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.
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.
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.
SENSATIONAL Springboks 💥 | South Africa v England | Nations Championship 2026 | Highlights
Watch all the highlights as South Africa took on England at Ellis Park on day one of Nations Championship.
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.
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.