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Why Nkosi doping ban was one year less than fellow ex-Bok Jantjies

Sibusiso Nkosi looks on during a 2021 Springboks captain's run (Photo by Steve Haag/AFP via Getty Images)

Sibusiso Nkosi, the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, has been banned for three years by World Rugby. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid normally associated with the equestrian world.

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The 28-year-old, capped 16 times by the Springboks, underwent a World Rugby doping test in May and his A sample was positive. He chose not to have his B sample tested and did not fight the case.

As a result, he was given a one-year ‘discount’ and was banned for three years – unlike fellow Springbok Elton Jantjies, who was suspended for four years last January for using a banned substance. Jantjies contested the World Rugby finding and did not qualify for the discount.

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Nkosi’s suspension will run until July 15, 2027. He made the first of 16 international appearances against England in June 2018 and won his last cap against New Zealand three years later. He scored nine Test tries but has had a chequered history in the game.

The Sharks ran out of patience with him as a result of disciplinary issues, while at the Bulls he disappeared for several weeks in 2022, triggering a police search before being found at the home of his father.

Nkosi joined the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs last March on a one-year contract. However, it is now unlikely he will return to the game.

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SK 44 minutes ago
How Ireland can upset the odds in Paris: Big match preview part two

Ireland need to keep the ball for long periods even if it goes against their current Leinster identity. This is their bread and butter against France. If they can stress test the French defence for long periods of time they will tire out. Ireland cannot afford to just build 90 rucks in a game. They need to build well in excess of 100 and they need to get 55-60% lightning quick ball at least. They need to force France to make at least 150-200 tackles and force them to defend multiple phases of attack. They need to play quickly at lineout, get the ball away from the base at scrum time and keep the French forwards under the pump. They cant play from everywhere but once it gets to their own 10 metre line they need to keep the ball and avoid the kick unless its to expose space with a kick chase or a 50-22. I dont rate the French bench, hell the Ireland bench doesnt look so great itself but if they can survive the first 60, deny France set piece and aerial dominance and move their forwards around they can win this. For France they need to establish dominance at set piece, make a mess of the Irish lineout, dominate the air waves and score off turnover ball using fast breaking backs like LBB and Ramos. They need to put Prendergast under pressure and smash the Irish front row. If they can make a mess of the Irish ruck speed they will also win but what we cant have is both teams pussyfooting around in a cagey affair putting the ball up constantly in a snooze fest with Ireland playing some Leinster garbage and France doing what they are comfortable doing. That only ends one way, a France win and Thursday night wasted for a rugby hungry audience. If we want a game on Ice we will watch the Winter Olympics thank you very much.

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