Ulster dismantled Exeter 29-12 to reach their first European final in 14 years, and the standout Springbok subplot is Juarno Augustus. Rated 9/10 and described as 'magnificent in every facet,' the number eight is flagged as someone Erasmus will be watching closely ahead of the Nations Championship — high praise given the depth at eight in the Bok setup. Elsewhere, Stuart McCloskey continued what's being called his best-ever season with another dominant 9/10 display, while Nathan Doak and Cormac Izuchukwu also rated highly as Ulster's pack set a physical tone Exeter couldn't match. The full ratings give a granular read on where each Ulster player stands heading into a European final.
Juarno Augustus puts himself in Bok frame with Ulster's European demolition job
Augustus's 9/10 man-of-the-match display against Exeter has put him firmly in the Bok conversation, with the piece suggesting Erasmus will be taking close notice ahead of the Nations Championship.
- Rassie Erasmus
- Springboks
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
Lekker! Hola! Head to https://squarespace.com/squidgerugby to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code SQUIDGERUGBY
Erasmus: 'We don't see the Nations Championship as a competition'
Erasmus says the Boks won't adjust their approach to chase Nations Championship log points — each Test is treated as a standalone match, with squad rotation across the window as the priority over competition standings.
Smith vows England will 'leave it all out there' against Springboks
Marcus Smith says England's 36-man squad, arriving in Johannesburg on Thursday, are targeting a historic win over the Springboks in the Nations Championship opener, having trained in oxygen masks to prepare for the Highveld.
Contepomi: Boks have cracked the balance — and that's what makes them dangerous
Contepomi argues the Boks' real danger lies in their evolving balance between forward dominance and expansive attack — and flags sustained possession as the best way to exploit their defence.
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what