Brazil edge out Bafana Jun 27, 2009
Brazil face the United States in Sunday's final with South Africa heading to Rustenburg for the third place play-off with Spain. South Africa were without suspended midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, his place taken by Siphiwe Tshabalala, while Brazil midfielder Luisao started for injured Juan. (iAfrica.com)
TSX Venture Exchange Daily Bulletins for June 26, 2009 Jun 27, 2009
TSX-X ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANOORAQ RESOURCES CORPORATION ("ARQ") BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase Agreement, Private Placement-Non-Brokered BULLETIN DATE: June 26, 2009 TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has accepted for filing documentation in connection with certain acquisition agreements originally entered into on March 28, 2008, as amended May 13, 2009, among Anooraq Resources Corporation (the "Company") and... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Alves saves Brazil against South Africa in Confed Cup Jun 26, 2009
Brazil now face the United States in Sunday's final with South Africa heading to Rustenburg for the third place play-off with Spain. "I think we played very well against a team recognised as one of the best in world and even surprised Brazil. I'm very proud," said Brazil-born South Africa coach Joel Santana. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Late Alves free-kick gives Brazil victory Jun 26, 2009
Meanwhile, South Africa have the consolation of facing European champions Spain once again in the third-place play-off in Rustenburg. Despite their victory, Brazil rarely convinced in a tight encounter, as South Africa's Brazilian coach Joel Santana sent his side out intent to frustrate the country of his birth. (CNN -- International)
Football: Brazil qualify for Confederations Cup final Jun 26, 2009
com - Football Brazil qualify for Confederations Cup final. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
U.S. in Confederations Cup Jun 25, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa Outplayed by Italy and Brazil, the U.S. soccer team once again was on the verge of first-round elimination from a big international tournament ... From left, USA's Clint Dempsey, left, Benny Feilhaber, Michael Bradley, and Charlie Davies celebrate after Dempsey scored their third goal during their Confederations Cup Group B soccer match against Egypt, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 21, 2009. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
From mining to menus Jun 24, 2009
Mokoena is one of the hundreds of retrenched miners in South Africa's platinum mining town of Rustenburg who have sought employment in the growing tourism industry ahead of the 2010 World Cup highlighting a shift in the town's employment trends ... Rustenburg has been especially hard-hit, the world's top producer Anglo Platinum and the number three Lonmin announcing 15000 cuts, according to unions ... The build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup has steered Rustenburg towards new tourism... (iAfrica.com)
* US net three to join Brazil in semis Jun 23, 2009
Pointless and minus-five on goal difference, the Americans appeared down and out ahead of the final Group B fixture in Rustenburg against opponents who had upset world champions Italy in midweek, but a goal midway through the first half from Charlie Davies and two more within nine minutes after halftime by Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey gave the US an unexpectedly comfortable triumph ... Egypts Mahmoud Fathalla, left, battles for the ball with Ricardo Clark of the US during their... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
GregLalasOutside The Box U.S. makes of most of its second wind at the Confederations Cup. Jun 23, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- Egypt head coach Hassan Shehata skipped the postgame press conference here on Sunday night ... Now with the plan coming together so nicely, how much should the Miracle in Rustenburg still be chalked up to luck. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Simply Amazing Jun 23, 2009
RUSTENBURG: American hero Clint Dempsey admitted he had no idea his side still had a chance to qualify while team-mates said they had planned an honourable exit from the Confederations Cup. Instead, a 3-0 win over Egypt on Sunday, combined with a 3-0 loss for Italy against Brazil in Pretoria, saw the Americans surprise qualifiers for the semi-final of the eight-team tournament in South Africa. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Confederations Cup: U.S. rolling along without injured Bocanegra Jun 23, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- The United States has made a run to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup by learning how to play without injured captain Carlos Bocanegra. The defender has been out since June 6 and could sit out tomorrow's match against European champion Spain because of a hamstring injury. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Defense gets up to speed for US Jun 23, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa - The United States has made a run to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup by learning how to play without injured captain Carlos Bocanegra. The defender has been sidelined since June 6 and could sit out tomorrow s match against European champion Spain because of a hamstring injury. (Boston Globe)
