Springbok Women team secured a convincing victory over Fiji with a score of 55:12 in the tour

Predicting the winner of the upcoming Totalsports women's race in Cape Town is not easy, but the pair of debutantes from Kenya could be favorites. Faith Cheruno expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the world-class event in Cape Town, which is a popular destination for both tourists and sports enthusiasts.

Cheruno, who is participating in this event for the first time, noted that she is well acquainted with road running in South Africa. In March, she demonstrated strong results by taking second place in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, finishing in 30 minutes and 44 seconds. This result was close to her personal record of 30 minutes and 06 seconds, and she believes she has a chance to break the 30-minute barrier on a faster, sea-level track.

She stated that she expects strong competition among athletes from South Africa, Kenya, and other countries, adding that her main goal is to achieve a personal best, but above all, she competes against herself.

Advice from Cheruno

Faith Cheruno also addressed other participants with encouraging words, advising them to train well, enjoy the process, and find a running partner on race day to support each other until the finish line.

At the starting line next to Cheruno is her compatriot Daisyle Jeruno, who is participating in competitions in South Africa for the first time. Jeruno shared her joy at visiting South Africa and Cape Town, as well as participating in the women's event, emphasizing her commitment to supporting social justice and human rights worldwide.

From an athletic perspective, Jeruno intends to strictly follow her strategy, push to her limits, and conserve enough energy for the intense final kilometer, while also setting a goal to set a personal record.

The selection process for the Springboks squad for the upcoming match in the Rugby Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand has entered a decisive phase. Rassie Erasmus formed a squad of 43 players in Johannesburg to begin preparations for the test match against Argentina next month.

Squad Planning and Competition

The Bok coach welcomed the return to fitness of ten experienced players after injuries. He also announced plans to split the squad over the next two weeks to give every athlete a chance to prove themselves before attention shifts to major confrontations with the All Blacks.

With Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handré Pollard, and André Esterhuizen back in contention, the competition for positions has reached an unprecedented level. Below are five players who will have the most to gain in the next two weeks.

Individual Player Prospects

Paul de Villiers significantly raised his profile during the international games in July. This Stormers forward demonstrated the characteristics of a Test-level player through his tireless work rate, ball-carrying skills, and intensity in defense. Kolisi's return means that position number 6 is no longer vacant, and Marco van Staden intensifies the competition. If De Villiers can maintain his form against Argentina, Erasmus may be forced to find him a place in the 23-man day squad.

Cobus Wiese became one of the standout stories of July. Whether playing in the tight five or as a versatile forward, he brought the physical power, lineout presence, and relentless work ethic that Erasmus demands. Although the returns of Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, and Franco Mostert have significantly complicated the competition, Wiese's versatility could prove crucial. Another impressive match will strengthen his chances of featuring against New Zealand.

Carlu Sadie quietly proved that he measures up to this level. This tighthead from Bordeaux-Bègles impressed in scrums and on the field, helping to restore the Springboks' dominance in set-piece play, which was the initial focus of the July tests. As Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw are also under active consideration for selection, and Frans Malherbe will return later in the season, the competition for the tighthead position is likely as fierce as anywhere else in the squad. Another strong performance against Argentina could help Sadie cement his place in the rankings before the Greatest Rivalry series.

Quan Horn surprised many in July. The Lions defender looked confident handling high balls, boldly joining attacks, and seamlessly fitting into the Springboks' system when required. He even occasionally played at winger, highlighting the versatility Erasmus values in his backline. With Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, opportunities in the three back positions are limited, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's return eases depth issues at winger. However, Horn's ability to cover multiple positions makes him a genuine contender for the Greatest Rivalry series.

Herschel Jantjies quietly returned to the fight for a Springboks spot after being dropped from the squad in recent seasons. The experienced midfielder remains a balanced game manager with a sharp threat running out wide, but the competition has intensified. Grant Williams has established himself as the primary contender, Morne van den Berg returned from injury, and Cobus Reinach continues to earn Erasmus's trust. Given that Jaden Hendrikse is also expected to return later this year, every opportunity is invaluable. A polished performance in Buenos Aires could remind the Bok coaches why Jantjies was once their number one choice and strengthen his chances of making the squad for the clash with New Zealand.