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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1993|06|11}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1993|06|11}}
| birth_place = [[Lydenburg]], South Africa
| birth_place = [[Lydenburg]], South Africa
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=KSmith>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/teams/south-africa/player/48550|title=Kwagga Smith player profile|publisher=rugbyworldcup.com|accessdate=22 October 2023}}</ref>
| height = {{height|m=1.80}}
| weight = {{cvt|98|kg|lb stlb}}
| weight = {{cvt|100|kg|lb stlb}}<ref name=KSmith/>
| nickname =
| nickname =
| occupation =
| occupation =
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| years4 = 2018–present
| years4 = 2018–present
| clubs4 = [[Shizuoka Blue Revs]]
| clubs4 = [[Shizuoka Blue Revs]]
| apps4 = 34
| apps4 = 50
| points4 = 100
| points4 = 150
| repyears1 = 2013
| repyears1 = 2013
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]]
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]]
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| repyears4 = 2018–present
| repyears4 = 2018–present
| repteam4 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repteam4 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repcaps4 = 25
| repcaps4 = 38
| reppoints4 = 15
| reppoints4 = 15
| clubupdate = 9 August 2022
| clubupdate = 9 August 2022
| repupdate = 9 August 2022
| repupdate = 15 October 2023
| medals =
| medals =
{{MedalSport|Men's [[rugby sevens]]}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[rugby sevens]]}}
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{{MedalCompetition|[[Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2014 Commonwealth Games|2014 Glasgow]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2014 Commonwealth Games|2014 Glasgow]]|[[Rugby sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Rugby World Cup]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2019 Rugby World Cup|2019 Japan]]|[[2019 Rugby World Cup squads|Squad]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2023 Rugby World Cup|2023 France]]|[[2023 Rugby World Cup squads|Squad]]}}
}}
}}


'''Albertus Stephanus Smith''' (born 11 June 1993), known professionally as '''Kwagga Smith''', is a South African [[rugby union]] player for the [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa national team]], the {{Rut|Lions}} in [[Super Rugby]] and [[Shizuoka Blue Revs]] in the Japanese [[Japan Rugby League One]].<ref name="SARU Player Profile Kwagga Smith">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=51653 | name=Kwagga Smith | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> His regular position is flanker.
'''Albertus Stephanus 'Kwagga' Smith''' (born 11 June 1993) is a South African professional [[rugby union]] player who currently plays for the [[Shizuoka Blue Revs]] in [[Japan Rugby League One]] and the [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa national team]].<ref name="SARU Player Profile Kwagga Smith">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=51653 | name=Kwagga Smith | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> His regular position is flanker.


He was a member of the South Africa Sevens team that won a bronze medal at the [[Rugby sevens at the 2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Summer Olympics]] and of the South Africa team that won the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]].
He was a member of the South Africa Sevens team that won a bronze medal at the [[Rugby sevens at the 2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Summer Olympics]] and the South Africa teams that won the [[2019 Rugby World Cup|2019]] and [[2023 Rugby World Cup]]s.


==Rugby career==
==Rugby career==
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After school, he moved to [[Johannesburg]], where he joined the {{Rut|Golden Lions}}. He started in nine matches for the {{Rut|Golden Lions U19}} side during the [[2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship]], scoring four tries.
After school, he moved to [[Johannesburg]], where he joined the {{Rut|Golden Lions}}. He started in nine matches for the {{Rut|Golden Lions U19}} side during the [[2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship]], scoring four tries.