U.S. Advances To Confederations Cup Semis Jun 23, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Outplayed by Italy and Brazil, the U.S. soccer team once again was on the verge of first-round elimination from a big international tournament. To reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, the Americans needed to beat Egypt by at least three goals while the Italians lost to Brazil by at least three. (W-USA News, DC)
It's a major step forward for US Jun 22, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa - On the verge of elimination and facing long odds, the United States came up with its best showing at a major international tournament in seven years and an improbable semifinal berth at the Confederations Cup. Charlie Davies scored in the first half, and Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey added goals in the final half hour to lead the United States past Egypt, 3-0, yesterday. (Boston Globe)
South Africa: Bafana Bafana Through to Semifinals Jun 22, 2009
Meanwhile, the Pharaohs of Egypt will play knocked out United States in their last group match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg this afternoon. For Egypt to qualify for the semifinals, Brazil will have to beat Italy in this afternoon's game in Pretoria's Loftus Stadium and the African Champions will have to beat the United States to gain a maximum of three points. (allAfrica.com)
U.S. blanks Egypt 3-0, advances Jun 22, 2009
The United States secured an unlikely place in the Confederations Cup semifinals by beating Egypt 3-0 Sunday in Rustenburg, South Africa. The Americans had looked to be heading out of the soccer tournament after losses to Italy and Brazil, but Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey scored in a vastly improved performance to edge the African champions for a place in the next round on goal difference. (News & Observer -- Sports)
USA soccer gets win, gets help Jun 22, 2009
(06-21) 18:47 PDT RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) ... US advances to Confederations Cup semis Articles (06-21) 18:47 PDT RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Outplayed by Italy and Brazil, the U.S. soccer team once again was on the verge of first-round elimination from a big international tournament. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
US beats Egypt, advances to Confed Cup semifinals Jun 22, 2009
(AP) RUSTENBURG, South Africa - The U.S. soccer team didn't need just a victory against Egypt, but a six-goal swing. As the final minutes ticked down, that's just what happened. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Italy out of Confed Cup after 3-0 loss to Brazil Jun 22, 2009
"Our team showed physically, technically and in all aspects that it was superior to a great team, a team which is the current world champion,'' Dunga said.The Italians needed to beat Brazil by at least two goals to reach the semifinals without having to depend on the other Group B match between Egypt and the United States, but they were outplayed from the start by the Brazilians.With Egypt's 3-0 loss to the United States in Rustenburg, one goal against Brazil would have been enough to qualify... (MSNBC -- Sports)
USA through as Italy and Egypt slip up Jun 22, 2009
The Americans beat African champions Egypt 3-0 in Rustenburg to overtake both the Egyptians and the Italians, who lost to Group B winners Brazil 3-0, in the standings. Clint Dempsey headed in the deciding goal in the 71st minute, eight minutes after Michael Bradley gave the Americans hope with a goal in the 63rd. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Italy beaten by Brazil 3-0 in Confederations Cup Jun 22, 2009
Before the fuel with Brazil, Italy had three points, the same as Egypt who had a match against the United States on Sunday in Rustenburg. The Azzurri's hope to sail into the next stage became slimmer after their 1-0 defeat by African champions Egypt in the South African economic hub of Johannesburg on Thursday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Brazil ousts Italy Jun 22, 2009
With Egypt's 3-0 loss to the United States in Rustenburg, one goal against Brazil would have been enough to qualify Italy instead of the Americans on goal difference. Brazil will face South Africa in the semifinals, while the United States will play Spain. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Football: Spain extend unbeaten winning streak Jun 21, 2009
