You’d be forgiven for thinking Melbourne-based stripper Will Parfitt was Hollywood heart-throb Channing Tatum.
Parfitt, originally from London, has gained millions of followers on social media through his uncanny resemblance to the magic mike star – and he’s made a fortune along the way.
With nearly six million followers on TikTok, the British-born performer is now Australia’s most-requested male entertainer, revealing to news.com.au podcast I’ve Got News For You he makes between $700 and $1000 per show, “depending on how long they want me to stay”.
The Magic Men co-owner has been performing since 2015, and shared with host Andrew Bucklow the sex question “every girl” asks male strippers – whether they get “excited” during a show.
“We always get this question. But it’s so different – when you’ve got the adrenaline and you’re nervous, and you’re obviously performing in front of sometimes up to 1000, 2000 girls in the crowd, it’s the last thing you’re thinking of,” Parfitt said.
“Even though you’re doing sexual movements or you’re grinding on the girls, you’re not in that mind frame. You don’t think of it as sexual. Because it’s like, I guess, dancing on stage – so you’re just thinking about your choreography.
“But every time we get asked this question. The girls are like, ‘How do you not get turned onstage?’ But every guy I’ve ever performed with says the same thing – we just don’t think of it.”
Asked whether women get handsy, Parfitt admitted that “they sometimes do.”
“Because I always go on at the end of the show, I always get the drunk girls, and they’re always the hardest to deal with,” he explained.
“We do pick girls out of the crowd, so you’re trying to communicate with them while you’re on stage, or try and give them little instructions so they know what’s going on, but they do get a bit handsy. I’ve definitely left the stage with a few scratch marks.
“But some girls don’t care. If they’re wearing dresses – sometimes I try and pick a girl who’s wearing pants because I’m like, if you’re wearing a dress, there’s a high chance it could go above your head when we’re doing like different moves and stuff – but they just don’t care.
“They’re like, ‘I don’t care, I just want to go on stage’. They’re on stage in their underwear – they’re stripping more than us on that stage sometimes.”
As for whether women request him to perform “other services” after a show, Parfitt said it wasn’t out of the ordinary.
“They do sometimes. I think with the industry we’re in, obviously, they put us in the same category as doing more than just performing,” he said.
“I’ve definitely had a few offers for that, especially at private events that you go to. But no, I’m just a performer.”
You can listen to the full chat with Will Parfitt here.
Cameron Smith’s imminent defection is being viewed as the biggest “coup” to date for LIV in their quest for legitimacy.
Until now, The PGA Tour and its supporters could argue that the rebel league is merely a competition where washed up pros go to fill their bank accounts. No longer.
While tour veterans Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia were the initial names linked to the financially lucrative competition, the domino effect can’t be denied.
Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson – three of the biggest names on the US PGA – have taken the money and left.
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Cameron Smith’s pending defection to LIV Golf has been met with a mixed reception. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP
Smith’s signing however is being seen as a game-changer.
At 28, he is only now coming into the peak of his powers, he is the most recent major winner and he overran Rory McIlroy, the biggest name in world golf since Tiger Woods, to claim the Open Championship.
Nonetheless, Smith’s pending defection, which the Australian remained coy about ahead of the FedEx Cup playoff opener, hasn’t been filled with overwhelming excitement and a popping of corks.
Indeed, there’s an overarching sense of disappointment, inevitability and sadness about Smith’s likely defection; financial security has won over legacy and moral compass.
McIlroy reveals tension with LIV golfers | 01:30
Writing for the UK Telegraph – the same publication that broke Smith’s defection on a deal worth more than $AU140 million – chiefs sports writer Oliver Brown emphasized that Smith’s defection “might” capture an audience that eventually garners a TV deal.
“His signing is arguably the Saudis’ most significant coup to date, and could represent a tipping point for the competition – a moment where a gilded freakshow turned into a sporting event which might demand the world’s attention,” Brown wrote.
At the heart of the appeal of LIV Golf, Brown hit the nail on his head when he revealed the ridiculous sums of money today’s stars were forgoing by resisting a move from the PGA Tour.
“Against this backdrop, you can see why the initial contact from Greg Norman, LIV’s ringmaster, became an offer Smith could not refuse,” he wrote.
