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Blues land ex-All Blacks coach

A former All Blacks coach will replace Blues boss Vern Cotter at the end of the season. Jason Holland will take over the reins at the Auckland-based club on a three-year deal when Cotter leaves to take up a role with the Reds. It’s the latest chapter in an 18-year coaching career for Holland, who has built his reputation across both hemispheres. He has previously held assistant roles at Munster, the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, before stepping up as Hurricanes head coach, and more recently returning to the club in an assistant capacity. MORE: Rennie’s Japan stint sparks All Blacks concerns Holland said his immediate focus remains with his current role. “But the opportunity to join the Blues from 2027 is incredibly exciting,” he added. “It’s a club with a proud history and I see huge potential to add to that legacy.” His appointment comes amid wider changes in the coaching landscape, with Cotter heading to the Reds to replace Les Kiss. Holland had also recently stepped away from the All Blacks setup, opting not to renew his contract under then head coach Scott Robertson, who has since been replaced by Dave Rennie following mixed results. ALSO: Tony fires All Blacks warning While Holland prepares for his next move, his current side the Hurricanes are setting the pace in Super Rugby. They underlined their title credentials with a dominant 50-7 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, running in eight tries in a ruthless attacking display. – AFP Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images The post Blues land ex-All Blacks coach appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

24 minutes ago

Points shared as lightning strikes in Bloem

Lightning took centre stage in Bloemfontein on Friday night during the SA Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Pumas. The match was abandoned in the first half after repeated weather interruptions, with both sides forced to settle for two log points. Kick-off was already delayed by more than an hour due to electrical storms in the area, and it quickly became clear that the conditions would dictate proceedings. When play did get underway, the Pumas struck first through hooker Gustav du Rand, who finished off good work from flanker Ntsika Fisanti to give the visitors an early edge. The Cheetahs responded soon after, with captain Louis van der Westhuizen crossing from a powerful rolling maul. Fullback Cohen Jasper added the extras to level matters at 7-7. ACKERS: Cameron showed his class But just as the contest began to find some rhythm, the weather intervened again. Players were forced off the field for close to an hour midway through the half as lightning struck nearby, before briefly returning, only for the match to be halted once more within minutes. Referee Christopher Allison initially blew for full-time amid safety concerns, before play briefly resumed when conditions appeared to improve. KEO: Papier in power performance as Bulls charge in URC That proved short-lived. Officials soon returned to the field, armed with lightning detectors, and after a short discussion, the decision was made to abandon the match altogether. At that point, the Pumas held a narrow 10-7 lead, but with the game officially called off, neither side could claim victory. SA Cup Round 3 fixtures Saturday, 21 March Boland Cavaliers vs Valke (3pm) Griffons vs Leopards (3pm) Griquas vs Border Bulldogs (3pm) Eastern Province vs SWD Eagles (5pm) Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images The post Points shared as lightning strikes in Bloem appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

44 minutes ago