However, an Italian victory will then turn the attention to the other match between Egypt and the United States in Rustenburg. Share this on. (CNN -- International)
U.S. coach not surprised position under scrutiny Jun 21, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -United States coach Bob Bradley isn't surprised that his position is under scrutiny from some fans and commentators ahead of Sunday's must-win Confederations Cup match against Egypt. Bradley's team needs to beat the African champions to have any chance of reaching the semifinals of the eight-team tournament but his ability to motivate and organize his players has been queried on internet blogs and fan forums. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
The reign in Spain: 15 straight victories Jun 21, 2009
Where: Rustenburg, South Africa. When: 11:30 a.m. PDT. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
U.S. mustrout Egypt, get help in Confed Cup Jun 21, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -After two dismal defeats, the U.S. team finds itself on the verge of elimination from a major tournament, It's a familiar story. The United States just doesn't have to beat Egypt on Sunday in its final first-round match at the Confederations Cup, the Americans need an improbable combination: They could advance by beating Egypt by at least three goals, and either Italy scoring three fewer goals than the United States in a loss to Brazil or the victory margins of the... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Iraq shut out of Confederations Cup Jun 21, 2009
Iraq had stood a slim chance to grab the remaining semifinal slot from Group A after the first one went to European champion Spain who collected six points in two matches and host South Africa defeated New Zealand 2-0 on Wednesday in Rustenburg ... The final round of Group B match will be played on Sunday in Rustenburg and Pretoria. (Xinhuanet, China)
* Egypt stun Italy, Brazil crush US Jun 20, 2009
But the Pharaohs face a demoralized and pointless US in their final pool fixture in Rustenburg tomorrow night, while Italy must confront goal-hungry six-point Brazil in Pretoria at the same time. South Africa, staging the festival of champions to test their readiness to host the 2010 World Cup, are also in contention for a semi-finals slot with a three-point lead over Iraq going into the final series of Group A games. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
South Africa: Bafana Bafana Will Make Good Showing in 2010 - Blatter Jun 20, 2009
South Africa thrashed New Zealand 2-nil in a nail-biting Group A match, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, in Rustenburg on Wednesday. This was a huge improvement for the national side following their goal-less draw against the Asian champions in the opening match of the tournament. (allAfrica.com)
Surprise package Egypt close in on last four Jun 20, 2009
RUSTENBURG: Surprise package Egypt take on Bob Bradleys under-performing United States here tomorrow with a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals within their grasp. The Pharaohs turned up in South Africa under a cloud after making heavy weather of early qualifying for next years World Cup. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* N Korea end 44-year World Cup wait Jun 19, 2009
After a goalless draw with Iraq, South Africa had to triumph in the northwestern mining town of Rustenburg and arch-predator Parker eased the pressure on Brazil-born coach Joel Santana. Id like to thank my coach, who showed a lot of faith in me by starting me for this game. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Vuvuzela-fest: Get ready for more noise in 2010 Jun 19, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -Take away the vuvuzela trumpet, and you take away the essence of the South African football fan ... Associated Press writers Stuart Moir in Rustenburg and Tales Azzoni in Pretoria, and AP Sports Writer Paul Logothetis in Bloemfontein contributed to this report. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
A sweet redemption for Bafana Bafana striker Parker Jun 19, 2009
RUSTENBURG (South Africa): South Africa, playing for their Confe-de--rations Cup lives at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium built on revenue from the local platinum mines, dug themselves out of deep trouble here on Wednesday with a resounding 2-0 win over New Zealand ... The Rustenburg result in front of a near-capacity 40,000 crowd boosted the 2010 World Cup hosts prospects of qualifying for the semi-finals as Group A runners-up behind Spain, who ensured their place in the last four earlier on... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* FIFA to discuss future of noisy trumpet Jun 19, 2009
AFP, RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Friday, Jun 19, 2009, Page 19. A colorful South African supporter shows off his highly decorated hard hat and vuvuzela during the Confederations Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
