Managers Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente promise a tactical masterclass in New Jersey, with both squads declaring clean bills of health for Sunday’s blockbuster title decider.

England beat France 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place playoff thanks to a hat-trick from Bukayo Saka while Kylian Mbappe became the highest scorer in the tournament's history.

The Junior Springboks defended their Junior World Championship title with a hard-fought win against France U20 at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday night. South Africa triumphed 16-5 and could have won by an even bigger margin if not for several disallowed tries. Two penalty goals from flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed gave the Junior Boks a 6-0 lead at half-time of Saturday’s final, which was delayed by lightning, but France hit back early in the second half with an unconverted try from flank Raphael Audebert. The Junior Boks then withstood another fierce French onslaught, with the TMO unable to see a clear grounding, and won a penalty from the resultant scrum. South Africa thought they’d scored a try when replacement scrumhalf Jayden Brits’ kick was dropped by the French and substitute centre Samuel Badenhorst collected the loose ball. But the TMO quickly pointed out the knock-on. After a long-range France penalty-goal attempt fell short, the Junior Boks struck from a maul when replacement hooker Liam van Wyk offloaded to centre Markus Muller. Ahmed added the extras to make it 13-5. The Junior Boks celebrated again when winger Cheswill Jooste crossed the line with eight minutes remaining only for the TMO to spot a foot in touch. Ahmed was then denied a try when the match officials ruled he had jumped over a defender, but the flyhalf slotted a penalty to secure the win. In the third-place playoff, New Zealand beat England 41-26. The Junior Boks won the 2025 final, by beating New Zealand 23-15 in Italy last year. JUNIOR BOKS – Try: Markus Muller. Conversion: Yaqeen Ahmed. Penalties: Ahmed (3).FRANCE U20 – Try: Raphael Audebert. This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.

The Springboks beat Wales 43-0 in a Nations Championship match in Durban on Saturday, scoring seven tries to nil. It was a third straight win in the competition for Rassie Erasmus’ team. This is how The Citizen rated the performance of the Bok players, out of 10. Aphelele Fassi 6: He made the odd good run and kicked well enough, but his handling let him down at times. Didn’t ever really get into the game. Left the action in the 60th minute. Jaco Williams 8: He showed determination chasing kicks. He contested well in the air from a Vusi Moyo cross-kick which led to Jesse Kriel’s try, while he also made the assist for Herschel Jantjies’ try, and scored a try himself. Jesse Kriel 7: He put in some excellent tackles and marshalled the defence well. He scored a try after good work by Williams on the touchline. He made a few good runs on attack. A solid outing. Damian de Allende 6: It was a Test where, for once, the inside centre didn’t have too much to do. He put in some tackles and carried well on occasion and cleaned rucks, but it was a quiet day out for the veteran star. Kurt-Lee Arendse 7: He chased kicks and contested well in the air at times, but it was also a game where the action just didn’t go to his side. He got a few chances on attack in the second half, finishing off one for a great try. Vusi Moyo 7: He didn’t do badly on debut, but seemed a little unsure and hesitant at times. Carried hard on occasion, and made some good line kicks. His cross kick to the wing led to Kriel scoring a try. Off in the 47th minute. Cobus Reinach 9: An excellent all-round performance. He kicked well and chased hard, he tackled strongly and asked questions with ball in hand. He made a strong run for a try and played a part in Williams scoring a try on debut. Jasper Wiese 8: Another strong, statement performance by the big No 8. He carried regularly and often over the gainline. Was a real presence in the rucks and mauls. Was subbed in the 54th minute. Pieter-Steph du Toit 7: Like many of his team-mates, this was a quieter performance for the blindside flanker. He got better as the game went on, with some big carries, cleans and tackles. Took the odd lineout ball. Paul de Villiers 8: A third straight start for the rookie and another sound performance. He made some good carries, tackled hard and won breakdown penalties. He also scored a try from a lineout maul. Ruben van Heerden 8: A fabulous debut by the lock. He worked his socks off for 80 minutes, busying himself all over the field. He was solid as the main lineout option and excelled in this area. Cobus Wiese 7: The best Test yet by the big utility man. He made several big, powerful carries and showed good vision to offload for Williams’ try. A statement outing. Carlü Sadie 8: A wonderful first Test for the hard-working prop. He scrummed excellently, winning his team several penalties, but was busy all over the field. Made some big tackles as well. Malcolm Marx 7: His lineout throwing was spot on this week, finding his jumper on just about every occasion. He also once again won a breakdown penalty. Contributed greatly to a powerful scrumming effort. Gerhard Steenekamp 8: He put in a huge shift … his scrum effort was massive, but he also threw himself around the field, making tackles and carries. Probably his best Test yet. Bench 7: André-Hugo Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw made an impact with their mobility, tackles and set-piece work when they entered the action. Ben-Jason Dixon was solid, while Marco van Staden made a few big carries. Herschel Jantjies’ service was swift, his sniping runs caused problems, one of which led to a try. Manie Libbok was a calming force … his line kicking was good and distribution sound, with a long pass leading to Arendse scoring a try. Damian Willemse brought energy and calm to the backline, while his stepping runs and comfort under the high ball eased any nerves.