He was selected in the [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South African U20]] side that played at the [[2013 IRB Junior World Championship]] in France. His only appearance in the pool stages came when he came played off the bench in the 97–0 victory over the [[United States national under-20 rugby union team|United States]].<ref name="South Africa 97-0 USA">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107264 | homeid=13184 | awayid=13194 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=97 | awayscore=0 | awayteam=USA | matchdate=5 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> He didn't play in their matches against [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England]]<ref name="South Africa 31-24 England">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107274 | homeid=13184 | awayid=13214 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=31 | awayscore=24 | awayteam=England | matchdate=9 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> and [[France national under-20 rugby union team|France]],<ref name="France 19-26 South Africa">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107284 | homeid=13204 | awayid=13184 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=France | homescore=19 | awayscore=26 | awayteam=South Africa | matchdate=13 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> but he did return to the bench for their semi-final clash with [[Wales national under-20 rugby union team|Wales]]. He came on in the first half and scored one of South Africa's two tries in the match, but it wasn't enough to prevent them losing the match 18–17 as Wales progressed to the final.<ref name="South Africa 17-18 Wales">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=109714 | homeid=13184 | awayid=14824 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=17 | awayscore=18 | awayteam=Wales | matchdate=18 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> Smith was again named in their final match of the tournament, the third-placed play-off against [[New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team|New Zealand]], and once again scored a try for the Baby Boks to help the team to a 41–34 victory and to clinch third place in the competition.<ref name="South Africa 41-34 New Zealand">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=109814 | homeid=13184 | awayid=14784 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=41 | awayscore=34 | awayteam=New Zealand | matchdate=23 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref>
He was selected in the [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa U20]] side that played at the [[2013 IRB Junior World Championship]] in France. His only appearance in the pool stages came when he came played off the bench in the 97–0 victory over the [[United States national under-20 rugby union team|United States]].<ref name="South Africa 97-0 USA">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107264 | homeid=13184 | awayid=13194 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=97 | awayscore=0 | awayteam=USA | matchdate=5 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> He didn't play in their matches against [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England]]<ref name="South Africa 31-24 England">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107274 | homeid=13184 | awayid=13214 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=31 | awayscore=24 | awayteam=England | matchdate=9 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> and [[France national under-20 rugby union team|France]],<ref name="France 19-26 South Africa">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=107284 | homeid=13204 | awayid=13184 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=France | homescore=19 | awayscore=26 | awayteam=South Africa | matchdate=13 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> but he did return to the bench for their semi-final clash with [[Wales national under-20 rugby union team|Wales]]. He came on in the first half and scored one of South Africa's two tries in the match, but it wasn't enough to prevent them losing the match 18–17 as Wales progressed to the final.<ref name="South Africa 17-18 Wales">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=109714 | homeid=13184 | awayid=14824 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=17 | awayscore=18 | awayteam=Wales | matchdate=18 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref> Smith was again named in their final match of the tournament, the third place play-off against [[New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team|New Zealand]], and once again scored a try for the Baby Boks to help the team to a 41–34 victory, clinching third place in the competition.<ref name="South Africa 41-34 New Zealand">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=109814 | homeid=13184 | awayid=14784 | leagueid=1344 | hometeam=South Africa | homescore=41 | awayscore=34 | awayteam=New Zealand | matchdate=23 June 2013 | date=27 July 2016}}</ref>


He returned to domestic action later in 2013, making ten appearances for the {{Rut|Golden Lions U21}} side in the [[2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship]], scoring four tries in the process. He also played for the same team in the [[2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship]].
He returned to domestic action later in 2013, making ten appearances for the {{Rut|Golden Lions U21}} side in the [[2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship]], scoring four tries in the process. He also played for the same team in the [[2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship]].
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===Sevens===
===Sevens===


At the end of 2013, Smith joined the [[South Africa national rugby sevens team|South African Sevens]] side. He made his debut on the international [[IRB Sevens World Series]] circuit at the [[2013 South Africa Sevens]] event, helping his side to victory in their home tournament for just the second time ever, beating [[New Zealand national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]] in the Cup final.<ref name="Inspired South Africa win home Sevens title">{{cite web | url=http://www.irbsevens.com/destination/edition=2/news/newsid=2069840.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212084420/http://www.irbsevens.com/destination/edition=2/news/newsid=2069840.html | url-status=usurped | archive-date=12 December 2013 | title=Inspired South Africa win home Sevens title | publisher=IRB | date=8 December 2013 | access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> He appeared in six legs of the [[2013–14 IRB Sevens World Series]], following up the event in South Africa with appearances in the [[2014 USA Sevens|United States]], [[2014 Hong Kong Sevens|Hong Kong]], [[2014 Japan Sevens|Japan]], [[2014 Scotland Sevens|Scotland]] and [[2014 London Sevens|London]] legs of the tournament.
At the end of 2013, Smith joined the [[South Africa national rugby sevens team|South Africa Sevens]] side. He made his debut on the international [[IRB Sevens World Series]] circuit at the [[2013 South Africa Sevens]] event, helping his side to victory in their home tournament for just the second time ever, beating [[New Zealand national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]] in the Cup final.<ref name="Inspired South Africa win home Sevens title">{{cite web | url=http://www.irbsevens.com/destination/edition=2/news/newsid=2069840.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212084420/http://www.irbsevens.com/destination/edition=2/news/newsid=2069840.html | url-status=usurped | archive-date=12 December 2013 | title=Inspired South Africa win home Sevens title | publisher=IRB | date=8 December 2013 | access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> He appeared in six legs of the [[2013–14 IRB Sevens World Series]], following up the event in South Africa with appearances in the [[2014 USA Sevens|United States]], [[2014 Hong Kong Sevens|Hong Kong]], [[2014 Japan Sevens|Japan]], [[2014 Scotland Sevens|Scotland]] and [[2014 London Sevens|London]] legs of the tournament.


