Planet Rugby's ranked list of the world's top 10 active props puts Thomas du Toit at number one, ahead of Ox Nche at two — with Wilco Louw (8) and Gerhard Steenekamp (6) also making the cut. Du Toit's ranking rests on his rare ability to play both sides of the scrum, his try-scoring threat, and the kind of late-game scrummaging dominance that shifts momentum at Test level. Nche is rated the best specialist loosehead in the world, his 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year nomination cited as long-overdue recognition for front-row impact. England's Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes land at three and seven respectively, with Heyes's rapid rise from zero to first-choice tighthead inside a single year one of the more striking stories on the list. Ethan de Groot is the sole All Black, sitting fourth — which the piece flags as a telling commentary on where New Zealand's pack stands ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Four Boks in the world's top 10 props — and Du Toit leads them all
Planet Rugby ranks Du Toit first and Nche second among the world's top props, with four Springboks in the top 10 overall — the piece breaks down what separates them and where the international competition sits.
Porthen reveals intensity of Bok scrum sessions ahead of England Test
Stormers tighthead Zach Porthen, set for his fourth Test cap against England at Ellis Park on Saturday, says Springbok scrum sessions are deliberately more intense than match conditions, with coach Daan Human pushing props into mental and physical extremes to ensure they are never shocked by game-day demands.
Erasmus explains Louw omission and confirms Norton out for up to ten weeks with grade-three hamstring tear
Erasmus has explained Wilco Louw's omission from the Springbok 23 on grounds of accumulated physical and personal strain, while confirming Riley Norton is out for eight to ten weeks after tearing his hamstring in training, ending any prospect of a debut against England.
Erasmus backs Porthen as long-term Louw successor ahead of England Test
Erasmus has publicly backed Zachary Porthen as the long-term successor to Wilco Louw at tighthead, with Louw rested for personal reasons ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Hansen: Wellington told us more about the All Blacks than the Springboks
Hansen argues the Wellington result revealed more about All Black confusion than Springbok dominance, while cautioning against scoreline fixation — and backing the new-look All Blacks to learn from the Greatest Rivalry tour.