PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 7 FINANCE// PARTNER CONTENT// light// HONEST interview JOBURG INDABA WITH HERSOV NUGGETS UNLOCKED

Bizthe rational perspectiveNewsDigest www.biznews.com Friday 16 October 2020 BizNewsCOM Cyril’s 6-point rescue plan briefs In one of his most commanding performances since taking office in December 2017, President Cyril Absa PMI Index Ramaphosa yesterday unveiled ’s ambitious reconstruction and recovery plan. Already limping before the coronavirus arrived in March, the economy was dealt a devastating blow by the 58.3 pandemic over the past six months. But a cautiously optimistic prognosis of Covid-19, and the renowned September 2020 resilience of the South African nation emboldened Ramaphosa to share his New Deal that is both far- reaching in its vision for the economy to grow by at least 3% on average over the next 10 years, and specific in the six interventions planned over the next four years. 10.8%

By Derek Alberts manufacuring production joint sitting of parliament decline in August recently listened to the president who identified Athe six key interventions of the economic reconstruction and 8.2% recovery plan: 1. To achieve sufficient, secure and SA economy reliable energy supply within to decline two years; in 2020 2. To create and support over 800,000 work opportunities in the immediate term to respond to job losses; 3. To unlock more than R1 trillion 37.5% in infrastructure investment decline in over the next four years; 4. To reduce data costs for every vehicle exports South African and expand year to date broadband access to low- income households; 5. To reverse the decline of the local manufacturing sector and Eskom’s promote re-industrialisation The recovery, Ramaphosa vowed, a massive rollout of infrastructure Read the full article here through deeper levels of will be propelled by swift reforms throughout the country. overdue debt localisation and exports; and and supported by an efficient a rapid expansion of energy Read also: 6. To resuscitate vulnerable state that is committed to clean generation capacity As economy shrinks, R31bn sectors such as tourism, which governance. an employment stimulus to create Ramaphosa urges national have been hardest hit by the The plan is underpinned by four jobs and support livelihoods; and effort to rebuild the economy pandemic. priority interventions: a drive for industrial growth. 337,745

Subscribe now tons of plastic Best in business news. BizNews.com recycled in 2019 2 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com FINANCe On-point innovation sharpens Cloudflare’s cyber sword

The March 2020 panic presented BizNews founder Alec For more insight: Hogg with the perfect opportunity to add Cloudflare Alec Hogg: Washington’s to the BizNews Share Portfolio, a decision informed by attack on Big Tech may boost their share prices. personal experience and diligent homework, that paid off handsomely after the online security innovator’s stock Alec Hogg: Amazon now targets luxury – will leapt 23% on news of another revolutionary invention. Richemont investors blink? The Rational Radio webinar with Sanlam’s new CEO Paul Hanratty By Alec Hogg relied on Cloudflare to protect our website. It has never failed us unpacks his much-criticised remuneration package. Like Koos – indeed, when one particularly Bekker and Sanlam predecessor he share price of the odious “asset damager” recruited Johan van Zyl, the new Sanlam BizNews Share Portfolio highly-paid online mercenaries, CEO traded his salary for the holding Cloudflare jump- the Cloudflare team relished the maximum possible equity upside. Ted 23% last night. opportunity to shine. Which, as View the webinar here When Mr Market panicked in always, they did, beating off the The share price of BizNews portfolio holding Cloudflare jumped 23%. March as Covid-19 propaganda would-be hackers in double quick reached fever pitch, anyone who time. kept their cool would have seen Experiencing the company’s the BizNews portfolio along with jumped 23% on the news, pushing DOWNLOAD THE FREE opportunity. Those who benefited excellence first-hand nudged me Sasol at R28; Discovery at R67; the market cap of this $287m annual BIZNEWS.COM APP most were investors who had done towards the stock. But by normal and Spotify at $120. Once again, revenue business to an astonishing Click on the links below their homework on individual valuations, the elevated price always Cloudflare delivered. $17bn. BN to download your own stocks, so knew where to pounce. seemed to make it too expensive. Last night, Cloudflare announced But given the transformative free BizNews.com App As an independent voice in Then came the March panic and, a revolutionary new product, online nature of its made-for-the-times a world infected with extreme at $17 a share, Cloudflare became protection for logging-in devices invention, that rating suddenly no agendas, at BizNews we’ve long irresistible. The stock was added to of remote workers. Its share price longer appears quite so outrageous.