“(Henrick) Stenson, a 46-year-old who has failed to reach the weekend in seven of his last nine majors, is the type of player he should be beating for breakfast. And yet the Swede, quickly forgetting his defenestration of him as Ryder Cup captain, earned more for a glorified three-day exhibition at Bedminster than Smith did for winning the 150th Open at the Home of Golf.
“From Smith’s perspective, this is an imbalance that urgently needs correcting. If he takes home the maximum loot of £3.93 million on his LIV debut in Boston next month, he would eclipse even the £2.98 million he earned at the Players Championship in May, in what was then the richest prize ever offered by a single golf tournament. Why should the leading man tolerate making less than some forgotten members of the chorus line?”
Cam Smith and others set to join LIV | 01:30
Brown continued by highlighting the ridiculous Saudi-funded money on offer but said the sheer financial sums couldn’t, at least at this point, match the theatre, drama and excitement on show at the PGA and DP World Tours.
“The numbers are so absurd, the golf itself has been rendered a sideshow. When Stenson holed the decisive putt at Bedminster, for the grandest payday of his career, the moment was greeted by the faintest rustle of polite applause. Even the winner himself did not look unduly bothered,” Brown wrote in The Telegraph.
“Here lies the sadness in Smith’s defection. With his talent in the fullest bloom, he deserves to be playing in front of the largest galleries, for the highest stakes. LIV ultimately offers him neither. It is a realm with all the money but none of the prestige. Smith, you sense, understands what true glory in golf means. As he gave his acceptance speech on the 18th green at St Andrews, the Claret Jug in his hand, the quaver in his voice suggested he was genuinely overwhelmed.
“For Smith to be swapping such moments for hollow, show-me-the-money exercises is a cause for lament. At one level, his departure from him in his prime from him demonstrates the scale of the Saudis’ ambitions. But at another, it is the grimmest possible reflection of the schism they have wrought.”
READ MORE
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Australia’s Cameron Smith’s decision not to answer whether he is joining LIV has been described as “cowardly” and “lame”. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP
At the USATodayAndy Nesbitt, was far more scathing.
In particular, the publication took aim at Smith’s decision to deflect questions around his future and offer no definitive answer on whether he intended to shift allegiances.
“In doing so, (Smith) tarnished a reputation that just a few weeks ago was one of the best in professional golf,” Nesbitt wrote.
“Smith didn’t deny it and he didn’t confirm it, he just said he had “no comment” on that, which is a really lame way of ducking the question while also pretty much confirming the report to be true.”
Nesbitt went as far as saying his responses were “cowardly.”
“But to not come out with a definitive answer when asked about it before the start of the PGA Tour playoffs is a pretty cowardly thing to do.
“Now it’s a little harder to cheer for a guy who just a few weeks ago was the coolest golfer in the world.”
Terse Cam refuses to address LIV rumors | 00:43
Thomas Kershaw from The Timestoo, wrote that Smith’s pending defection was the competition’s “biggest coup”.
“It has been very easy up until now to dismiss the gimmicks of LIV’s format — featuring shotgun starts, 54 holes and no cuts — as a watered-down exhibition lacking the essentials of elite competition. Critics could point to the players who shrugged off missed putts knowing their money was guaranteed beforehand and the rebel series was derived as a refuge for those who had cashed in on the twilight of their careers,” Kershaw wrote.
“The signing of Smith is a significant riposte to that narrative. LIV may already have a horde of relatively recent major champions but Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have battled injuries and indifferent form while Phil Mickelson still seems a ghost of his former self. Smith, 28, is the first to defect who is not just at the peak of the game but still entering the prime of his own.
He continued: “Smith remains LIV’s biggest coup to date and also symbolizes another aspect of their revolt that could bring considerable success. Smith had been vocal in urging the PGA Tour to bring a major golf event back to Australia but while those calls fell on deaf ears, LIV — and Norman — have been only too keen to hear them. When LIV expands into a 14-tournament league next year, it is reportedly scheduled to stop in Sydney in April, where Smith is expected to feature in an all-Australian team.”
Australian Cameron Smith is coming under renewed scrutiny ahead of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind on August 10, 2022 in Memphis. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP
Closer to home, James Erskine, the former manager of the late Shane Warne, who also managed Greg Norman in the past, told The Sydney Morning Herald the emergence of LIV was “destabilizing”, but didn’t accept the argument that players had blood on their hands given the competition is being backed by Saudi Arabia.
