Felipe Contepomi, who worked alongside Scott Robertson in the Barbarians coaching box on Saturday, offers one of the more credible outside assessments of where the Springboks currently stand. His verdict: the evolution under Tony Brown hasn't replaced South Africa's traditional strengths — it's been layered on top of them, and that combination is what makes the Boks so hard to play against. Contepomi's specific point is about decision-making — the Boks now know exactly when to grind and when to go wide, making them unpredictable in a way they weren't before. His prescription for opponents is to be brave and take the game on, but he acknowledges that's easier said than done. Robertson's aside about South African depth is worth noting too — the 80-31 scoreline came with 16 Bulls Springboks absent the night after a URC final.
Contepomi's warning: Boks are dangerous precisely because attack and forward dominance now combine
Contepomi argues the Boks' real danger isn't attack or forward dominance in isolation — it's that Tony Brown's influence has made them fluent in both, with the football intelligence to switch between them at will. A sharp external read ahead of the England test.
Gelant and Van der Merwe set for first reunion since Outeniqua High in Barbarians clash
Warrick Gelant and Duhan van der Merwe are set to share a field for the first time since Outeniqua High School when the Barbarians face the Springboks in Gqeberha on 20 June.
Van Heerden called up as Moerat injury forces Springbok change
Ruben van Heerden has been called into the Springbok squad to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat, joining camp in Johannesburg ahead of the season opener against the Barbarians on 20 June.
Springbok Recall! Relive Phepsi Buthelezi's 2025/26 Season
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Brown's legacy is a Bok team he helped make harder to beat — including for himself
Gavin Rich argues Brown's exit was always baked in, and the real story is that he leaves behind a Bok team he's made genuinely harder to beat — even for himself. Rich also clears the injury fog around the Bok squad and makes a pointed case that the Bulls' URC final chances hinge entirely on whether they can replicate the Stormers' defensive aggression against Leinster.
Back in Green & Gold: The Best of Phepsi Buthelezi ⭐
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