Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 5 September 12:30 pm

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

# We kick off with Rugby: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick brushed off the pressure of playing at Eden Park as they prepare mentally for the challenge that awaits them against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship tomorrow. He says they focus more on rugby statistics rather than history because that’s not where a game is won or lost. Only three players in the match-23 – Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Willie le Roux – had played at the stadium before, where the Boks last beat the All Blacks in 1937. Kick-off is at 9:05 SA time.

And in more Rugby news, five teams are vying for quarterfinal qualification in this weekend’s final Currie Cup league games. Griquas top the table, just five points in front of fifth-placed Pumas, with Boland Kavaliers, the Lions and the Cheetahs between them. This means a bonus-point victory for the Pumas over the already-eliminated Sharks in Durban tonight could put huge pressure on the others. Last-placed Western Province hosts neighbours Boland in Cape Town tomorrow, the Lions will welcome Griquas to Johannesburg, and sixth-placed Bulls and the Cheetahs will play at Loftus.

# Tennis: World number one Aryna Sabalenka will get the opportunity to defend her US Open title when she takes on American Amanda Anisimova in the women’s final tomorrow. The Belarusian came from a set down to beat American Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sabalenka will attempt to become the first player to win consecutive US Open women’s singles titles since Serena Williams took three straight wins between 2012 and 2014. Amanda Anisimova defeated Japan’s Naomi Osaka, in three sets to make her first final at Flushing Meadows.

# Golf: South Africa’s Michael Hollick carded a five-under-par 65 in the second round of the Sunbet Challenge, to take the lead by one stroke on nine under par at the Wild Coast Sun Country Club in Port Edward. South Africa’s Jacques de Villiers and England’s Joe Knox are both one shot behind the leader on eight under par. Hollick, who has already claimed two Sunshine Tour titles this year, says he is happy with his performance so far:

# And finally, Motorsport: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says, despite his grid penalty, he is motivated for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. This is his first race in Monza as a Ferrari driver. The Briton carries a five-place grid penalty from last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, after he was penalised for a yellow flag breach. Hamilton, who will start Ferrari’s home race no higher than sixth, says he will embrace the good energy from the passionate Scuderia fans:

Stay tuned for more news………….