“It’s destabilizing the fabric of professional golf. I’m on the board of the PGA of Australia and we have to look after all professionals and professionals coming up. They all start as amateurs somewhere and are nurtured through the pathway so they could play golf, and then they get cards and qualify professionally,” he said. “So many people do business with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, where they have very different rules and regulations and different respect for women.
“But you can name just about any company and they will probably have a link to Saudi Arabia, Rolex, Range Rover, Rolls Royce, Ferrari. Everyone’s doing business with them, so I think it’s very unfair to turn around and say because you’re a professional golfer, you shouldn’t deal with Saudi Arabia.”
Meanwhile, Erskine said Smith would be welcomed to play in Australia even if he joins LIV Golf.
Australia captain Meg Lanning will take indefinite leave from cricket effective immediately, Cricket Australia announced on Wednesday.
The announcement comes just days after Australia won gold at the Commonwealth Games.
A Cricket Australia statement said Lanning will take leave due to “personal reasons”, and has withdrawn from the upcoming Hundred, where she was due to play with Trent Rockets.
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Maxwell suffers back injury during win | 01:26
“After a busy couple of years, I’ve made the decision to take a step back to enable me to spend time focusing on myself,” Lanning said in the statement.
“I’m grateful for the support of CA and my teammates and ask that my privacy is respected during this time.”
CA Head of Performance, Women’s Cricket, Shawn Flegler said: “We’re proud of Meg for acknowledging that she needs a break and will continue to support her during this time.
“She’s been an incredible contributor to Australian cricket over the last decade, achieving remarkable feats both individually and as part of the team, and has been a brilliant role model for young kids.
“The welfare of our players is always our number one priority, and we’ll continue to work with Meg to ensure she gets the support and space she needs.”
The Panthers are facing an injury crisis ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Storm.
The Premiers are already without a host of players and could now add young gun Taylan May to the list.
Read on for all the latest NRL team news
THURSDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm 7.50pm at BlueBet Stadium
panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Chris Smith 12 Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Sunia Turuva 18. Charlie Staines 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Robert Jennings 21. Kurt Falls 22. Viliame Kikau
Early Mail: The Panthers’ injury toll could be about to get worse after young gun Taylor May turned up to training in a sling. He was named in the Panthers side on Tuesday but will be in doubt for the blockbuster clash with the Storm.
storm-team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Jordan Grant 22. Jack Howarth
Broncos set to make changes after losses | 01:53
FRIDAY
Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6pm at Mt Smart Stadium
warriors team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Edward Kosi 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12 Jack Murchie 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Jackson Frei 18. Bayley Sironen 20. Adam Pompey 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Tom Ale 23. Rocco Berry
bulldogs team: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson 12 Jackson Topine 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Zach Dokar-Clay 15. Joe Stimson 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Chris Patolo 19. Declan Casey 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Phillip Makatoa
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 7.55pm at CommBank Stadium
eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Sean Russell 22. Elie El Zakhem
REVEALED: NRL’s punishment for Ricky for ugly spray as Kent slams
NEW ERA: Storm in ‘serious decline’ if Munster leaves as ‘biggest test’ looms
‘RATTLED THE CAGE’: The moment Eels star began mulling over Tigers backflip
Eels tired of ’embarrassment’ by Souths | 01:22
SATURDAY
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys 3pm at SCG
roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Drew Hutchison 17. Terrell May 18. Adam Keighran 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Kevin Naiqama 21. Ben Thomas 22. Siua Wong
cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jordan McLean 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Griffin Neame 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Ben Hampton 20. Jake Granville 21. Riley Price 22. Connelly Lemuelu
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks 5.30pm at Scully Park, Tamworth
tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. James Roberts 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Starford To’a 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Alex Seyfarth 12 Kelma Tuilagi 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Fonua Pole 15. Austin Dias 16. Thomas Freebairn 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Luke Garner 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Brandon Tumeth 21. Junior Tupou 22. Justin Matamua
sharks team: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Lachlan Miller 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Kayal Iro 19. Royce Hunt 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Matt Ikuvalu
Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights 7.35pm at Suncorp Stadium
broncos team: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Cory Paix 19. Ryan James 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Zac Hosking
knights team: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Anthony Milford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13 Mathew Croker 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Jack Johns 19. Sauaso Sue 20. Chris Randall 21. Edrick Lee 22. Hymel Hunt
Rudolf opens up on Pride support | 01:19
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SUNDAY
Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons 2pm at GIO Stadium
raiders team: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. James Schiller 19. Ata Mariota 20. Matt Frawley 21. Peter Hola 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
dragons team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Josh Mcguire 12. Jaydn Su ‘A 13. Michael Molo 14. Tyrell Sloan 15. Aaron Woods 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. Billy Burns 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Jackson Ford 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cody Ramsey 22. Jack Gosiewski
Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles 4.05pm at Cbus Super Stadium
titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Sosefo Fifita 3. Phillip Sami 4. Brian Kelly 5. Patrick Herbert 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Greg Marzhew 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam McIntyre 18. Corey Thompson 19. Toby Sexton 20. Paul Turner 21. Klese Haas 22. Jarrod Wallace
Early Mail: The Daily Telegraph reports Titans coach Justin Holbrook could recall struggling half Toby Sexton. The cellar dwellers are looking to snap a 10-game losing streak and could promote Sexton from the extended bench
Sea Eagles team: 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12 Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Josh Schuster 19. Kurt De Luis 20. Brad Parker 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Morgan Boyle
One of New Zealand’s most respected scribes has called for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster as tensions reach breaking point across the Tasman following the All Blacks’ 26-10 defeat to the Springboks over the weekend.
“It’s time to ring Scott Robertson, tell him to be waiting with his hand-picked assistants and for him and Jason Ryan to get on with rebuilding a legacy that is in danger of being horribly tainted if there is no definitive action taken,” wrote Gregor Paul in the New Zealand Herald.
“There is nothing now that can happen to convince anyone in New Zealand – anyone who knows the game – that the All Blacks are going to miraculously improve without a total and brutal cleanout and reset.
“Confidence has been shattered, all hope lost and it would be madness for New Zealand Rugby to do anything other than get out the check book, pay off the termination fees and usher in a new era.”
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Calls for Scott Robertson to replace Ian Foster are becoming deafening after the All Blacks slumped to their third straight defeat. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The strong column comes after the All Blacks slumped to a 24-year first, as the nation slumped to its third straight defeat after previously losing their first home series in 28 years.
The 16-point loss, which was also their fifth defeat from six Tests, will see New Zealand drop to a historic low of fifth when World Rugby updates their rankings.
But, as was pointed out, it was not just the scoreboard that revealed the grim picture, it was the nature of the All Blacks’ defeat.
Foster’s side barely fired a shot.
It took until midway through the second half to get inside the Springboks’ 22 meter line and, for much of the game, they were suffocated by a rush defense that forced errors from the usually highly skilled New Zealand backs.
Malcolm Marx was the chief disrupter for the All Blacks, as the Springboks hooker, playing his 50th Test, regularly got on the ball and turned it over.
Malcolm Marx was awarded player of the match for his stunning breakdown work against the All Blacks. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The All Blacks only made two real chances.
The first they bombed after some Beauden Barrett brilliance from his own goal-line ended in a terrible forward pass from flanker Akira Ioane near halfway.
The second chance saw Shannon Frizell slam the ball down out wide after Caleb Clarke crashed the Springbok defence, before brilliantly being tackled from behind by a diving Damian Willemse.
“In their defining hour, their day of reckoning, the All Blacks barely fired a shot,” wrote Liam Napier for the New Zealand Herald.
“Mbombela Stadium exploded at the seams with 45,000 screaming South Africans forming a sea of green; a piercing atmosphere. The locals sure had plenty to shout about, too.
“In that white hot cauldron, among the swarming Springboks, on their first venture to South Africa in four years, the All Blacks failed to cope with the relentless aerial and physical assault on their senses.
“It wasn’t the All Blacks were intimidated. It wasn’t they were caught off guard, either. The Boks stuck to their unimaginative kick-heavy, forward-dominated blueprint and executed it to perfection. The All Blacks knew it was coming – and still had few answers.”
