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RUGBY
CAPE TOWN – Retaining the local Shield was one of the DHL Stormers’ goals for the 2022/2023 season and they’ve done that comfortably but while they were celebrating their achievement at a Greenpoint restaurant on Saturday night Ulster were confirming their intent to keep another battle alive.
Speaking immediately after his team’s win over the Cell C Sharks at DHL Stadium that put the Stormers on the cusp of the Shield title, with it becoming theirs two hours later, thanks to the Emirate Lions’ gutsy win at Loftus, Dobson said that Cardiff was a tough place for a visiting team to play. He was referring to the Ulster assignment.
But Ulster made it look easy. They were in imperious form in picking up another five valuable log points that enabled them to keep within touching distance of the Stormers in the battle for a top two place. And with an arguably easier run into the end of the season, they look likely to run the Stormers close.
Penalty
Indeed, while many might have wondered why Manie Libbok kicked the final penalty in the Stormers/Sharks game, there might have been a method in it. The kick stretched the Stormers’ winning margin to six points. It didn’t deny the Sharks their losing bonus point. Had the Stormers just kicked the ball out the game would have been
Djokovic withdraws
INDIAN WELLS – Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the draw for the Indian Wells tournament, organisers said on Sunday in an indication that the world No 1’s application for a COVID-19 vaccine waiver to enter the US might have failed. The Serbian, who is one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the US Government last month for special permission to play at ATP Masters events at Indian Wells and Miami. “World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open.”
ICC thanks CSA
LONDON – The International Cricket Council has thanked Cricket South Africa for the successful hosting of two Women’s T20 World Cups. The first ever ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup took place in January, which showcased the future stars of our sport, delivering some memorable performances over 16 days of competitive cricket with India being crowned the inaugural champions. The eighth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup started 12 days later delivering a uniquely African celebration creating a longterm legacy for women’s cricket in South Africa and inspiring a new generation of girls and boys who want to play for and support the Proteas as Australia won the trophy for the sixth time.
Delbouis dropped
PARIS – France yesterday said it was dropping centre Julien Delbouis and back-rower Alexandre Roumat from the extended 42man squad for next weekend’s Six Nations game against England. Delbouis gives way to Montpellier’s uncapped Thomas Darmon, the rugby federation said. France and England have both won two of their three matches heading into round four and still have a chance of winning the championship should unbeaten Ireland slip up.
Aiden appointed captain
CAPE TOWN – Cricket South Africa (CSA) has yesterday announced the one-day international (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) squads, along with the coaching appointments for the white-ball series against West Indies later this month. Aiden Markram has been appointed the new T20I captain. The 28-year-old takes over from Temba Bavuma, who stepped down as T20I captain last month.
over and pretty much the same result.
However, as Ulster confirmed later, points differential could be a determining factor for second and third. The Stormers had a superior points differential before the weekend, but Ulster, by winning more comfortably in Cardiff than the Stormers eventually did in Cape Town, now have that advantage.
Not that it should necessarily come into play if the Stormers get something out of their next game against Leinster in Dublin three weeks from now and then get maximum points in their final two home games against Munster and Benetton. Just one bonus point could be significant for the Stormers at the RDS Arena, and it is good news that Stormers coach John Dobson intends sending his full strength team to that game.