Cheetahs team-mate Ox Nche. The pair progressed through SA Rugby’s national development system, and played together for the Junior Springboks and national schools team.
”Joseph has been working hard at training and he’s been waiting patiently for his chance, and we feel that it doesn’t get better than facing the All Blacks, who are one of the best teams in the world,” said Nienaber.
”He and Ox have played close to 100 first-class games together, and they know each other well on and off the field, having played together since school level. They progressed through the SA Rugby junior rugby ranks together before forming a strong combination at the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and Pro14 competitions, and we believe their familiarity will give us the best chance in this match.”
The Boks coach confirmed he was taking no chances with Mbonambi after he took a knock to his knee at Tuesday trainingwith so much international rugby still to come in 2022. He was to get scans, though it was not thought to be a serious injury.
“We have an important Rugby Championship tour coming up and a year-end tour later, so we don’t want to take any risks with Bongi,” he said.
For the beleaguered All Blacks it’s a minor break, with Dweba lacking the high-end pedigree of Mbonambi. But one thing the South Africans have proven in 2022 is that they have spectacular depth in their playing resources.
Ian Foster’s men will be wise to expect business as usual from the Boks up front. The New Zealanders will name their lineup for the second Rugby Championship test on Thursday night (NZT).
SPRINGBOKS: Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Jaden Hendrikse; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche. Reservations: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Hershel Jantjies, Willie le Roux.