He was selected in the squad that played at the [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] and helped his side to a 17–12 victory over a [[New Zealand national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]] that won the previous four consecutive tournaments.<ref name="Glasgow 2014 – Men's Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match">{{cite web | url=http://results.glasgow2014.com/event/rugby_sevens/rum400101/mens_rugby_sevens_gold_medal_match.html | title=Glasgow 2014 – Men's Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match | publisher=Glasgow 2014 – XX Commonwealth Games | date=3 August 2014 | access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref>
He was selected in the squad that played at the [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] and helped his side to a 17–12 victory over a [[New Zealand national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]] team that won the previous four consecutive tournaments.<ref name="Glasgow 2014 – Men's Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match">{{cite web | url=http://results.glasgow2014.com/event/rugby_sevens/rum400101/mens_rugby_sevens_gold_medal_match.html | title=Glasgow 2014 – Men's Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match | publisher=Glasgow 2014 – XX Commonwealth Games | date=3 August 2014 | access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref>


===Golden Lions===
===Golden Lions===
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Smith was named in the South Africa squad for the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-south-africa-squad-full-list-schedule-latest-players-confirmed-a9079626.html |title=South Africa World Cup squad: Siya Kolisi wins fitness battle, Eben Etzebeth backed, Aphiwe Dyantyi dropped |date=26 August 2019 |publisher=Independent |access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref> Smith played two matches, against [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] and [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]] in the pool stage, starting both at openside flanker. South Africa went on to win the tournament, defeating [[England national rugby union team|England]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50273291 |title=England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time |date=2 November 2019 |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref>
Smith was named in the South Africa squad for the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-south-africa-squad-full-list-schedule-latest-players-confirmed-a9079626.html |title=South Africa World Cup squad: Siya Kolisi wins fitness battle, Eben Etzebeth backed, Aphiwe Dyantyi dropped |date=26 August 2019 |publisher=Independent |access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref> Smith played two matches, against [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] and [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]] in the pool stage, starting both at openside flanker. South Africa went on to win the tournament, defeating [[England national rugby union team|England]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50273291 |title=England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time |date=2 November 2019 |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref>


In 2021, Smith was part of the South Africa squad for the tests against the [[British and Irish Lions]] and [[Georgia national rugby union team|Georgia]]. In the sole game vs Georgia, he scored his 1st test try, playing as 8th man. He went on to feature for the rest of 2021, including the [[2021 Rugby Championship]] and [[2021 Autumn Nations Series]], predominantly at the blindside flank and also Number 8.
In 2021, Smith was part of the South Africa squad for the tests against the [[British and Irish Lions]] and [[Georgia national rugby union team|Georgia]]. In the game against Georgia, he scored his first test try, playing as 8th man. He went on to feature for the rest of 2021, including the [[2021 Rugby Championship]] and [[2021 Autumn Nations Series]], predominantly at the blindside flank and also number 8.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Golden Lions players]]
[[Category:Golden Lions players]]
[[Category:South African people of British descent]]
[[Category:South African people of British descent]]
[[Category:White South African people]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:South Africa Under-20 international rugby union players]]
[[Category:South Africa Under-20 international rugby union players]]
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[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
[[Category:White South African people]]
[[Category:Lions (United Rugby Championship) players]]
[[Category:Lions (United Rugby Championship) players]]
[[Category:Shizuoka Blue Revs players]]
[[Category:Shizuoka Blue Revs players]]
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[[Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2023 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2023 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]

Revision as of 02:33, 7 July 2024

Kwagga Smith
Smith playing in 2022
Full nameAlbertus Stephanus Smith
Date of birth (1993-06-11) 11 June 1993 (age 31)
Place of birthLydenburg, South Africa
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Weight100 kg (220 lb; 15 st 10 lb)[1]
SchoolHoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Current team Yamaha Júbilo
Youth career
2010–11 Pumas
2012–2014 Golden Lions
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2017 Golden Lions 34 (105)
2015–2019 Lions 49 (105)
2017 Golden Lions XV 1 (5)
2018–present Shizuoka Blue Revs 50 (150)
Correct as of 9 August 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 South Africa Under-20 3 (10)
2013–2017 South Africa Sevens 158 (310)
2018–present Südafrika 38 (15)
Correct as of 15 October 2023
Medal record
Men's rugby sevens
Representing  Südafrika
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team competition
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2014 Glasgow Team competition
Rugby World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2019 Japan Squad
Gold medal – first place 2023 France Squad

Albertus Stephanus 'Kwagga' Smith (born 11 June 1993) is a South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan Rugby League One and the South Africa national team.[2] His regular position is flanker.

