Victor Matfield has thrown down a pointed challenge ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Series, declaring De Allende — not Jordie Barrett — the best inside centre in the world, and predicting the series will prove it. With De Allende rested for the Argentina trip and set to arrive at the All Blacks series on 99 caps, Matfield sees the timing as ideal: a chance for a player he believes has been chronically underrated to finally get the recognition his decade-plus of sustained excellence deserves. Matfield also flags Jasper Wiese as a dark-horse impact player for the tour. On the other side of the debate, John Kirwan isn't buying it — he's backing Barrett to come out on top, with Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett as the All Blacks' X-factor carriers. The piece frames the De Allende vs. Barrett head-to-head as one of the defining individual contests of the series, with genuine bragging rights on the line.
Matfield backs De Allende to settle the world's best 12 debate against Barrett
Matfield calls De Allende the world's best 12 ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Series, setting up a direct verdict contest against Jordie Barrett — with John Kirwan taking the other side of the bet.
Davids warns against warm-up mentality as Springboks prepare for Buenos Aires test
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has rejected suggestions that Saturday's Test in Buenos Aires is a warm-up for the All Blacks series, warning that approaching Argentina on home soil with that mindset would be a serious mistake, as returning stars including Kolisi, Etzebeth and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are set to feature against a Pumas side fielding 10 uncapped players.
Erasmus eyes Argentina match as injury-return audition ahead of All Blacks series
Erasmus will name his Argentina touring squad on Saturday, with the Buenos Aires Test doubling as a fitness audition for the RGR series against New Zealand. Only Nche and Mostert are unavailable, while ten players return from injury in time to be considered.
Nations Championship done — now Erasmus faces his real selection headache
The Nations Championship was the easy part. This piece breaks down the selection puzzle Erasmus now faces ahead of the All Blacks series — who's locked in, who needs to prove fitness in Buenos Aires, and how Paul de Villiers has complicated the Kolisi question.
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.
Junior World Championship Semis: Junior Boks Face Unbeaten England, Rugby365 Tips SA by Eight
Full team sheets and match predictions for all Junior World Championship knockout fixtures, including the Junior Boks vs England semifinal — Rugby365 tips South Africa to win by eight against an unbeaten English side.