Erasmus isn't reading too much into the 66-7 demolition of Italy, acknowledging that the second half was notably softer than a dominant first 45 minutes. His post-match comments frame the win as a useful platform rather than a benchmark — the Boks will need a significant step up to be competitive against France and Ireland in the Nations Championship. On the plus side, Erasmus highlighted discipline as a genuine bright spot: South Africa conceded just five penalties across the 80 minutes while Italy gave away 10. He also pointed to the squad's accumulated cohesion over eight years together, with newer additions like Hooker, Van den Berg, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Hanekom now embedding into a system they've been coached in long enough to execute under match conditions without disrupting the collective rhythm.
Erasmus satisfied but demands more ahead of France and Ireland tests
Erasmus welcomed the Italy result but was blunt that the second-half drop-off won't cut it against France and Ireland — discipline and squad cohesion were the genuine positives he took from Turin.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
Nations Championship Round 1: Boks set the benchmark, Japan turn heads
Louw's Nations Championship round-one review crowns the Boks as the weekend's benchmark-setters and flags Japan's Italy upset as the competition's first real surprise — while taking aim at the scheduling call that denies Japan a home fixture against Ireland.
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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James Doleman to referee South Africa v England as World Rugby confirms Nations Championship officials
James Doleman will referee South Africa v England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Andrew Brace and Pierre Brousset as assistants, as World Rugby confirms the full list of officials for the July leg of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Umaga wants the All Blacks feared again — and Rennie's the man to do it
Umaga admits the All Blacks have lost their shine and outlines how Rennie's leadership culture — and Savea's role as a players' voice — aims to restore it ahead of a season that ends with four Tests against the Springboks.