So. Africa tops New Zealand 2-0 Jun 18, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Bernard Parker brought South Africa closer to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over New Zealand on Wednesday. Tsepo Masilela set up both goals for a team that started the tournament hesitantly with a 0-0 draw against Iraq before producing sparkling, attacking play before an adoring crowd of 36,598. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Fans come alive as South Africa win Jun 18, 2009
But no matter what happens Saturday, South Africa's win in Rustenburg set the thousands of fans dressed in green and yellow - the national team's colours - dancing and shaking in the stands to the constant roar of the plastic vuvuzelas. And to get the party started, it was Parker who did more than redeem himself for inadvertently blocking a goal-bound header with the back of his leg late in the opening draw against Iraq. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
South Africa beats NZ 2-0 in Confederations Cup Jun 18, 2009
Bernard Parker of South Africa (L) gives a powerful shot during a Group A match between South Africa and New Zealand at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Rustenburg, South Africa, June 17, 2009 ... RUSTENBURG, South Africa, June 17 (Xinhua) -- South Africa, host of the FIFA Confederations Cup, gained precious three points by defeating New Zealand 2-0 in its second Group A match of the intercontinental tournament on Wednesday in the South African northern city of Rustenburg ... Teko Modise of South... (Xinhuanet, China)
* FIFA to give away tickets to fans to help fill stadiums Jun 18, 2009
After a near sellout in the opening match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, matches in Rustenburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein were all played in stadiums nowhere near capacity ... Hosts South Africa, who played in a nearly full stadium in the tournaments opener, played their second match Wednesday against New Zealand in Rustenburg while Spain faced Iraq in Bloemfontein. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
FIFA to give away free Confed Cup tickets Jun 18, 2009
After a near sellout in the open ing match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, matches in Rustenburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein were all played in stadiums nowhere near capacity. AP. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
South Africa: Vuvuzelas Blast for National Soccer Team Jun 18, 2009
Rustenburg A near-hysterical Dutch journalist yesterday voiced his intense dislike for the South African vuvuzela to Fifa president Sepp Blatter, asking the world football boss if it would not be possible for the "noisy and irritating instrument" to be banned before the start of the Soccer World Cup next June. Displaying the fine-tuned skills of a slippery politician, Blatter reminded his inquisitor that he was in Africa and to accept that local fans were never going to be anything like what he... (allAfrica.com)
Southern Sudan: Attack on food barges disrupts operationsDarfur rebel leader pledges ceasefireBADEA gives DR Congo US$6m loan for school projectQatari mediator says Darfur fighting cripples Doha talks UNICEF expresses concern over hostilities in Somalia12,000 Somalis displaced by violence in MogadishuIGAD intensifies pressure for UN sanctions against EritreaSomali govt vows to crush radical Islamic fighters in Mogadishu DR Congo's defence minister in BelgiumHealth ministry warns against counterfeit quinine in DRCBADEA gives DR Congo US$6m loan for school projectCongolese striker Makiadi joins Freiburg Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE Records fall at 2009 FIFA Confederations CupJohannesburg, South Africa (PANA) - The second round of matches in group A of the current 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa did not just produce winners and losers, but a number of records were overturned in the process. 18/06/2009 Full Text... Jun 18, 2009
The second group A match, between host South Africa and Oceania champion New Zea land in Rustenburg gave Bafana Bafana its first-ever win in the four-yearly Confederations Cup, when they defeated New Zealand 2-0 to stay on course for a semi-final berth. Action switches to the second round of matches in group B Wednesday, with Africa n champion Egypt taking on 2006 World Cup winner Italy in Johannesburg, and defending champion Brazil tackling CONCACAF Gold Cup winner Un ited States in Pretoria. (Panapress.com)
Confederations Cup: U.S. renews lopsided rivalry with Brazil Jun 18, 2009
" At the 2006 World Cup, the United States opened with a 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic, then tied Italy, 1-1, and was in position to advance with a victory against Ghana. But the Americans lost, 2-1, and were eliminated. In the last U.S. appearance at the Confederations Cup, in 2003 in France, the team was knocked out with losses in its first two matches, 2-1 to Turkey and 1-0 to Brazil. The United States' previous match against Brazil was an exhibition in September 2007, and it ended in a 4-2... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Spain tips Iraq 1-0, to semis Jun 18, 2009