He was a member of the South Africa Sevens team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the South Africa teams that won the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

Rugby career

Youth

He played school rugby for HTS Middelburg in Mpumalanga, which led to his inclusion in the Pumas U18 squads that played at the Craven Week competitions in 2010 and 2011.

After school, he moved to Johannesburg, where he joined the Golden Lions. He started in nine matches for the Golden Lions U19 side during the 2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship, scoring four tries.

He was selected in the South Africa U20 side that played at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France. His only appearance in the pool stages came when he came played off the bench in the 97–0 victory over the United States.[3] He didn't play in their matches against England[4] and France,[5] but he did return to the bench for their semi-final clash with Wales. He came on in the first half and scored one of South Africa's two tries in the match, but it wasn't enough to prevent them losing the match 18–17 as Wales progressed to the final.[6] Smith was again named in their final match of the tournament, the third place play-off against New Zealand, and once again scored a try for the Baby Boks to help the team to a 41–34 victory, clinching third place in the competition.[7]

He returned to domestic action later in 2013, making ten appearances for the Golden Lions U21 side in the 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship, scoring four tries in the process. He also played for the same team in the 2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship.

Sevens

At the end of 2013, Smith joined the South Africa Sevens side. He made his debut on the international IRB Sevens World Series circuit at the 2013 South Africa Sevens event, helping his side to victory in their home tournament for just the second time ever, beating New Zealand in the Cup final.[8] He appeared in six legs of the 2013–14 IRB Sevens World Series, following up the event in South Africa with appearances in the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, Scotland and London legs of the tournament.

He was selected in the squad that played at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and helped his side to a 17–12 victory over a New Zealand team that won the previous four consecutive tournaments.[9]

Golden Lions

He was included in the Golden Lions first team squad for the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division and was named on the bench for their Round Two match against the Eastern Province Kings in Johannesburg.[10]

2016 Summer Olympics

Smith was included in a 12-man squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.[11] He was named in the starting line-up for their first match in Group B of the competition against Spain, with South Africa winning the match 24–0.[12][13]

Yamaha Júbilo

In July 2018, Smith joined Japanese side Yamaha Júbilo for the 2018–19 Top League season.[14]

Südafrika

Smith was named in the South Africa squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[15] Smith played two matches, against Namibia and Canada in the pool stage, starting both at openside flanker. South Africa went on to win the tournament, defeating England in the final.[16]

In 2021, Smith was part of the South Africa squad for the tests against the British and Irish Lions and Georgia. In the game against Georgia, he scored his first test try, playing as 8th man. He went on to feature for the rest of 2021, including the 2021 Rugby Championship and 2021 Autumn Nations Series, predominantly at the blindside flank and also number 8.

References

  1. ^ a b "Kwagga Smith player profile". rugbyworldcup.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  2. ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Kwagga Smith". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  3. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 97–0 USA". South African Rugby Union. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  4. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 31–24 England". South African Rugby Union. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – France 19–26 South Africa". South African Rugby Union. 13 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  6. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 17–18 Wales". South African Rugby Union. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  7. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 41–34 New Zealand". South African Rugby Union. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  8. ^ "Inspired South Africa win home Sevens title". IRB. 8 December 2013. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "Glasgow 2014 – Men's Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match". Glasgow 2014 – XX Commonwealth Games. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  10. ^ "Team announcement – Xerox Golden Lions vs EP Kings". Golden Lions. 14 August 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  11. ^ "Rugby Sevens squad for Olympics named". South African Rugby Union. 14 July 2016. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  12. ^ "Men Schedule & Results – Olympic Rugby Sevens (RSA–ESP)". Rio 2016. 9 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  13. ^ "Olympic Games Men's Sevens, Match 2". World Rugby. 9 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  14. ^ "2018年度、新加入選手のお知らせ" (Press release). Yamaha Júbilo. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  15. ^ "South Africa World Cup squad: Siya Kolisi wins fitness battle, Eben Etzebeth backed, Aphiwe Dyantyi dropped". Independent. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  16. ^ "England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time". BBC. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.