Planet Rugby's Nations Championship Round One Team of the Week is dominated by South Africa, who land five selections off the back of their 45-21 dismantling of England at Ellis Park. Willemse takes Player of the Weekend honours on his 50th Test — aerial dominance, a 50/22, a try-saving tackle and 12 carries earning the nod ahead of Cam Roigard and Jac Morgan. Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit and Kriel complete the Bok contingent, with Du Toit Sr. captaining the side after Etzebeth's late withdrawal and Paul de Villiers earning strong praise on debut at six. Libbok is recognised for a near-flawless performance, freed from kicking duties with Kolbe on the tee. New Zealand claim four spots built around Roigard — described as possibly the most in-form player in the world — and a second-half Jacobson masterclass, while Scotland's Tuipulotu-Hutchinson midfield combination and Wales' Morgan round out a team that reflects just how competitive the opening weekend was across all six fixtures.
Five Boks in Round One Team of the Week as Willemse Claims Player of the Weekend
South Africa dominate Planet Rugby's Round One Team of the Week with five selections, headlined by Willemse's Player of the Weekend on his 50th cap and strong showings from Marx, both Du Toits, Kriel and a debut-making De Villiers.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu ankle injury puts Rugby Nations Championship opener in doubt
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will miss at least the first three rounds of the Rugby Nations Championship after injuring his ankle in the Stormers' URC quarterfinal win over Cardiff, adding to a growing list of Springbok halfback concerns that already includes Cobus Reinach's knee injury.
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.
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.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu ankle injury clouds Bok backline ahead of Nations Championship
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the Stormers' URC quarterfinal win over Cardiff, putting his availability for the July Rugby Nations Championship Tests in doubt — compounding an already lengthy Springbok injury list that includes Cobus Reinach, three scrumhalves, and locks Etzebeth, De Jager and Snyman.
Syndesmosis injury could keep Feinberg-Mngomezulu out for three months
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu faces a three-month absence after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Stormers' URC quarter-final win over Cardiff, potentially ruling him out of the Nations Championship Tests and part of the All Blacks series.