Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 26 September 12:30 pm

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

# We kick off with Rugby: Springbok prop Boan Venter, who was initially named among the replacements, will start the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban tomorrow. This follows the withdrawal of Ox Nche from the team due to a niggle. Jan-Hendrik Wessels will serve as the back-up prop, with Marco van Staden providing hooker cover off the bench. Just two points separate the table-topping Australia from last-placed Argentina with two rounds remaining. The All Blacks face the the Wallabies in Auckland, also tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith says they are expecting a tough and physical battle against Argentina. Smith says they are fully focused on doing what they need to this weekend to stay in the race to defend the title:

And, Argentina have made three changes to their line-up to take on South Africa in their penultimate Rugby Championship fixture. Former captain Pablo Matera makes a return to the starting lineup at flank, after starting on the bench in their fourth round victory against Australia in Sydney. Franco Molina and Lucas Paulos come into the second row. Coach Felipe Contepomi has opted for a 6-2 split bench, with Simon Benitez Cruz and Tomas Albornoz being the replacement backs.

# Swimming: Four-time Olympic medalist Chad le Clos made a winning start at the South African National Short Course Championships in Pietermaritzburg. The 33-year-old, who is back in action after being sidelined with a back injury, won the 50-metre butterfly in 22.79-seconds and the 100-metre freestyle in 47.55-seconds. Eighteen-year-old Jessica Thompson claimed victory in the women’s 50-metre butterfly and 100-metre freestyle. Lara van Niekerk won the women’s 100-metre breaststroke. Le Clos says he is in a really good space:

# And finally, Netball: The South African under-21 team has made history by booking a place in the Netball World Youth Cup semifinals for the very first time in Gibraltar. The Baby Proteas defeated the Cook Islands 79–45 in the quarterfinals. South Africa’s best previous finish at this tournament had been fifth place. The Baby Proteas will now face four-time world champions Australia in the semifinals today. Defending champions New Zealand will face off against England in the other semifinal.

Stay tuned for more news………….