Graphs that RAND/US DOLLAR: FIVE YEARS FROM 2012 - 2017 Eskom rotten to the core tell a story as 12% of staff fingered

By Derek Alberts power stations. He also laid bare One-way bet folly the details of how several Eskom executives pocketed R100m in This first graph tracking the skom is rotten to the core “kickbacks” that were related to the Rand between 2012 and 2017 is with almost 12% of its staff parastatal's procurement of a cloud instructive, BizNews founder Alec members in the sights of computing system. Hogg points out. Ethe Special Investigating Unit. Mothibi said the kickbacks Despite this period hosting Addressing Parliament’s Standing were part of 39 cases of alleged the worst of the Zupta excesses Committee on Public Accounts corruption, fraud and racketeering including Nenegate, the currency (Scopa), SIU head Andy Mothibi that have been referred to the powered to a 25% appreciation. said 5,523 Eskom employees were National Prosecuting Authority Taking the one way bet against the in their sights as investigations for possible prosecution. He said a currency would have been a quick SANLAM SHARE MOVEMENT SINCE 1 JULY into fraud, corruption and further 32 cases have been referred way to go broke! maladministration at the power to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for utility continued. the attachment of assets which The depth of corruption atE skom have been identified as proceeds Sanlam’s long road had Scopa gasp in disbelief. With a of crime. headcount of 46,665, the number of The targeted employees will face compromised employees represent disciplinary action for a range of The second graph demonstrates 11.8% of the total workforce. Of the tough journey ahead for misdeeds, including for failing to deep concern is that the 5,523 declare their financial interests, Sanlam CEO Paul Hanratty who employees account for a much stepped into the hot seat on 1 July. and being red-flagged after lifestyle higher proportion of senior staff audits. As the graph shows, the market in decision-making roles. has not been kind to Sanlam over Mothibi said four officials Read also the past three months. pocketed R44m as “gratification” related to protracted delays in the Unpicking Eskom New Age Source: Bloomberg utility's build programme of new deal for Gupta family

