Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 4 September 12:30 pm

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

# We start off with rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named Jesse Kriel as captain for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand, with Siya Kolisi at number 8. Eben Etzebeth returns to the starting line-up for his 136th Test, alongside Ruan Nortjé at lock. Pieter-Steph du Toit is back at flanker. The only change in the backline is at fullback, where Willie le Roux will start his 101st Test. Ethan Hooker joins the replacements alongside Kwagga Smith and Cobus Reinach in a five-three split on the bench.

# Cricket: The Proteas return to the scene of their recent World Test Championship glory today when they take on England in the second one-day match at Lord’s. South Africa can clinch the three-match series today after Tuesday’s comprehensive victory at Headingley. Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder helped to skittle out the hosts for just 131, whereafter Aiden Markram led the charge and the visitors reached the target with only three wickets down. The final ODI will be played in Southampton on Sunday, followed by three T20s.

Meanwhile, Proteas batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury while fielding at Headingley. No replacement has been named. Matthew Breetzke has recovered from his left hamstring strain and is available for selection for today’s match at Lord’s.

# Golf: South Africa’s Jacques de Villiers fired an opening round 63 to share the lead with England’s Joe Knox on seven under par at the Sunshine Tour’s Sunbet Challenge at the Wild Coast Sun Country Club in Port Edward. South Africa’s Albert Venter is two strokes further back and the leaders’ nearest challenger on five under par. De Villiers, who is aiming for a maiden Sunshine Tour title, says he has put himself in a good position:

# And finally, tennis: Defending champion Jannik Sinner will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the US Open semifinals. The Italian defeated compatriot Lorenzo Musetti and Auger-Aliassime battled past Australian Alex de Minaur to reach the last four at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2021. In the women’s draw, two-time champion Naomi Osaka of Japan defeated Czech player Karolina Muchova. She will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals after the American knocked out in-form Iga Swiatek of Poland.

Stay tuned for more news………….