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.
Gunter calls on Springbok Women to lift rankings push ahead of USA Test
Micke Gunter says the Springbok Women are targeting a further climb up the world rankings in 2026, with the squad's first home Test of the year against eighth-ranked USA at Ellis Park the opening opportunity.
Erasmus holds no grudges over Brown's All Blacks move, eyes replacements
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks have replacement candidates in mind for Tony Brown after New Zealand Rugby confirmed the attack coach will join the All Blacks setup post-2027 Rugby World Cup, while SA Rugby moves to finalise the rest of the coaching staff's contracts before year's end.
Erasmus welcomes Brown clarity, vows not to repeat 2023 contract mistake
Rassie Erasmus has welcomed the early confirmation of Tony Brown's post-2027 move to the All Blacks, saying SA Rugby is determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving coaching futures unresolved in a World Cup year — a situation that played out with Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones before the 2023 tournament.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.