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FIND OUT HOW Global Real Estate Investment - Orbvest Specialized Investment | Medical Commercial Property Investment Portfolio 3 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com FINANCE Honest Hersov tells it like it is IN SHORT In episode nine of The Alec Hogg Show, the BizNews founder draws out Rob Trade activity picking up pace Hersov in a fascinating no holds barred conversation on working for media Trade activity has improved in South Africa, with the seasonally mogul Rupert Murdoch, selling a business to investment guru Warren Buffett, adjusted Trade Activity Index measuring 50 index points in his friendship with Johann Rupert, and making a difference in South Africa. September. The index has been on the mend with trade activity picking up from 37 index points in July and reaching 41 in August. However, compared with September 2019, only 31% of By Alec Hogg the respondents experienced improved trade conditions, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. The chamber said 56% of respondents expected trade conditions to improve in orn into wealth and the next six months as trade activity continues to recover. privilege, Rob Hersov, scion of the Anglovaal Bmining dynasty, is a firm believer Inter-bank transfers point to resurgent 3Q in the virtues of hard work. The BankservAfrica Economic Transaction Index (BETI), a Schooled at Michaelhouse and measurement of economic transactions between local banks, graduating from UCT, Hersov improved for the fourth consecutive month in September. The index also holds a Harvard MBA that calculated by Economists.co.za suggests that South Africa’s 3Q prepared him for an exceptional GDP print “will be the strongest on record”. September’s headline entrepreneurial career. BETI was marginally higher for the first time in six months. “The It’s a life journey that trawled the unexpected improvement of 0.4% − the first since March 2020 and lows of a failed business way ahead Rob Hersov Alec Hogg a significant shift from -4.3% in August 2020 − is welcome news,” it of the broadband curve, and the said. “With the latest data, we are convinced that the GDP growth highs, perhaps best exemplified by for Q3 2020 is likely to be the fastest on record − or at least since selling a private jet business to the the future. I said technology, and “The country needs to get rid of 1946. We expect that the seasonally adjusted and annualised growth Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet. he said, no, it’s content.” the ANC, and make sure the EFF to be around 40% to 50%,” it said. The anticipated recovery comes off A large segment of the interview doesn’t get in.” a 51% annualised contraction in 2Q. deals with his return to South On Johann Rupert “If there are 10 issues and you agree Africa, and his commitment to “People often say he talks, talks, and on seven, you’re on the same side.” Mboweni’s MTBPS postponed make a difference to the country doesn’t keep quiet. But he feels he’s National Assembly speaker Thandi Modise has agreed to finance that he refuses to give up on. the smartest person in the room, On President Cyril Ramaphosa minister Tito Mboweni’s request to postpone the upcoming medium- Outspoken and articulate, Hersov and often he is.” “Either he doesn’t have a spine, or term budget policy statement (MTBPS) to October 28, subject to puts forward a persuasive case for he doesn’t have the support around the approval of parliament’s programming committee. Mboweni disparate opposition forces to unify On Rupert leveraging his influence him.” made this request “having taken into consideration the complex and behind a single cause – to bring “He took a lot of heat from Malema unusual circumstances visited upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic, about equitable change. and those lunatics, but he didn’t On his duty to South Africa which included the tabling of a supplementary budget in June 2020,” Here are some of the highlights in back down, just like going toe-to- “I can say things other people can’t. the Treasury said this week. this wide-ranging interview: toe with Bell Pottinger.” I want to empower those who are better than I am at politics.” On Rupert Murdoch On SA’s opposition politics Court confirms Eskom’s right to cut power “He asked what I thought was the “There’s too much backstabbing, too The South Gauteng High Court this week confirmedE skom’s right to biggest issue facing the media in many disparate influences.” Listen Read interrupt and terminate electricity supply to non-paying customers. Pioneer Foods brought the case against Eskom to set aside the power utility’s decision in 2018 to interrupt electricity supply to The Alec The BizNews founder and broadcasting veteran hosts this half hour audio biography with the Walter Sisulu municipality in the Eastern Cape for failing to pay Hogg Show guests selected simply because they’re interesting, on the basis that if their stories were its electricity bill. The court ruled that Pioneer is a customer of the captured in book form, they'd likely be a best seller. The half-hour podcast is intended to municipality and had no legal right to bring the case against Eskom. leave listeners better informed, uplifted...and inspired. Eskom said the landmark judgment affirmed the validity and lawfulness of Eskom’s right to interrupt the supply of electricity to a delinquent customer. The ruling allowsE skom to expedite its collection efforts from defaulting municipalities that collectively owe Eskom in excess of R31 billion in overdue debt.

