Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 3 November 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 defended lock Salmaan Moerat against criticism on social media, saying his contribution is invaluable. Eleven-cap Moerat starts in the second row for South Africa’s Nations Championship clash against Italy in Turin on Saturday. The 28-year-old, who left the Stormers for French outfit La Rochelle, has not played for the Boks this year. Erasmus says Moerat’s value in the team lies in unglamorous graft rather than flashy play:

England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, has meanwhile named a 36-player squad for the competition, with Alex Mitchell missing out due to injury. Scrumhalves Ben Spencer and Harry Randall are in the squad in his absence. Hooker Theo Dan comes in for injured Kepu Tuipulotu. Centre Seb Atkinson and winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are also included after successfully negotiating injury comebacks with their clubs this past weekend. England will face Australia on Sunday, followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand.

# Cricket: Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham and Senurant Muthusamy won’t play for South Africa in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at the Highveld from the middle of this month. Anrich Nortjé, Zubayr Hamza and Tony de Zorzi all return from injury. Coach Shukri Conrad says after the series victory over Australia, they will now focus on carrying that momentum into the series against Bangladesh. The first Test starts at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on the 15th and the second in Centurion on the 23rd.

More cricket: Australia’s women’s team will tour South Africa next year for three T20s, three one-day matches and a one-off Test. The dates have been moved after confirmation the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy will take place in India from 14 to 28 February. The T20s will be played in Kimberley, Benoni and KuGompo City in March, followed by ODIs in Gqeberha, Paarl and Durban in April. The Test will start in KuGompo City on the 15th, when Buffalo Park will host its first ever women’s Test.

# And motorsport: George Russell has admitted his struggles during the Formula One season have been incredibly difficult to navigate. The Mercedes driver posted a candid statement on social media after his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, secured his maiden drivers’ championship title at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix. Russell, who has won three races this year compared to Antonelli’s nine, says while picking himself up week after week has been a challenge, he knows he has given his absolute best to the team.

Stay tuned for more news………….