With Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse both reaching 50 caps against England at Ellis Park on Saturday, Erasmus has been reflecting on just how unlikely Kolbe's journey to this milestone once looked. Erasmus freely admits he was among those who initially doubted whether Kolbe's frame was Test-ready — it was John Dobson's early conviction that changed his thinking. What followed were two World Cup wins, two World Rugby Player of the Year nominations, and a string of moments — the Wellington intercept, the Ramos charge-down in Paris — that have defined Springbok rugby's recent era. At 32, Kolbe has also been quietly adding goal-kicking to his arsenal in Japan, landing nine from 11 against the Barbarians. Willemse, who debuted within weeks of Kolbe in 2018, reaches the mark having carved out his own identity as one of the most versatile backs in the game. Erasmus says the double milestone gives the squad extra motivation — and that winning is the only fitting way to mark it.
Kolbe and Willemse hit 50: Rassie reflects on a career built on heart over size
Erasmus reflects on Kolbe's unlikely rise to 50 caps — once doubted for his size, now a two-time World Cup winner — as both Kolbe and Willemse hit the milestone against England on Saturday.
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Damian Willemse
- England
- Rassie Erasmus
- Springboks
- John Dobson
- Barbarians
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Nations Championship Round 1: Boks set the benchmark, Japan turn heads
Louw's Nations Championship round-one review crowns the Boks as the weekend's benchmark-setters and flags Japan's Italy upset as the competition's first real surprise — while taking aim at the scheduling call that denies Japan a home fixture against Ireland.
SENSATIONAL Springboks 💥 | South Africa vs. England | Nations Championship 2026 | Highlights
Watch all the highlights as South Africa took on England at Ellis Park on day one of Nations Championship.
The Ruck: Springboks 'running the game on and off the pitch' as England obliterated at Ellis Park
The Ruck panel, reporting from Ellis Park, argued that England were overwhelmed in every department by a Springbok side missing six or seven key forwards — and that Rassie Erasmus's squad depth is now the most ominous thing in world rugby ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Quan Horn at 10, Du Toit's return, and an 18-point Bok win predicted — Boks v Barbarians preview
Quan Horn's surprise start at fly-half headlines a Boks v Barbarians preview that also tracks Du Toit's comeback, Kolbe's kicking duties, and whether the Barbarians can make a better fist of it than last year's 54-7 Cape Town hammering. An 18-point Bok win is predicted.