READ MORE
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‘Commanding performance’: Under-siege All Blacks say they’ve made a ‘step up’ despite Springboks loss
The All Blacks barely fired a shot against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Some of the more colorful writing came from Jamie Wall.
“Here we go again. Another All Black loss in 2022, the third in four tests, another week of mounting pressure on the coaching staff and the people that put them there. The loss was another extension of the gaping wound that is the national side, now festering with pus and infection, stinking to high heaven of defeat and desperation,” Wall wrote for Radio New Zealand.
In his post-match interview, Foster described the defeat as “probably our best performance of the year”.
“We’re bitterly disappointed but I felt it was our most improved performance this year,” Foster said.
“Some of the areas we really shifted our game forward. In a game dominated by defense we defended well but our timing was out a little bit in terms of the attack so we’re going to have to go and have a look at that. There’s a few players over here for the first time feeling the pressure that comes from this type of team.
“We’re pretty excited about the next challenge of playing at Ellis Park for a trophy.”
Wall said that “seems somewhat laughable considering it was the heaviest defeat to the Springboks since 1928.
“But really, the sad truth is that he might be right.
“However, if that’s all there is to brag about, then the labeling of this test shows just how delusional this side is about the way they are playing. As if it wasn’t already, this is a serious crisis that is only going to get worse before it gets better.”
New Zealand’s coach Ian Foster looks ahead of the Rugby Championship international rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Long-time rugby writer Marc Hinton quite rightly pointed out that there was nothing shocking about losing to the Springboks, but he added the heavily one-sided nature to the defeat was concerning. After all, the All Blacks did beat the Springboks 57-0 in 2017 — a match which included eight players in the 23 from the weekend’s 26-10 loss.
“This was a limited, painful and at times gormless performance from an All Blacks side that has completely lost its mojo, its confidence, its rhythm and, to be frank, its wherewithal,” wrote Hinton for stuff.
“Ian Foster’s coaching tenure now hangs by a slender thread after his All Blacks proved patently ill-equipped to handle a superb display of high-intensity rugby from the world champion Springboks.
“The South Africans started and all-but finished this Rugby Championship opener, in front of a passionate, seeing crowd of over 43,000 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, with players being driven off the field in medi-carts, but in between they applied a massive knockout blow to these reeling All Blacks with a 26-10 victory that was every bit as one-sided as it sounds.
“It is no disgrace to lose to a side of the caliber of this South African outfit. Plenty have over the years, and plenty more will too in days to come. But to go down so decisively, and largely fail to apply anything resembling sustained pressure on their opponents for so much of this one-sided contest, well, it spoke to how far this All Blacks side has plunged.”
READ MORE
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Player ratings: Lock’s stunning comeback, young star stands up after last minute call-up
‘Pretty serious’: Quade’s RWC dream in doubt after devastating injury blow leaves No.10 jersey wide open
NZRU CEO Mark Robinson (L) has come under fire for overseeing the All Blacks’ struggles on and off the field. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the South African media basked in their team’s glory, but highlighted that this was the most “convincing winning margin in the professional era” over the All Blacks.
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“They may have failed to keep the All Blacks tryless in a Bok win for the first time since the Wellington success in 1998, but the 16-point buffer was by far their most convincing winning margin in the professional era,” wrote Khanyiso Tshwaku on news24.com
“It wasn’t pretty – seldom is the Bok way of rugby – and it is said that only a mother could love how they go about their business.
“However, they earned the love of not just the 42,387 who packed into the giraffe-propped nation, but the entire country. “It was aggressive. It was physical. It was faultless and flawless in every sense.”
Craig Ray, writing for DailyMaverick.co.zasaid the Boks were “dominant, emphatic, claustrophobic and clinical.
“The Springboks have seldom, if ever, dominated an All Black side so comprehensively. Despite a 26-10 final scoreline, the tourists were lucky it was not a lot worse.
“New Zealand hardly had any ball, they lost the aerial battle, they were destroyed on the ground and smothered when they did try to launch attacks.
“All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s time in charge is now surely measured in hours, not days.”
New Zealand’s fly-half Beauden Barrett (2nd R) attempts to get away from star center Lukhanyo Am (2nd L) at the Mbombela Stadium on August 6, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Brendon Nel, writing for SuperSportinstead focused attention on the marvelous Springboks.
