ON ONE of our paper’s early social media posts about the Test against Australia at St George’s Park, when the South African openers had been blitzed by Scott Boland and were reeling at 97/5 on day two, a reader made a comment: “The proteas might lose here”.

Now I must admit, though the one thing I have learned about cricket is that the game is not over till that certain lady sings, even I was inclined to agree with our reader.

But then came something remarkable; something only cricket seems to be able to produce.

After losing the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, South Africa needed a response. They delivered one through a captain’s innings from Temba Bavuma, a valuable contribution from Marco Jansen and a devastating bowling performance that left Australia with little room to recover.

The hosts were in serious trouble at 110/6, but Bavuma produced a career-best 179 off 334 balls, with 18 fours and a six, to change the course of the match. Jansen contributed 85 and Simon Harmer 82 as South Africa recovered to declare at 425/9.

The partnerships with Jansen and Harmer proved crucial, allowing the Proteas to build a substantial lead despite losing valuable time to rain.

Australia’s first innings could produce only 99 runs, with Jansen taking 5/33. The visitors were forced to follow on, and although Travis Head fought back with 121 in the second innings, South Africa kept up the pressure. Jansen claimed the final wicket on Thursday to seal the victory and earn the Proteas a series-levelling result with the decider next up.

Bavuma’s innings was especially significant because it came when his team needed him most. The captain’s previous best Test score was 172, against the West Indies in 2023. Now the teams head to Cape Town for the deciding Test, scheduled for October 27–31. The Proteas have momentum, but Australia will be determined to respond.

Nico Paz struck twice, opening the scoring in the second minute before adding another after the break. Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also found the net as Como delivered a commanding performance in front of their home supporters. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for United in stoppage time.

The defeat added to the pressure on United and head coach Michael Carrick, with the visitors struggling to find answers as Como took control. For the Italian side, it was a memorable result against one of English football’s biggest names. >

The 41-year-old departed after being left on the bench against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. He subsequently accused coach Jorge Jesus of going back on an agreement about his playing time, but later apologised to supporters and said he would accept the punishment.

Ronaldo was also fined €255. The suspension was the minimum penalty under the federation’s regulations, and he had already served most of it by the time it was announced. Portugal, meanwhile, won all four Nations League matches played in his absence and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. 

Zwane and Tsichlas return for second terms, while Modipa replaces Bennett Bailey. Former Bafana Bafana star Doctor Khumalo was also appointed deputy to technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan said the vice-presidents would help develop the association’s Vision 2030, with a focus on schools, football development and the national teams. 

South African rugby supporters had reason to celebrate after the Bulls beat Stade Français 56-20, with Cheswill Jooste scoring a hat-trick, while the Stormers defeated Bristol Bears 49-12. The Sharks produced the weekend’s most dramatic finish, beating Lyon 40-33 after Lili Bester scored following the final hooter.

The Cheetahs narrowly lost 29-27 to Bayonne, while the Lions went down 31-14 to La Rochelle. 

The Lions played in the wake of teammate Hyron Andrews’ death in an accident while the team was touring France, casting a sombre shadow over the weekend’s rugby. 

One thing is for certain though. In the world of sports there’s seldom a dull moment. We saw it this week; from Bavuma’s career-defining innings to a Champions League shock and a dramatic rugby finish, it has been a week packed with talking points for sports fans.