With his 88th cap on the line against England at Ellis Park, Jesse Kriel reflects on how his hunger for Test rugby has sharpened rather than dimmed with age. The piece captures a player who understands the finite nature of a Bok career — and is leaning into it. He also offers a warm, specific tribute to Damian de Allende as the pair prepare to extend their record midfield partnership to 42 starts together, with Kriel praising De Allende's composure, selflessness and continued Test potential. There's also a pointed reference to last year's 38-22 hiding by Australia on the same Ellis Park turf — Kriel acknowledging the Boks "got that Test wrong" and didn't impose their game — framing Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England as a chance to reassert how they want to play. Short on tactical depth but strong on the mindset driving two of the Boks' most experienced backs into what both know are the final chapters of their international careers.
Kriel on motivation, milestones and making it count
Kriel opens up on sharpening motivation late in his Bok career, extends his record midfield partnership with De Allende to 42 caps, and flags unfinished business after last year's Ellis Park loss to Australia as the Boks prepare to host England.
Ellis Park has bitten the Boks before — England's visit is no gimme
Cardinelli warns that Ellis Park's track record of chaos, combined with an underestimated England side built around Northampton's attacking game, makes Saturday's Nations Championship opener a genuine trap — drawing a sharp parallel with the Wallabies ambush at the same venue last year.
Watson: Kolbe is England's biggest headache — but Bok versatility is the real danger
Watson names Kolbe as England's biggest individual concern but argues the Boks' real edge is their ability to change tactical identity based on which fly-half starts — a flexibility that makes them uniquely hard to prepare for.
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.
Springbok Women's Test against USA to honour Walter and Albertina Sisulu legacy
The Springbok Women's Test against the USA at Ellis Park on 4 July will be played in honour of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, following an agreement between SARU and the Sisulu Foundation.
Springboks host Wales at Kings Park on 18 July in Nations Championship opener
South Africa host Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July (17:40 local) in the Nations Championship, with Andrew Brace refereeing and SuperSport broadcasting.