Borchardt's piece argues that while the Bok pack set the platform against Italy, it was the halfback pairing who provided the clinical, decision-making layer that made the win so convincing. The analysis drills into how Faf de Klerk and Handré Pollard complemented the power game with precision rather than brute force — the 'solo parts' that separated a good performance from a dominant one.
Faf and Pollard dissected: the surgical edge behind the Bok win in Turin
Borchardt argues the Bok halfbacks provided the surgical edge that elevated Saturday's win in Turin beyond a straightforward power display — worth reading for the breakdown of how they operated within and around the set-piece dominance.
Faf stars as Baa-Baas fall short — and North signs off in storybook fashion
Faf de Klerk captained the Barbarians to a narrow 33-31 loss to Wales, earning top marks despite looking spent after 25 minutes — his quick-tap instincts and fringe running the highlight of the Baa-Baas' attack. Vincent Koch also stood out in the scrum. The piece doubles as a lead-in to Rassie's comments on snubbed Springbok veterans.
Watson: Kolbe is England's biggest headache — but Bok versatility is the real danger
Watson names Kolbe as England's biggest individual concern but argues the Boks' real edge is their ability to change tactical identity based on which fly-half starts — a flexibility that makes them uniquely hard to prepare for.
Erasmus credits SA Rugby pipeline after Boks rout Barbarians 80-31
Erasmus praised the composure and maturity of five uncapped players after the Springboks beat the Barbarians 80-31 in Gqeberha, crediting SA Rugby's pipeline for the depth available, while playing down franchise form as a selection concern following the Bulls' heavy URC Final loss to Leinster.
De Klerk explains South Africa return as scrumhalf crisis hands him Bok recall
Faf de Klerk has explained his decision to return to South Africa with the Cheetahs, saying family and a desire to rebuild Free State rugby drove the move, with his Springbok recall coming on the back of injuries to Reinach, Hendrikse and Van den Berg.
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.