Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt has flagged defence as the critical battleground for Saturday's Test against the USA at Ellis Park — specifically set-piece defence, scrum stability, and wide ruck containment. The preparation emphasis is deliberate: the USA come in ranked eighth globally and arrive with meaningful Pacific Four match footage for South Africa to dissect. Johannes-Haupt is confident the Boks' scrumming power can be a weapon, and drew a direct line between the lessons learned against Canada in 2023 — then ranked third — and the squad's improved World Cup showing. The broader stakes are clear: with two Tests on the schedule over consecutive weekends, the Bok Women see this as a chance to build ranking momentum and sustain the upward trajectory established at last year's World Cup. The matchday 23 is named Thursday, with the full 30-player training group available for selection.
Bok Women target defensive dominance ahead of Ellis Park USA clash
Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt has identified defence — from scrums to wide ruck containment — as the key focus ahead of Saturday's Ellis Park clash with the USA, with the Bok Women targeting consecutive strong performances to drive their world ranking upward.
Bok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on a high
The Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, with co-head coach Franzel September highlighting disciplined defence and set-piece control despite front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki. The squad returns home on Tuesday ahead of two Tests against Ireland in Cape Town.
Etzebeth chases series win as record 146th cap beckons in Baltimore
Eben Etzebeth is set to earn a record 146th Test cap when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, with the series on the line — a Springbok win seals Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, while defeat results in a draw.
Black Ferns too sharp for Springbok Women despite scrum dominance
The Springbok Women were beaten 52-20 by New Zealand at FNB Stadium, losing despite dominating the scrum and maul, with finishing and handling errors undermining a competitive first-half performance.
Bok Women face Black Ferns in historic FNB test — without their coach
South Africa's historic home debut against the Black Ferns comes at an awkward moment — Swys de Bruin resigned mid-week, leaving assistants to take charge. Rugby365 breaks down the teams, the key matchups, and tips New Zealand by 12.
2029 World Cup medal target sharpens Springbok Women's focus on historic Fiji series
The Springbok Women begin a historic first-ever two-Test series in Fiji on Saturday, with assistant coach Franzel September explicitly targeting a 2029 Rugby World Cup medal as the programme's benchmark.