Building wealth is a long game Telkom wants to Rain on Vodacom parade Fixed line operator Telkom has approached the Competition Tribunal nvestment over the long term is highly topical, to declare the spectrum arrangements and deals between Vodacom Finance Friday Webinar according to the number of questions BizNews and Rain a merger. Telkom argues that the multiple agreements editor Jackie Cameron fielded in the most recent between Vodacom and Rain grant Vodacom use and control over IFinance Friday webinar. Her guests were independent the deployment of Rain’s spectrum, including the planning, rollout, Jackie Cameron financial advisor Dawn Ridler, Marc Lindley and maintenance and service of its radio access network. Rain has a lease BizNews editor Albert Coetzee from Ninety One Investment Platform, agreement through which it can use some of Vodacom’s network formerly Investec, who shared invaluable insight and towers for its services. At the same time, Vodacom has a roaming advice on investing for one’s future. agreement allowing it to use Rain’s 4G network. This uses Rain’s The buzzword is offshore, and judging from some of the 1,800MHz and 2,600MHz spectrum bands to enhance and increase Dawn Ridler questions, almost at any cost. This knee-jerk reaction all the capacity of Vodacom’s network, says BDLive. Independent financial advisor three panellists urged against for several reasons, not least punishing tax implications and unknown costs associated with offshore products in some jurisdictions. Biovac eyes global Covid-19 vaccine plan Besides, offshore diversification should constitute part A company partly-owned by the government is in talks with the of an investment portfolio for practical reasons, including global Covid-19 vaccine distribution scheme and pharmaceutical Albert Coetzee companies to produce some of the vaccines SA needs to protect itself Ninety One Investment Platform not incurring the cost of repatriating funds that should never have left in the first place. against the disease. TheB iovac Institute, a joint venture between The pros and cons of other investment vehicles were the government and private sector, could produce up to 30 million also discussed, with lots of questions around retirement doses of Covid-19 vaccines per year, depending on the technology involved, CEO Morena Makhoana said. Depending on whether the Marc Lindley annuities and living annuities. vaccines require a one- or two-dose regimen, that could be enough Ninety One Investment Platform for a quarter or half of SA’s population. View the Finance Friday Webinar here Visit BizNews.com for the latest business and finance news 4 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com SPONSORED What remote-first schooling should look like

Brought to you by Valenture Institute individually. It’s not just about what learners learn, rather it’s more about how they learn and apply that orking and learning information. from home became a “The technology that we use to mandatory function connect our students and their Wduring lockdown. But what are teachers also allow us amazing the projections for sustaining this visibility of their progress, we “lifestyle”, especially looking at the can also see exactly what kinds of high school edu-space? outcomes students are struggling Covid-induced, make-shift remote with, where we need to target our learning models were foreign, interventions to help them do the frustrating, and fundamentally best that they can and we can very flawed at times in terms of quickly see where we need to help preparing students for success. learners,” says Lizzy Steenkamp, Learners and teachers alike were Head of Learning Technology at forced to play in a remote online Valenture Institute, a global online learning environment in which they private high school birthed in South didn’t know the rules. pressure (on everyone involved). Learn more about this here A one-dimensional learning space Africa in 2019. But there is a light at the end of leaves students unmotivated. Social- Remote learning the self-isolated education tunnel. and created to exist online. emotional learning has largely been The learning environment Remote learning is based on a And if nothing else, it is simply an Classes, curriculum, campuses, left out of the equation and it’s time It’s really all about finding that model whereby students are given understanding that what many are and teachers all play their part in that it’s being factored back in. The fluid sweet spot where pedagogy, or sent learning materials and are experiencing is remote learning, an experience that is as close to the holistic development of any person, technology, and innovation meet. expected to digest it all before taking and not the much more evolved real world as one can imagine, and be that a student or adult is always The learning environment is an exam or test of some kind to gain online learning. in a lot of ways, even better. multifaceted. dynamic, interactive, and embraces a corresponding qualification. Even with the advent of the more Online learning incorporates what A handful of schools are getting social-emotional learning as learners The onus is entirely on them (and interactive “Zoom classroom”, is known as synchronous learning, it right: a learning environment are encouraged to be themselves, more often than not, parents who the type of learning students and which means the learning process that not only places students in the to show their personalities, and have to juggle their work as well as teachers had to adapt to was far happens at a learner’s own pace virtual classroom but that creates to express their opinions. It’s also homeschooling their kids), to stay from perfect. Online learning truly while also taking the form of live meaningful connections. understanding individual learning on track, motivated, and find all the stands apart, that it is fundamentally classes with teachers and most Everyone learns differently and in a classroom that’s all about right answers. That is a lot of added a learning environment designed importantly, fellow students. students need to be considered engagement and connection. 5 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com PARTNER CONTENT

