Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 3 April 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with rugby: Springbok Sevens player Siviwe Soyizwapi says they are heading into the Singapore tournament this weekend with a clear mission to finish the regular season strong. The Blitzboks struggled in Hong Kong last weekend, finishing in ninth place after failing to reach the quarterfinals. South Africa is fourth on the overall world series standings on 66 points, with leaders Argentina on 88. Soyizwapi says each tournament has its own merits and they have to start all over again:

Meanwile, the Springbok Women will face Canada in curtain-raisers to the men’s Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha in July. Canada is ranked second in the world and South Africa 12th. Bok Women performance coach, Swys de Bruin, says the confirmation of the Tests is great, as they need to play the best teams in the world to be in the best shape possible for the World Cup. SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, says the Tests will showcase the growth and status of the Springbok Women.

# Golf: Top-ranked player on the Ladies European Tour, Cara Gainer, says she looks forward to competing in the Joburg Ladies Open, which tees off at the Modderfontein Golf Club today. The English professional makes her first appearance in the tournament since 2023. This year’s field includes defending champion Chiara Tamburlini from Switzerland, South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, and Lucie Malchirand of France. Gainer says she is looking forward to continuing her good start to the year:

# Cricket: Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj and batter Jos Buttler starred for Gujarat Titans in their eight-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. Liam Livingstone’s 54 helped RCB post 169 for eight, with Siraj taking three wickets. In reply, Buttler scored an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls as Titans reached the target with 13 balls to spare. The result leaves both teams tied in third place on the log with two victories and a defeat from their three games.

# And finally, motorsport: New Zealand’s Liam Lawson admits he was shocked to be demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after just two races of the Formula One season. After struggling in Australia and Shanghai, Red Bull decided for an immediate driver swap, giving Racing Bulls’ Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda, his long-awaited chance in the main team. Lawson says he is frustrated at the lack of time he was afforded, but he is now focused on doing well in Japan this weekend:

Stay tuned for more news………….