South Africa head into their final Pool A match against Wales with 10 points from two games and a +125 points difference — already qualified, but with the pool top spot still to play for. The main selection talking point is at flyhalf: Luan Giliomee is out with concussion, bringing Yaqeen Ahmed in for his first appearance of the tournament after serving a suspension. Kevin Foote spoke warmly about how Ahmed handled the ban, and clearly has full confidence in him to direct traffic against a Welsh side he rates highly — particularly their attack through the 13 channel and a back three with senior experience. Rugby365 tips the Junior Boks by 20. Elsewhere in round three, the preview covers NZ vs Italy, Ireland vs USA, Scotland vs Japan, England vs Argentina, Australia vs France, Georgia vs Uruguay, and Spain vs Fiji — with full team sheets and predictions for each.
Junior Boks go top: Ahmed steps in at 10 as SA face Wales in pool decider
The Junior Boks face Wales in a pool decider with Yaqeen Ahmed starting at 10 in place of the concussed Luan Giliomee — Rugby365 tips SA by 20, with full round-three team sheets and predictions across all eight matches.
Springboks lead World Rugby rankings by 3.61 points ahead of Nations Championship
South Africa top the World Rugby rankings on 93.94 points, 3.61 clear of New Zealand, as the Springboks head into the inaugural Nations Championship. World Rugby has also confirmed the removal of home weighting from the rankings system from 1 July 2026.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
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.
Erasmus satisfied with alignment camps but warns proof must come on the field
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks are in a good place after more than 60 players attended two alignment camps, but insists the results must now translate onto the field as SA Rugby prepares to name a training squad within two weeks.
SuperSport giving away tickets to Bok matches across 2026 season
SuperSport is giving away tickets to nearly every Springbok fixture in 2026 — from the home Nations Championship and Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series to the November tour and London finals — as part of a DStv Premium subscriber draw.