Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 20 August 12:30 pm

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

# We start with rugby: The Springboks returned home following their victorious visit to Australia, and will reassemble in Johannesburg on Thursday to start preparing for the two Rugby Championship encounters with the All Blacks. The two old foes do battle at Ellis Park on the 31st and in Cape Town a week later. South Africa is currently on top of the log with 10 points after their two bonus point victories over the Wallabies, who haven’t scored any points yet. New Zealand is second on five points, and Argentina third with four.

Staying with Rugby: SA Under-18 coach James Winstanley has made ten rotational changes to his starting team from the side that beat Ireland, for today’s International Series clash with England at Paarl Boys’ High School. Winstanley says the changes are intentional so that everyone in the squad get a start. Only two backs are retained, Akha Boqwana at fullback and Khutadzo Rashivhaga on the right wing. Upfront captain Sethu Mnebelele earns his second start, while Riley Norton also gets another start at lock, as does Reuben Kruger at number 8.

# Mixed martial arts: Dricus du Plessis earned close to nine-million-rand for Sunday’s defence of his UFC world title against Nigerian-born New Zealander Izzy Adesanya in Perth, Australia. The South African added another 750-thousand-rand from his sponsorships. Adesanya earned just under 18-million-rand, plus sponsorships of 570-thousand-rand. Experts explains UFC fighters earn a fixed price, based on their popularity and recent results, despite the outcome of an encounter. Du Plessis earned 6.2-million-rand when he beat American Sean Strickland in January.

# Cricket: England has recalled Matthew Potts and Dan Lawrence for the first of three Tests against Sri Lanka starting at Old Trafford tomorrow. Injuries to opening batter Zak Crawley and captain Ben Stokes have forced England to make changes from the side that completed a three-nil series win over the West Indies last month. Seamer Potts will play his first Test in more than a year. Ollie Pope will lead the side while Harry Brook has been named vice-captain.

# And finally, tennis: World number one Jannik Sinner beat Frances Tiafoe to win the Cincinnati Open for the first time. The Italian surged past the American, 7-6, 6-2, to secure his fifth season title. In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus captured her second title of the year and first since the Australian Open when defeating American Jessica Pegula, 6-3, 7-5. Sinner says he is taking some confidence heading into the US Open:

Stay tuned for more news………….