Kaizer Chiefs wrapped up their pre-season tour of Spain without a victory after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Elche, while rivals Orlando Pirates enjoyed a winning outing on the same day. Both Soweto giants are in Spain as they gear up for the 2026/27 campaign, using a series of friendly matches to fine-tune their preparations. Amakhosi fell 2-1 to Elche in their final match of the tour, having previously played out draws against Rangers FC and Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood. Asanele Velebayi scored Chiefs’ only goal of the pre-season match, but it was not enough to prevent a third consecutive game without a win. Chiefs will now return to South Africa and shift their attention to the Toyota Cup, where they will face Zimbabwean side Scottland FC at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday, 26 July, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Chiefs struggle in pre-season friendlies Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, recorded a 2-1 victory over Spanish side Cádiz CF in their second pre-season friendly. Tshepang Moremi and Daniel Msendami found the back of the net for the Buccaneers at the Marbella Football Center, handing Jose Riveiro’s side their first win of the tour. The victory followed Pirates’ 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF in their opening match. The Buccaneers still have three more friendlies scheduled before concluding their training camp and returning to South Africa. This marks Orlando Pirates’ third consecutive pre-season camp in Spain, while Kaizer Chiefs travelled to the European country for their pre-season preparations for the first time. Will Amakhosi improve?

As he did in 2022, Drake has placed another hefty bet on Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup. The Canadian rapper has placed a  $1,5 million wager on the South American country to beat Spain. The Grammy-winning artist has placed several bets during the tournament, including one on his own country to lose a knockout match! DRAKE BETS $1,5 MILLION  FOR ARGENTINA TO LIFT WORLD CUP TROPHY On his Instagram account, Drake posted a screenshot of his latest high-stakes bet. The Canadian rapper has wagered $1,5 million on Argentina to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, set to take place on Sunday, 19 July. Should Argentina win their second consecutive World Cup, Drake stands to walk away with over $5 million (over R82 million). WILL HE WIN THIS TIME AROUND? Although Drake bet $1 million on Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the final against France, he lost every cent because they did not win within 90 minutes. Argentina and France were tied 2-2 at 90 minutes and 3-3 after extra time. Drake had bet on the 1×2 market; only the score after 90 minutes plus stoppage time counted. Since the match was tied after regulation, the official betting result was a draw, meaning his wager was a loss. Ultimately, the country that boasts Lionel Messi has their superstar player 4-2 on penalties to become world champions. For the rapper to win his 2026 World Cup final bet, Argentina must have won when the referee blows the final whistle at the end of 90 minutes (plus stoppage time). Drake will lose the stash of cash if the countries are tied after regular and extra time, or if Spain wins.

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