Joburg broughtIndaba to you by Nuggets Reset for the rejuvenation of mining

By Bernard Swanepoel The world, South Africa and the mining industry are in a very different place to a year ago and therefore ‘RESET’ was an appropriate theme for this year’s online Joburg Indaba held on 7

hen key players of and 8 October. The Indaba showcases different responses, strategies and approaches, building an industry come on sector-specific discussions on the South African economy and the mining industry. together, the risk is Walways that it may become an echo chamber. But that’s not Joburg Indaba’s style – what sets it apart are the blunt and honest conversations, ‘by the industry, for the industry.’ No parallel sessions, no corporate spin or PR! Just candid constructive engagement among key stakeholders about the real issues facing the industry. Over the next few weeks Joburg Indaba Nuggets, brought to you by BizNews, will showcase the conversations from the recent Joburg Indaba hosted by Bernard Swanepoel on behalf of Paula Sandile Zungu (President of Roger Baxter (CEO of the Martyn Davies (MD of Claude Baissac (Eunomix) Munsie’s Resources for Africa the Black Business Council) Minerals Council of SA) Emerging Markets for Deloitte) team. Joburg Indaba Nuggets is a joint venture between Resources for Africa, THINKspiration and CEO of AngloGold Ashanti, he has Nugget # 2: Nugget # 4: policy that the ANC government BizNews. his hands full overseeing the process Chinese Demand for SA- is at least as passionate about as was In this edition Sandile Zungu, The newly-released of restoring Anglo American to the previous apartheid government! the president of the Black Business economic recovery plan mined commodities some of its former glory. Globally, it is acknowledged that Council, asked Roger Baxter (CEO Ever the optimist, Mark believes Similarly, Martyn Davies has in order to successfully beneficiate of the Minerals Council of SA), Roger Baxter is uniquely positioned that as an industry and a country established himself over 20 years as the raw materials a country mines, Martyn Davies (Managing Director to comment on the recently- we are at a crossroads, and if we an expert on China’s critical role in a combination of three key factors of Emerging Markets for Deloitte) released economic recovery plan act now, we can seize the day and terms of the demand for SA-mined need to be considered: and Claude Baissac of Eunomix to and the detailed planning that went turn the corner. commodities. a large domestic market, share their prognoses for the world into it, especially for the side of the In his address, he talks about He argues that we have missed out cheap energy, economy, and commodity markets, mining industry. Roger’s insightful South Africa’s next decade of on the greatest industrial revolution and, an abundance of and how these will impact on the comments are definitely worth promise, and outlines the following in China over the last 20 years as appropriate skills. South African economy and the listening to! three key themes: a result of bad policy choices and mining industry. For the past five decades, this regulatory uncertainty. Listen to his does not seem to have hindered 1. We need to build a modern detailed views! our national obsession – beneficiate industry if we’re going to succeed Nugget # 3: Nugget # 1: regardless of whether it adds value in the future; The “Failed State” of or not! What does the the future Nugget # 5: All three our panellists had some industry need to do 2. South Africa’s mining industry sobering views on this national now to secure its will have a prosperous future by Claude Baissac of Eunomix caused To BE(neficiate) or not delusion. future success? being inclusive; and quite a stir recently when he to BE(neficiate)? The predicted that SA is on a trajectory South African obsession Mark Cutifani is indeed uniquely 3. A renewed focus on building that will result in it being a ‘failed positioned to discuss the issues equitable relationships with our state’ in the foreseeable future. In The South African government’s new Keep an eye out in future facing the South African mining communities is non-negotiable this clip he shares some more detail economic recovery plan continues editions of BizNewsDigest for industry. if we’re going to thrive in the on the choices the country faces to emphasise beneficiation. more Joburg Indaba Nuggets After a very successful stint as the future. right now. This obsession is indeed one 6 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com LIGHT What has happened to Zuma’s friends?