“You could sense it walking into the stadium. The electricity in the air. The nerves, the tension. So many of us who have arrived at these games before – in places across the world – know there simply is no thing as a bad All Black team. They may be wounded, but they are dangerous. And before the naysayers take out another knife for the now-inevitable demise of Ian Foster’s coaching stint with the All Blacks, let’s say it fairly – This was a magical Springbok performance,” Nel wrote.
He continued: “This was a night that Nelspruit had been waiting for. There weren’t just one or two heroes, but an entire team.This was a night where the ghosts of the past were laid to rest, where the passion and pride in Springbok rugby showed that while there may be those who relish writing them off across the world, those who have turned Springbok-hating into a sport, nothing can stop the heart of a Springbok.”
Parents are timing their pregnancies to coincide with desirable zodiac sign birth months – and it’s a phenomenon that stretches back years.
Several parents are reportedly planning the conception so that nine months later their child will be born in the right month.
There’s multiple threads in Reddit dedicated to the trend.
“Has anyone tried their future children’s zodiac planning based on you and your s/o zodiac?” the Reddit question begins.
“My husband thinks I’m crazy for wanting to plan our next child according to signs so that when we do have another child we can all be compatible.”
Dozens weighed in, including one person who said: “Dad is a Gemini, mum is an Aquarius, and they planned me as a Gemini and I was born in the dead center of Gemini.
“I think it’s a great idea! My parents and I had an incredible relationship.”
Another added: “I like the idea of adding a Libra. I have had three best friends that have been Libras so I thought maybe that could work!”
According to Vicebelief in zodiac signs is prevalent among multiple aspiring parents in America who plan when they want to conceive their child.
However, it doesn’t always go to plan.
The US outlet spoke to several parents who had their babies slightly too early or too late to fulfill their wishes of having the perfect zodiac sign.
Mackenzie Warren, from the US state of North Carolina, was hoping for a Scorpio child but her daughter ended up being Libra.
The couple tried again but deliberately delayed it hoping to avoid Pisces. The second time it worked, as they ended up in Aquarius.
Then there’s Kimberly Miller, from LA, who told the publication that she really didn’t want a Virgo child because that had been her mother’s zodiac, who was quite uptight.
Accordingly, when her due date approached, she tried all kinds of things to kick the process along as the Virgo months neared.
The mum-to-be ate ‘maternity salad’ and even underwent Buddhist chanting upon a friend’s suggestion.
Her daughter, now a teenager, is reportedly very laid-back despite being a Virgo.
Elon Musk has thrown the gauntlet down at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after challenging Russian President Vladimir Putin to physical blows earlier this year.
speaking to the full-send podcast, Musk said in the hypothetical scenario posed to him that he “wouldn’t say no” if the North Korean leader wanted to fight him.
In March, Musk went viral for a tweet in which he challenged the Russian President to fight.
“I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat,” he wrote.
“Stakes are Ukraine.”
When asked who Musk’s biggest “enemy” was at the moment, the billionaire mentioned his challenge to the Kremlin.
“I am not sure if they are going to send him, but I did challenge him on Twitter,” he said.
So how exactly would Elon Musk battle against the Russian leader known for his military martial arts background?
Easy. Musk says it’s a little known technique called “the walrus”.
“Listen, (the fight will) be a pay-per-view,” the Tesla and SpaceX CEO envisioned.
“It’ll be an interesting question because (Putin’s) good at martial arts and he’s pretty buff. You’ve seen those pictures of him on a horse.
“He has won like Judo championships… so he is pretty good, but I think I am 30 per cent bigger than him.”
Musk said his “weight advantage” would help him overthrow Putin with his ultimate MMA move.
“I’m going to use a move called ‘the walrus’, where I just lie on you. You can’t get away.”
While Musk is known for making controversial commentary that even he worries “could really backfire” on him, the billionaire has focused part of his Starlink efforts to aid Ukrainians.
As Ukraine enters its fifth month during the Russian invasion, Musk has deployed thousands of Starlink satellites to aid the Ukrainian defensive effort.
Musk activated the broadband service in Ukraine, after a Kyiv official urged the tech titan to provide his embattled country with stations.
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Musk tweeted, adding “more terminals [are] enroute.”
