Planet Rugby has rated all 43 players Erasmus used across the England, Scotland and Wales Tests, and the picture is broadly flattering — but with instructive nuance. Willemse (9) and Kriel (8) are flagged as the standout backs, with Kriel described as effectively undroppable in midfield. Among the forwards, Paul de Villiers earns the breakout-star tag after stepping in for the injured Kolisi and growing with every game, while Wiese is credited with settling the No.8 debate. The prop depth gets particular attention: Steenekamp, Porthen, and debutant Carlu Sadie all rate 8s, with the piece calling the tighthead stocks 'embarrassing' in the best possible sense. On the other side of the ledger, Fassi (5), Tshituka (5), and Mchunu (5) are the notable underperformers, and Hanekom is assessed as not yet living up to his Bulls-form billing at Test level. Vusi Moyo's debut rates an 8 despite Erasmus's 'nervous' qualifier — the piece argues the 20-year-old earned his praise regardless of the favourable context around him.
July Nations Series player ratings: Who shone, who struggled, and where the Boks are genuinely deep
Planet Rugby's 43-man ratings from the July Nations series identify Willemse and Kriel as the backs of the series, flags Paul de Villiers as the month's breakout star, and highlights the Boks' tighthead depth as a genuine structural advantage — while Fassi, Tshituka, and Mchunu are singled out as needing more.
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
Rassie Erasmus & Mzwandile Stick | Springbok and SA 'A' team announcements | 16 June 2026
Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick announced the Springbok and SA 'A' teams on Tuesday, ahead of Saturday's season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, when the Boks will face the Barbarians at 15h00, preceded by the 'A' team's match against
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets underway in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok training squad in Johannesburg, with on-field preparations underway ahead of the 20 June double-header in Gqeberha. The Nations Championship squad is set to be announced on 21 June.
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets under way in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok camp in Johannesburg, with the Stormers players also reporting in after their URC semifinal in Ireland. The squad for the Nations Championship will be announced on 21 June.
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.