Jim Hamilton's verdict on the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series is glowing — 'the elite of the elite' — but his broader argument is that rugby's administration is failing to capitalise on what its players are producing. His central grievances: the Baltimore Test being halted for 15 minutes due to a communications failure in a market rugby is desperately trying to crack; World Rugby repeating the 2023 mistake of bracketing the two best teams in the same quarter-final draw; and rights holders pulling down viral content — including a million-view clip of Ma'a Nonu performing a haka — that was doing rugby's marketing job for free. Hamilton contrasts rugby's 'scatter-gun' global strategy unfavourably with the NFL's methodical international expansion, and argues that until the business side catches up with the on-field product, the sport risks squandering its best era.
Hamilton: World Cup draw is a 'tragedy' — and rugby's off-field chaos is squandering the Springboks-All Blacks golden era
Hamilton argues rugby's administration is failing to capitalise on the Springboks-All Blacks golden era — pointing to the Baltimore comms fiasco, a repeat World Cup draw blunder, and rights holders pulling viral content as evidence that the off-field operation is nowhere near matching what's happening on the pitch.
Etzebeth chases series win as record 146th cap beckons in Baltimore
Eben Etzebeth is set to earn a record 146th Test cap when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, with the series on the line — a Springbok win seals Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, while defeat results in a draw.
Jerome Kaino joins Georgia coaching staff ahead of RWC 2027 pool clash with Boks
Jerome Kaino has been appointed to Georgia's coaching staff for the November window, joining as an assistant under Pierre-Henri Broncan ahead of the Lelos' 2027 Rugby World Cup pool assignment against South Africa, Italy and Romania.
The Springboks were NOT letting that trophy go 🏆 | New Zealand v South Africa | Rugby World Cup
A rivalry we all know, and a rivalry we all love 🤩
Kolbe on broken ribs, All Black fans in the family, and why he's finally coming home
Kolbe opens up ahead of the All Blacks Test on the Francois Steyn hit that may have cracked his ribs, his favourite tries, the All Black fans still in his family circle, and why coming home to Cape Town was finally the right call.
From Milnerton High to 100 Bok caps: The Doogz story
Gavin Rich traces De Allende's road to 100 Tests — from soccer-obsessed kid at Milnerton High, through a school politics snub that nearly derailed his rugby career, to two World Cup winners' medals. The piece is rich on the behind-the-scenes figures and formative moments that shaped one of the Boks' most durable centres.