A 45-point first half in Turin was enough to put the Nations Championship Northern Series opener to bed early, and Erasmus is content with the result if not entirely with the execution. His post-match message was straightforward: the second half dropped off as Italy threw caution aside and rotation disrupted rhythm, but you don't nitpick a 66-7 win. The more pointed observation was that the Boks will need to be considerably sharper against France and Ireland. Erasmus credited eight years of system continuity as the foundation — the newer faces like Hooker, Van den Berg, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Hanekom are being absorbed into an already settled group rather than rebuilding it. The only injury concern is Moerat, who was withdrawn pre-kick-off with back spasms, with De Jager stepping into the starting XV and Mostert covering from the bench.
Erasmus satisfied but eyes France and Ireland after 66-7 Italy demolition
Erasmus called the 66-7 Italy win satisfying but was clear the Boks must lift significantly for France and Ireland. He credited long-term system cohesion for the team's ability to absorb new players seamlessly, with Moerat's back spasm the only medical concern.
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.
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.
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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The Barbarians hit-out is a key cog in Rassie's World Cup machine
Nel makes the case that the Barbarians fixture is less about the result and more about Erasmus stress-testing depth, blooding uncapped talent, and keeping the World Cup-winning core fresh — all with 2027 firmly in mind.
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.