The Satellites have been a vital resource allowing Ukrainians to maintain access to the internet with encrypted data as Russia seeks to target Ukrainian power grids in attempts to disrupt information sharing.
David Warner is reportedly on the verge of confirming his long-awaited return to the Big Bash League by signing with the Sydney Thunder.
The Age reports that the in-demand Australian opener could sign for the western Sydney club as early as Saturday, marking his first return to the domestic competition since 2013.
Warner’s deal will reportedly be worth at least $340,000, which is the same as what’s being offered to the highest tier of overseas players in the competition’s inaugural draft.
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Candice addresses David’s BBL future | 01:30
The left-hander — who was said to be in talks about playing in the UAE’s inaugural ILT20 — will replace Usman Khawaja, who has moved to the Brisbane Heat.
The door opened for Warner to return to the BBL after South Africa pulled out of an ODI series against Australia in January.
According to The AgeWarner was then among several Australian contracted players offered as much as $650,000 to play in the UAE start-up.
In the case of Warner, however, that outcome has been avoided — marking a massive boost for the Big Bash.
Warner will be available for five BBL matches after Australia’s three-Test tour against South Africa wraps up in Sydney in early January.
Australia’s cost of living crisis has been laid bare after Sydney residents rushed to a local petrol station upon hearing that prices were much lower than normal.
By the time most arrived, however, the price had fluctuated and was back to a more expensive level.
On Saturday morning, just past 9am, a thoughtful resident spotted that petrol prices were unusually cheap at a service station in Randwick, in Sydney’s east.
She took a quick snap and shared it a local community group, prefacing the image with “Cheap petrol Clovelly Rd.
“I don’t drive but plenty of cars buying.”
It was as low as 115.8 and 129 cents per liter (unleaded and premium unleaded respectively) but just an hour later, the prices had jumped to 161 and 175 cents per liter.
The original poster promised to notify her community if she spotted low prices again.
The current average price for regular unleaded fuel in Sydney is at 169.1 cents per liter, according to the NRMA’s weekly fuel report.
It comes as Australia has been caught in the throes of a cost of living crisis as inflation, rising interest rates and supply chain issues have made it harder to get ahead financially.
In the last quarter, transport costs rose 13.1 per cent as the price of fuel rose to record levels for the fourth quarter in a row.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously said he would not extend the 50 per cent fuel excise cut, due to expire September 28, due to the cost to the budget bottom line.
To extend it for another six months would cost the government $3 billion.
Last month, data found that Australians were spending nearly three-quarters more on petroleum each month than they were less than a year ago.
In June, the average monthly spend on petroleum in Australia was $192.63, an increase of $82.05 (74.19 per cent) from September 2021.
These heavy prices have made Australians become more strategic and considered with their driving habits, with more than 60 per cent now shopping around for cheaper fuel.
The Newcastle Knights’ season has been thrown into even more disarray after it was revealed that the club was investigating an alleged racist remark made by a staff member.
According to Newcastle Heraldthe complaint was made after a lower-grade indigenous player was told to “stop playing like a blackfella and get back to structure”.
Newcastle are reportedly investigating the alleged racist remark, and are taking the matter very seriously.
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According to the Herald, it was not the player in question who raised the complaint to the Knights.
“I can confirm the process if there are any allegations of racial vilification,” Knights chief executive Phil Gardner said told Newcastle Herald.
“They will be handled very firmly by the club.
“The outcomes could lead to a range of sanctions, which could be suspended, ends or
“Anyone found guilty would be dealt with on that basis, although it’s very important that allegations aren’t treated as truth or fact, because it could impact on those people in their future careers … if it’s not factual, it shouldn’t be reported .”
This investigation it not at all linked to David Klemmer’s situation at the club, after he was given a show cause notice after an on-field incident.
Klemmer allegedly refused to leave the field and verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during the Knights’ 14-point loss to the Bulldogs.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday that claimed the star forward had called the trainer a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.
Journalist Brent Read understands that the former Blues representative had apologized to coach Adam O’Brien over text message.
While the prop has been dropped for this weekend’s clash with the Wests Tigers, amid earlier reports that he could have his contract torn up, it’s believed that he could return next weekend.
Originally published as Under-fire Newcastle Knights rocked as racism allegations revealed
