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The Springbok Women team once again demonstrated the power of its squad, achieving a dominant victory over Fijiana XV with a score of 55:12 in Suva. The South African national team began its historic tour of Fiji with this nine-match win.

The Springbok Women forwards laid the foundation for this confident triumph, using their strength to surpass the hosts at the HFC Bank Stadium. Five of these tries were scored by the forwards, as play in the maul, scrum, and continuous pick-and-drive proved too difficult for the home team.

This match also showed that Springbok Women were able to address the ball-retention issues that led to their defeat against the USA in Pretoria. Their physical strength was supported by disciplined defense, which denied Fiji their usual momentum.

The result was particularly impressive given the significant changes in the squad: only three players from the starting fifteen who participated in the second test match against the USA remained in the lineup. Nevertheless, the South African team quickly took the lead, leading the first half 27:7.

Match Details

Players Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki scored close-range tries, followed by hooker Lindelwa Gwala, who returned to the team for the first time since the 2025 Rugby World Cup, scoring a try from an explosive maul. Number 8 Aseza Hele, also returning after a long injury layoff, made her impact, and flanker Sizophila Solontsi added the fifth attempt shortly before the break.

After the break, Fiji briefly approached the scoreline, narrowing the gap to 27:12. However, a red card received by number 8 Alfreda Fisher for a hard tackle on Catha Jacobs further tilted the odds in favor of South Africa. Shortly after, Khuzwayo scored her second try, and then Maceala Samboya, fullback Byrhandré Dolf, and substitute Sinelitha Noxeke added points.

Dolf, who returned to the main squad after resting during the second match against the USA, contributed 13 points through four conversions. The victory also confirmed the growing depth of the South African squad. Permanent players in the starting lineup included sevens Zintle Mpupha and Patience Mokone, Shiniqwa Lamprecht made her debut, and several fringe players made important contributions.

Before the match, assistant coach Franzel September emphasized the need for the Bok Women to stop the Fijian onslaught and apply their own physical strength in a disciplined manner, which they managed to do.

South Africa now aims to complete the series with a clean sweep when the teams meet again next week.

Match Score

Springbok Women 55 (27) – Tries: Xoliswa Khuzwayo (2), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Lindelwa Gwala, Vainah Ubisi, Sizo Solontsi, Maceala Samboya, Byrhandré Dolf, Sinelitha Noxeke. Conversions: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Dolf (4).

Fiji 12 (7) – Tries: Adi Vani Buleki, Varanaise Qoro. Conversion: Litiana Vueti.

The Indian team faced an unwelcome surprise before the start of the two-match test series against Sri Lanka. Left-handed batsman Sai Sudarshan has been forced to withdraw from the series due to injury. He sustained damage to his big toe and was undergoing rehabilitation at the Indian Cricket Council's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bangalore.

Sai Sudarshan's selection for the Indian squad touring Sri Lanka was contingent upon receiving medical clearance. He was actively recovering from the injury and had resumed net practice. However, he ultimately could not fully recover by the time the Test series began and was excluded from both matches.

Sudarshan's exclusion will inevitably lead to adjustments in the Indian team's batting lineup. His presence provided a reliable option for a left-handed batsman. The coaching staff now needs to formulate an optimal squad from the available players.

Devdhadhath Padikkal is among the players who might get a chance to step in for Sudarshan. Furthermore, the team has other options for reinforcement in the batting line-up. Before the start of the Test series, the team management must make an important decision regarding the playing XI.

Sudarshan was battling a minor big toe injury. Because of this, he could not travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and remained in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore. His condition was closely monitored.

Initially, there were hopes that Sudarshan would recover completely in time to participate in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Although he started training, his physical condition proved insufficient for participation in the series.

This two-match series between India and Sri Lanka is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. Consequently, every earned point for both teams holds significant value.

The Indian team intends to strengthen its position in the current WTC cycle. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka aims to capitalize on the advantages of playing on home soil. It is expected that the Indian batsmen and bowlers will be tested in conditions favorable to spin bowling.

Before the Test series commences, the Indian team is participating in a three-day friendly match in Colombo. This match will allow assessment of how well the players adapt to Sri Lankan conditions. The role of spin bowling is anticipated to be key in the Test series.

The first match of the series between India and Sri Lanka will take place from August 15 to 19 at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, starting at 10 am. The second and final match will be held from August 23 to 27 at the SSC Ground in Colombo, also starting at 10 am.

The Indian squad for the tour of Sri Lanka includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Devdhadhath Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Sutara, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Barara, and Saransh Jana. Note: Sai Sudarshan was included in this list conditional on receiving medical clearance, but he will now not participate in the Test series due to injury.

India's schedule in Sri Lanka:

• August 7-9: Three-day friendly match, Colombo
• August 15-19: First Test, Galle, starting at 10:00 AM
• August 23-27: Second Test, Colombo, starting at 10:00 AM

Jan-Hendrik Heymans from South Africa won the javelin throw competition, securing the gold medal at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, early Saturday morning South African time.

U20 World Athletics Championships

The 19-year-old athlete, who was considered a favorite for the tournament, lived up to expectations by deciding to save his best throw for the very end. He launched the javelin to a distance of 80.50 m to secure the world championship title.

Prior to this, Heymans had already demonstrated his skill in the competition, posting a starting throw of 76.92 m, and later improving his result to a personal record of 79.42 m in the fifth round. However, his performance continued when he made the final throw of 80.50 m. This result allowed him to increase his personal record, set before arriving in Oregon, by more than three meters, and establish a new junior U20 world record.

This marked an ideal conclusion to a dominant performance, as Heymans managed to throw the javelin over 76 meters in every round. Meanwhile, Ashish Yadav from India took silver with a result of 74.09 m, and Edison James from Dominica won bronze, setting a national record of 73.89 m.

Nevertheless, for Heymans, the evening belonged exclusively to South Africa, as he added the first gold medal for the South African team at the championships after Jaco van Dijk's bronze medal in shot put on the first day. His victory followed shortly after Leendert Kokemoer won bronze in the 400 meters race, bringing South Africa's total medals in Eugene to three: one gold and two bronzes.

This victory also marks another important milestone in what is proving to be a breakthrough year for the talented young thrower, who has now firmly established himself among the leading junior javelin throwers in the world.