By Derek Alberts By design or genetic fault, Carl Niehaus loves nothing better than provoking during the pro-Zuma rallies, that the path of Niehaus crossed outrage by defending the indefensible. He couldn’t have wished for a better with another of the ex-president’s Before suffering the ignominy assignation, the imbongi of ex-president Jacob Zuma. erstwhile acolytes, Black First Land of being recalled, president Jacob First leader Andile Mngxitama. Zuma could count on an army of Clad in ill-fitting camouflage supporters chanting, singing and fatigues, Niehaus cut a slovenly dancing his praises. But those picture next to the shorter and more halcyon days are over, at least rotund Mngxitama in jeans and a judging by the squeeks of support BFLF-emblazoned T-shirt. he currently counts on. While the Mngxitama was the more energetic Jacob Zuma Foundation recently stomper on the make-shift stage as found its voice to cast aspersions Niehaus preferred to lurk behind on the impartiality of the Zondo the music truck. Commission, it’s mostly left to the slight, bespectacled figure of Carl Parallel universe Niehaus to beat Zuma’s drum. The incongruous show of solidarity This he does with gusto, even if in Market Square could not stem the message from time to time is the haemorrhage as the crowd as coherent as his master’s financial abandoned Zuma in a matter of affairs. In between praise-singing weeks. While Mngxitama also Zuma, Niehaus also acts as the appears to have forsaken Zuma, ANC’s self-anointed tweeting moral Niehaus energetically continues to custodian. tilt at windmills on behalf of his president. Accused no. 1 That he makes wind in a parallel “It is very wrong to say that the universe matters not, what counts is ANC stands accused of corruption that he is allowed to be himself. Who as ‘accused no. 1’,” he tweeted after else would complain to Wikipedia President Cyril Ramaphosa’s about being called a “massive p**s broadside against the party, “The and an embarrassment to the small minority of some ANC get up the noses of his erstwhile The cadre life proved beyond his Then he found the path to Nkandla human race”? members and those leaders who colleagues. Ex-minister of tourism means and Niehaus called on his and, after a detour or two, also to are corrupt … must face the Derek Hanekom’s apoplexy towards talent for fabricating stories. This the High Court in Pietermaritzburg. consequences of their despicable the “pathological liar” makes for a landed him in trouble after being This is where much of the legal sagas Also read: Read also: behavior as individuals.” particularly entertaining exchange. bust for lying about his very-much- involving Zuma were – and still are Angry SAs speak: It’s time to His sycophancy probably They go back a long way; Hanekom alive mother’s death, for sympathy – being played out, and also reason lock Zuma up for good. Finish drowns out the irony of Zuma’s always commanded more gravitas, money. His excommunication in for seeking a delay for his date with and klaar! circumstances, but it’s more likely while Niehaus basked in his share 2009 was swift, and he wandered the State Capture commission. Zuma: Reality is a fiction of that Comrade Carl tweets to of white cadre credit. the wilderness for a while. It was in the KZN capital city, his imagination

THE WRY EYE Seeing is believing What the mask? Curious claw Whiskers in cream From time to time, the South To be clear, we’re not questioning Born into wealth and privilege, How low can the Eastern Cape African Mint issues limited edition the return of full-contact rugby, the scion of the once-mighty government go? Already trawling collector sets that commemorate far from it, especially not after Anglovaal dynasty, Rob Hersov, the basement in most matters home-soil inventions with a global the six-month enforced hiatus. has led a charmed life by his of governance, the provincial impact. Think koeksister, Kreepy But we have to ask what’s the own admission. Interviewed government can now add Krauly or dolos, which is why the point of wearing face masks on The Alec Hogg Show, the plagiarism to its roll of shame. 2020 crown-and-tickey coin series by substitute players on the BizNews founder drew out the It was bust for copying almost features a retinal cryoprobe invented sidelines if, metres away, their outspoken Hersov on several word-for-word a presentation by Dr Selig Percy Amoils in 1965 at teammates are getting up topics, not least his efforts to by the Irish government in Baragwanath Hospital. The cryoprobe close and personal, huffing unite the fragmented rats-and- 2015. The Provincial Digital revolutionised cataract surgery, and in and puffing away, with nary a mice opposition into a coherent Transformation and Strategy a bit of its own ingenuity, the SA Mint mask in sight. And when the force to challenge the ANC. What Plan 2020-25 was signed off by designed the set to give the impression substitutes take the field, they we don’t get is the claw he makes the cabinet and Premier Oscar of a retinal cryoprobe procedure when also toss away their masks? with his hand and is featured in Mabuyane without knowing the smaller tickey is placed on the Question is, what happens in several photographs. A secret any better. Forfeiting the bonus bigger crown. the changeroom at halftime? sign perhaps? then? 7 | Friday 16 October 2020 www.biznews.com LIGHT Little margin for error By Derek Alberts as Super Rugby Unlocked round two kicks off