South Africa moved closer to the second semifinal spot from the group by beating New Zealand 2-0 in Rustenburg in the late game. "We never feared for the victory," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who refused to look beyond Saturday's match against South Africa. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Football: Parker finds redemption to keep South Africa in the hunt Jun 18, 2009
com - Football Parker finds redemption to keep South Africa in the hunt. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Spain beats Iraq 1-0 to reach semifinals Jun 18, 2009
South Africa moved closer to the second semifinal spot from the group by beating New Zealand 2-0 in Rustenburg in the late game. "We never feared for the victory,'' said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who refused to look beyond Saturday's match against South Africa. "It's hard to talk about the future when you have such wonderful things going on now. (MSNBC -- Sports)
S. Africa keeps hope alive with win over New Zealand Jun 18, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) -Bernard Parker scored in the 21st and 52nd minutes, leading South Africa over New Zealand 2-0 Wednesday night and moving the hosts closer to a berth in the Confederations Cup semifinals. Spain (2-0) advanced to the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Iraq earlier in the day. (MSNBC -- Sports)
SAfrica has Spain as key test to its credentials Jun 18, 2009
(AP) RUSTENBURG, South Africa - The Brazilian coach of South Africa set his team up with a shot at reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals, even if it wasn't exactly by playing "the beautiful game" for which Brazil is renowned. After Wednesday's 2-0 win over New Zealand, Bafana Bafana still face an uphill struggle to advance from Group A because they face top-ranked Spain in their final group game. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Spain look to lock up group as rivals chase second spot Jun 17, 2009
Bafana Bafana, heavily criticised for a negative approach to the match, need to beat New Zealand at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg to get back on course for a semi-final place. Coach Joel Santana hinted at changes for todays Group A match, including a return to the starting line-up for midfielder Steven Pienaar. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
NZ to spoil Bafana party? Jun 17, 2009
Herbert, who played for New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup finals, described the game in Rustenburg as "huge" for South Africa, who were left stunned after being held to a goalless draw by Iraq on Sunday. "They'll be looking to win after Iraq and will be under a lot of pressure. "We are still looking for our first point, maybe we have a chance to get it tomorrow. (iAfrica.com)
Pienaar tells team-mates not to panic Jun 16, 2009
The good news for coach Joel Santana and Bafana Bafanas fans is that Pienaar has recovered from his ailment and is expected to start in Rustenburg where his creative expertise will be warmly welcomed. Assessing the hosts predicament in this warm up to next years World Cup the 27-year-old told fifa. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Spain score five, South Africa flop Jun 16, 2009
Spain celebrate after Fernando Torres scored against New Zealand during their Confederations Cup match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Sunday ... Liverpool striker Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick within 17 minutes of the kick-off as tournament favorites Spain routed New Zealand 5-0 at a half-full Rustenburg stadium. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Goals galore and controversy as Brazil, Italy triumph Jun 16, 2009
Tuesday is the first rest day at the two-week tournament and when the action resumes the following afternoon, title favourites Spain face Iraq in Bloemfontein before South Africa meet New Zealand in Rustenburg. AFP. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
South Africa hopes World Cup legacy begins soon Jun 16, 2009
RUSTENBURG, South Africa - Fistus Nape sits on the corner waiting, his belly filled with hunger, hoping that one of the passing cars will pull over to offer him work ... For the 62-year-old Rustenburg native, it's been like that for most of his life, and he doesn't expect anything to change just because the World Cup is soon coming to South Africa ... "It's a great honor for us, the people of Rustenburg," said 35-year-old Michael Mekgwe, who watched European champion Spain practice alongside his... (Anchorage Daily News)
Colors to blend at South Africa's World Cup Jun 16, 2009
