Sports
Bulls Ring Changes for High-Tempo Lions Clash
The Vodacom Bulls have signalled a clear shift in tactics ahead of their United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions, naming a pace-driven side for Saturday’s clash at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. After recording back-to-back victories on the road with a more conservative game plan, the Bulls’ technical crew, led by coach Johan Ackermann, has opted for a faster, more expansive approach in a bid to match the Lions’ high-tempo style on home turf.
Several changes have been made to the backline, largely enforced by injuries and player unavailability. Devon Williams will start at fullback in place of Willie le Roux, who is being rested under Springbok protocols, while Stravino Jacobs comes in on the wing following Cheswill Jooste’s injury. Harold Vorster returns to the starting line-up at inside centre and will combine with Stedman Gans in midfield, as the experienced halfback pairing of Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier is restored to steer the attack.
In the pack, Elrigh Louw makes his return at blindside flank, replacing Celimpilo Gumede, while Reinhardt Ludwig steps into the second row after captain Ruan Nortje failed to pass a late fitness test. The front row remains unchanged, with an all-Springbok trio of Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw retaining their places.
With Nortje sidelined, Marcell Coetzee will once again captain the side. The Bulls’ bench selection underlines their tactical intent, with only two specialist backline replacements named. Keagan Johannes, who offers cover at both scrumhalf and flyhalf, and utility back David Kriel provide options behind the scrum, while Marco van Staden is expected to offer versatility across the back row and at hooker if required.
The Pretoria-based side will be without several key players for the derby. Canan Moodie, Sebastian de Klerk and Jooste are all unavailable due to concussion-related issues, Akker van der Merwe is sidelined with neck spasms, while injuries have ruled out Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp and Cameron Hanekom. The Bulls will be aiming to extend their recent momentum and make a strong statement in the derby when they face the Lions, with kick-off scheduled for 5:05pm on Saturday at Ellis Park.
Sports
British-American Duo Win First Grand Slam Together in Melbourne
Sports
Justin Rose Sets 36-Hole Record, Opens Four-Shot Lead at Torrey Pines
Justin Rose maintained his imperious form at the Farmers Insurance Open on Friday, producing a brilliant seven-under-par 65 on the demanding South Course at Torrey Pines to open up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the tournament. The Englishman, who had set the early pace with a stunning 62 on the easier North Course on Thursday, followed it up with another composed display, recording six birdies and an eagle against a lone bogey.
His two-round total of 17-under-par 127 established a new 36-hole scoring record in the history of the event. Rose’s second-round effort was particularly eye-catching given the difficulty of the South Course, a venue where he previously claimed the Farmers Insurance Open title in 2019 and where he famously finished runner-up at the 2013 U.S. Open. Reflecting on his performance, the 45-year-old said he was pleased with his decision-making and ability to recover from difficult situations, noting that his putter proved decisive whenever he found himself under pressure.
Ireland’s Seamus Power sits in second place on 13-under-par after a solid round of 66, which he capped with an eagle on the ninth hole. Power expressed confidence heading into the weekend, pointing to improvements in his long game after leaning heavily on his putting in the opening round. Americans Joel Dahmen and Max McGreevy are tied for third at 11-under-par. Dahmen surged with a 63 that included three eagles, while McGreevy carded a steady 67 to remain in contention.
Former world number one Brooks Koepka also enjoyed a positive day, securing his place in the weekend in his first PGA Tour appearance outside the majors since 2022. The five-time major champion shot a 68 to make the cut on the mark at three-under-par, marking a significant step in his return to regular Tour competition following a 14-week layoff. In contrast, world number three Xander Schauffele suffered a rare setback as his streak of 72 consecutive made cuts — the fifth-longest in PGA Tour history — came to an end. Despite posting a second-round 69, Schauffele finished one stroke outside the cut line.
Rose will head into Saturday’s third round with a commanding advantage as he chases his 13th PGA Tour victory and a second Farmers Insurance Open crown, firmly positioning himself as the man to beat at Torrey Pines.
Sports
Ex-Sri Lanka Star Jayasuriya Named in USA Squad for T20 World Cup
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya has been handed a surprise international return after being named in the United States squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya, 34, who previously represented Sri Lanka in 12 One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, including appearances at the 2016 T20 World Cup, retired from international cricket in 2021 before relocating to the United States with his family.
Since moving, he has remained active in the game, featuring in Major League Cricket and other franchise competitions, and has now qualified to play for the USA under International Cricket Council eligibility regulations. His inclusion headlines a 15-man American squad that blends experience with emerging talent as the team prepares for the global tournament. The squad also features possible debutants, including Pakistan-born leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin and all-rounder Shubham Ranjane, who is the grandson of former India international Vasant Ranjane.
The United States side will be captained by Monank Patel and includes established players such as fast bowler Ali Khan and left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar, alongside a number of domestic prospects who have impressed in recent competitions.
The USA will face a tough test at the start of their campaign, having been drawn in Group A alongside defending champions India. The Americans open their tournament against India on February 7, a high-profile fixture in a competition co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The United States enjoyed a historic outing at the last edition of the tournament in 2024, where they advanced to the Super Eight stage as hosts, and will be aiming to build on that momentum on the world stage.
USA Squad: Monank Patel (captain), Jasdeep Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
-
Analysis6 days agoThe Agony of a Columnist, by Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
-
Analysis5 days agoNow That Nigeria Has a U.S. Ambassador-Designate, by Boniface Ihiasota
-
Diplomacy5 days agoCARICOM Raises Alarm Over Political Crisis in Haiti
-
News6 days agoTinubu Unhurt After Brief Stumble at Turkey Reception
-
News6 days agoMacron invites Chad’s Déby to Paris amid push to reset ties
-
News6 days agoCourt, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