t’s early days yet, but the number of intriguing match-ups. action in the opening round Lions skipper would Super Rugby Unlocked of the Super Rugby Unlocked have learnt from the mishaps Friday, 16 October Itournament suggests anything against the when he faces 7 pm: vs can happen in this abbreviated Damien Willemse, that is if the Saturday, 17 October competition. field him at 10. The Sharks were fortunate to The frontrows promise a battle of 4.30 pm: Griquas vs 7 pm: Stormers vs Lions escape the hungry Lions at Kings the behemoths with Steven Kitshoff, Park, the Cheetahs had the measure Frans Malherbe, , Carlu Bye: Sharks of the error-prone Pumas in Sadie, Sti Sithole and Dylan Smith , and the Bulls had all staking their claim to prop up to rally to overcome a combative the Bok scrum. The Cheetahs, with blistering pace Griquas at Loftus Versveld. The In their quake, are the likes of Bok out wide and wily Frans Steyn in Stormers had a bye. captain , , and midfield, nevertheless will be hard- “Trokkie” Augustus mixing it up pressed to defend the breakdown League-only format front. and will have to contend with the The league-only format has the Bulls scrapping for every bit of seven teams play only six games Bloemfontein battle possession. each with the team on most points The Bulls face another tough test Nelspruit is the venue for the clash hoisting the trophy. The Pumas in Bloemfontein this week, and of two of last week’s losing teams, and Stormers face four games on Lions skipper Elton Jantjies will call the shots against the Stormers. hope the forwards can assert their the Pumas and Griquas. Both teams the road, while the Bulls host four authority early in front of a cool-as- have everything to play for, and games in Pretoria. The other teams tournament remains to be seen, but importance of scoring bonus points cucumber Morné Steyn. Marco van with Lady Luck’s mischievous hand are split 50/50 home and away. the truncated format doesn’t leave that only the Cheetahs achieved in Staden and his skipper Arno Botha always in the mix, a result elsewhere Whether the luck of the draw will much of a margin for dropping round one. will be expected to lead the Bulls may just give either team’s campaign play a hand in the outcome of the points. It also accentuates the The weekend action promises a charge for gain-line ball. a kick.

Boks to give Rugby Championship a miss

By Derek Alberts would board the flight to Australia. Boks flying to Australia, they do, Test window period. Given the reshuffling of dates in Initial concerns centred around however, impact on practicalities Regulated by World Rugby, a the Northern Hemisphere, and the the match preparedness of the such as mandatory quarantine number of weeks are cleared to coronavirus protocols in Australia, Springboks who, unlike their regulations Down Under. allow international matches to Boks would need to be released for he wait is over, the Australasian counterparts, only As coach Jacques Nienaber be played. However, the window an additional two weeks away. It South African rugby started to play full-contact a few explained recently, the isolation intrudes on quarantine time limits also means that, in advance of the administration has finally weeks ago. period implies other complications that, in a worst case scenario, could test on November 7, the Boks would Tdecided that the World Cup However, it would seem a host of such as available recovery facilities add up to four weeks to the schedule need to start their quarantine on champions will not defend their other considerations of a logistical and access to training resources. in Europe. October 17. Rugby Championship title at the nature is likely to keep the Boks The real bugbear is how these The upshot is that some of the If that’s not enough, players who rejigged tournament in Australia away from the competition that regulations impact on the contingent first-choice Boks would only arrive will be living and playing in a next month. kicks off on November 7. of overseas-based players, and later in Australia to make things bubble, would then be subjected to A decision was expected on While the onerous coronavirus specifically their availability for even more difficult for the coaching another dose of quarantine when October 10 whether the Springboks regulations wouldn’t stop the national duty during the so-called staff. they return from Australia.

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