"It means a lot,'' said Lerato Mabe, a teacher and mother of three from northern Rustenburg. "We are enjoying everything we have today because of them ... "This will be the same and even more at a higher level, because football is the people's sport.''---Casert reported from Johannesburg, Logothetis from Rustenburg. 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. On Newsvine Rate Story:LowHighTop NBCSports.com... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Confed Cup giving South Africans a taste of WCup Jun 16, 2009
In Rustenburg, where European champion Spain played its first match, local resident Butie Tshoagong was thrilled to see his city getting ready for next year ... AP Sports Writers Stuart Condie in Johannesburg, Andrew Dampf in Irene, Paul Logothetis in Rustenburg and Robert Millward in Durban contributed to this report. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Empty seats stand out at Spain-New Zealand match Jun 16, 2009
RUSTENBURG: More than half of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium seats were empty for the Confederations Cup match between Spain and New Zealand on Sunday ... Rustenburg, a platinum mining town with a population of one million, will host three more matches. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
STANDINGS, SCORES Jun 16, 2009
June 17 Spain vs. Iraq at Bloemfontein, 10 a.m. South Africa vs. New Zealand at Rustenburg, 2:30 p.m. ... June 21 Italy vs. Brazil at Pretoria, 2:30 p.m. Egypt vs. United States at Rustenburg, 2:30 p.m. ... June 28 at Rustenburg, 11 a.m.. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Stars arrive but South Africa needs to steal show Jun 6, 2009
Rows of empty seats at the 16 Confederations Cup matches in Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein won't help, and organizers are scrambling to sell the approximately 30 percent of tickets still available. The problem is that, unlike the World Cup, there won't be the hundreds of thousands of overseas fans for this competition. (MSNBC -- Sports)
* British and Irish dominate clash of Lions Jun 5, 2009
The visitors, who struggled to subdue a Royal XV by 12 points last Saturday at Rustenburg in the first of 10 matches, had a 39-10 half-time advantage ... The British Lions also impressed with their slick handling in stark contrast to the showing in Rustenburg when numerous balls were knocked on or lost in tackle. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Northern rugby was too easy, says Jack Jun 5, 2009
The visitors, who struggled to subdue a Royal XV by 12 points last Saturday at Rustenburg in the first of 10 matches, had a 39-10 half-time advantage. Led by Ireland grand slam-winning skipper Brian O'Driscoll, the tourists took full advantage of a Golden Lions team who just a week ago axed coach Eugene Eloff and replaced him with the inexperienced Hans Coetzee. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spreading the love? Jun 2, 2009
South Africa's north-western Rustenburg stadium, where some of the games will be played, is just 150 kilometres from Botswana. Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit lies just an hour drive from the Mozambican border. (iAfrica.com)
* Brian ODriscoll named as skipper for Ellis Park clash Jun 2, 2009
Only three players who started against the Royal XV in Rustenburg on Saturday X a match won 37-25 by the tourists X get another start against the provincial team from Johannesburg ... He added that the team had done a lot work on several key areas since Saturdays match in Rustenburg. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Lions need to improve: McGeechan Jun 2, 2009
Ian McGeechan's men were far from convincing in their opener against a Royal XV in Rustenburg at the weekend, sealing the victory only late in the match after tries by replacement lock Alun-Wyn Jones and Ronan O'Gara ... "They like to hit the rucks hard and I know they'll be more physical and aggressive than they were in Rustenburg," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Boks too strong for Lions - White Jun 1, 2009
World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White, who watched the Lions struggle to subdue a patchwork Royal XV in their opening tour match in Rustenburg at the weekend, suggested that the visitors do not have a forward pack capable of competing with the Boks. The Lions needed a late rally - 24 points in the final 15 minutes - to overcome the Royals in what was an error-ridden performance, with the Lions eventually winning 37-25. (iAfrica.com)
* ODriscoll sanguine about Lions win Jun 1, 2009
The British and Irish Lions Lee Byrne, left, takes a high ball while teammate, Adam Jones, right, looks on during the Lions game against the Royal XV in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Saturday ... Writing in the Observer, ODriscoll X who is on tour but was not playing in Rustenburg on Saturday X said mistakes were made, but this was inevitable for a team made up of players from four countries in their first match. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
